Different power adapter for laptop

[Pogo]

I need an electricianistic second opinion here.

The power plug on my laptop got bent out of shape and no longer works. The computer is fine, I just have no way to charge the battery.

Now I have an adapter from another laptop, different brand, which is rated at the same voltage and same polarity, but at a slightly higher current (3.42 amps versus original at 2.37). The plug is the same too. I'm thinking this just represents a potential and the unit will draw only the power it needs, and I should be able to use it as a substitute.

Amirite?

 

[ogibillm]

you're good!

 

[Quantum Windbag]

That depends.

Generally, you are right, the wattage doesn't make that much of a difference. The only thing you will notice is that a higher power output will charge a battery faster than a lower one. But there are other issues to consider here.

Some laptop batteries have been known to explode if they are overcharged. Not knowing what year your laptop is, or what type of battery it has, I cannot tell you if it is safe to use a more powerful charger. You also have to check the polarity of the output. There is also the issue of exactly where the sensor that tells the power supply the battery is full is. I would recommend you either order a new adapter from the manufacturer, or buy a third party adapter that is rated for your laptop. Personally, I use an iGo because they are less bulky than the adapter that came with my laptop, and come with a neat case that lets me toss the whole thing into my bag without worrying about the cord.

 

[Chuckt]

I need an electricianistic second opinion here.

The power plug on my laptop got bent out of shape and no longer works. The computer is fine, I just have no way to charge the battery.

Now I have an adapter from another laptop, different brand, which is rated at the same voltage and same polarity, but at a slightly higher current (3.42 amps versus original at 2.37). The plug is the same too. I'm thinking this just represents a potential and the unit will draw only the power it needs, and I should be able to use it as a substitute.

Amirite?

If you are worried about it, there are several stores that have replacement battery chargers for laptops.

 

[Pogo]

Thanks all. Yes I'm aware I can get a new one and have done that before; the issue here is I need it right away and can't wait.

Everything I've been hearing confirms that I can do this so I've gone ahead and plugged in and all seems to be normal.

@QW: the laptop in question is five months old. Polarity is the same, everything is the same except the current rating.

My local computer guy, who had to bail out of his shop because of a snowstorm, told me on the phone it's OK and that some computer manufacturers deliberately sell units with an underpowered PS so that they can make more $ on a "premium" or "business model" PS that should have been standard.

 

[Quantum Windbag]

Thanks all. Yes I'm aware I can get a new one and have done that before; the issue here is I need it right away and can't wait.

Everything I've been hearing confirms that I can do this so I've gone ahead and plugged in and all seems to be normal.

@QW: the laptop in question is five months old. Polarity is the same, everything is the same except the current rating.

My local computer guy, who had to bail out of his shop because of a snowstorm, told me on the phone it's OK and that some computer manufacturers deliberately sell units with an underpowered PS so that they can make more $ on a "premium" or "business model" PS that should have been standard.

He is right, I just don't issue blanket advice when I can think of reasons I might be wrong. Even if it was an older model, I would tell you it is fine to plug it in, just keep an eye on the heat, and unplug it if it gets warm, or if you are going to walk away.