Generic AC Adapters - Yay or Nay?

[2canSAM]

I know years ago that going with a generic AC adapter for a laptop was a crap shoot. Some would power but not charge, killed batteries, really crappy quality, yada yada yada. Is that still the case today? My Dell AC adapter will be 50.00 and for that I can get at least 3 generic adapters but if it cost my laptop it doesn't make sense. Just wanted to know if the quality of these things have improved.

 

[CurseTheSky]

FWIW, I managed to find a "Dell branded" adapter on Amazon.com for my fiancée's sister - set her back $17. Dell was charging $65. The part number, wattage, voltage, and amperage (those are key) all match up perfectly.

I'd be weary of the super cheap $5-10 adapters that have no reviews, but if you can find one that has a bunch of positive reviews it's probably safe. Considering it's a fraction of the cost, if it burns out in a year or so, it shouldn't be a big deal - just get another one. My primary concern would be the adapter doing some sort of damage to the notebook itself.

 

[Throckmorton]

Check Amazon, etc. I only paid $30 for an authentic 90 watt AC adapter for my old HP NC8430.

 

[dawza]

It's not really a "generic" brand, but I've had great luck with FSP-brand adapters. I believe that all of their universal notebook adapters have a chip that allows them to charge certain Dell notebooks that otherwise will not charge (although they will run) with aftermarket PSUs. It doesn't work perfectly 100% of the time (occasionally my wife's E6510 will throw a fit about the adapter not being able to charge the battery), but a simple unplug/replug has never failed to resolve the issue. However, the FSPs probably aren't any cheaper than your OEM PSU- they do offer greater flexibility, though.

I have not used any, but have seen no-name generic PSUs spontaneously die (without any apparent damage to the connected notebook).

 

[xSauronx]

i ordered a universal adapter on amazon yesterday...ill let you know how it works. i *HATE* the adapter that came with my new acer. its got the modular round head that you can change for other countries and stuff...but its so big that it makes it impossible to share space with ANYTHING else in a nearby outlet. its infuriating.

 

[Throckmorton]

Sauron, get one of the little laptop surge protectors. That way it will be plugging in with a cable vs a big wallwart.

 

[xSauronx]

Sauron, get one of the little laptop surge protectors. That way it will be plugging in with a cable vs a big wallwart.

meh, one more thing to carry; i have enough stuff. 90% of the time i charge it at home through a surge protector, or through one at work.

 

[Blain]

Be aware that some laptops won't "charge" the battery with a universal adapter, but will run with them.
It's not simply a matter of providing enough voltage.

I have a CoolerMaster SNA95 and love it.
It oozes quality.

 

[xSauronx]

ugh, the one i got plugs and charges...but when its plugged in my touchpad goes haywire. wtf?

 

[Blain]

My Dell AC adapter will be 50.00

What model Dell do you have?
Have you checked ebay for new OEM adapters for it?

 

[Lanyap]

They are still a crap shoot. Ordered two from two different places on ebay for an Acer laptop. The $9 adapter connector was 1mm longer and tended to pop out another 1mm when the cord was moved. It charged but was looser than the OEM. The other was $25 Acer branded from HK. The AC cord failed after using it for a short time. The adapter seems ok for now.

 

[Anonemous]

Bought a kensington slim 120W AC adapter off ebay for 28$ for an Envy 15. It works as well as the huge bulky AC adapter that came with the Envy.