What does "Amps" mean? I ask because...

[Lauzy]

I am asking because I want to test a laptop (compaq 1200) with an ac adapter from another laptop. Some auctions on ebay sell ac adaptors for this laptop with output of 19V and 3.16A.

Here's my question. Can I use a ac adaptor from an older compaq laptop with output of 18.6V and 2.8A? I am very afraid of causing damage to the laptop. I need your expert advice. Please help. thanks!!

Lauzy

 

[beer]

It will only draw as much current (in amps) as needed, so all you need is an adapter with a current rating higher than what the laptop needs.

However you need to match the voltage EXACTLY or sizzle sizzle.

 

[Kenazo]

<< However you need to match the voltage EXACTLY or sizzle sizzle. >>



that's not exactly true. +/- .5 volts usually doesn't make much of a difference. But don't yell at me if it fries Power surges of +/- .5 are very common, and they don't do much damage. I think u'd be fine w/ a 18.6

 

[rutchtkim]

dont think it will fry, but may not display correctly. For instance it may appear dim.

 

[Lauzy]

Thanks guys!! I appreciate it.

 

[Jerboy]

Elemental007 wrote:


<< It will only draw as much current (in amps) as needed, so all you need is an adapter with a current rating higher than what the laptop needs.

However you need to match the voltage EXACTLY or sizzle sizzle. >>




Actually slightly different voltage won't hurt it. 18.6V adaptor is only 2.1% lower than 19V adaptor. Well within the acceptable limit for 99% of applications. This is especially true for computer AC adaptors based on switchmode power supplies.


Just make sure to match the POLARITY. Some plugs use center negative and other use center positive. Wrong polarity could be a very good chance of sizzle sizzle.




<<
I am asking because I want to test a laptop (compaq 1200) with an ac adapter from another laptop. Some auctions on ebay sell ac adaptors for this laptop with output of 19V and 3.16A.

Here's my question. Can I use a ac adaptor from an older compaq laptop with output of 18.6V and 2.8A? I am very afraid of causing damage to the laptop. I need your expert advice. Please help. thanks!! >>



If you ask me, I'd say yes, but with a limitation. It is very unlikely that your laptop draws the full rated capacity of the adaptor. Better design leaves a reasonable amount of margin. It shouldn't be any problem at all, but if you leave it on 24/7 on the 2.8A adaptor, you might(unlikely)fry the adaptor.