All those numbers on a laptop AC charger - how do I get the right one

[sonoferu]

Wife just got a new Dell Inspiron 17R. We want to get a second AC adapter so she can leave one at home and one at work.

So, looking online, and I got the numbers off the adapter, like ...

CN OMTMPN 72438
22T 3716 A00
130w PA 1131-28D
LA130PM121
NSW 25137

But then at the websites, I never seem to find matching numbers, even though they say "GUARANTEED TO WORK WITH .... " and then list a dozen Dell Models.

Any way to tell me exactly what number(s) to look for?

I guess the question really is - what numbers MATTER? Some web offerings for these things say "PA-4E Family", for instance. Mine has PA 1131-28D, is that close to PA-4E?

And how much risk is there if I get one that is not EXACTLY the same? If I find one at 130W, 19.5V, and the plug fits the hole, is it going to be compatible anyway?



Thanks!!

 

[corkyg]

What I look for are input (Example: Voltage 100-240VAC; 2 Amps; 50-60 Hz) and output (Exampler: 20 VDC at 4.55 amps.) And. last but not least, connector compatibility. The A/C adapter-charger is essentially a AC to DC transformer. Most importantly the output should be in the range specified for your laptop.

 

[Puppies04]

The only confusing part is finding the correct connector size which will be very easy from the photos, the only important part is that you buy a 130W model as most laptops I see run on 90W or 65W and if you get one of those it will not be able to keep up with the laptops demads for juice and will either screw up your battery or just break.

And how much risk is there if I get one that is not EXACTLY the same? If I find one at 130W, 19.5V, and the plug fits the hole, is it going to be compatible anyway?

This. It will be perfectly fine.

 

[sonoferu]

OK, so it sounds like if the laptop is getting 130W and 19.5V, and the connector fits the hole, it's ok

thanks all