What is a good universal AC/DC adapter for laptops, and how do I use it without frying the motherboard?
I am also open to other (cheaper/easier) ways to charge her laptop battery.
Also... is there a "get what you pay for" aspect to AC/DC adapters? After doing a bit of brief searching, I found they range from $11 dollars too $100+, why such a discrepancy?
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M$2 Answers
I don't know of any other ways to charge a laptop battery easily. Sure, you could make something, but its not worth it as adaptors are cheap..
However, if the ac adaptor is chirping, I like the TARGUS BRAND for a good solid Universal brand. Cheap. easy. and includes a bunch of extra tips for other computers. Make sure they have Sony Tips. I didn't have a tip for my Vaio and had to find a Vaio adaptor recently.. Kensington is also a nice Universal brand. Universal would be a nice purchase if you have more than one laptop...
As for buying an adapter off ebay, honestly, they are all the same thing.They are probably made in the same place as OEM adapters, but just generic. Nothing wrong with the generic, probably made in the same place. Most ac adapters are made in China, in a handful of factories. Voltage is voltage. MaH is MaH (milliamps) . Same thing. Your computer won't be able to tell the difference. Just make sure the tip is the same as well. Voltage, MaH and Tip must all match for it to work..
However, If you can find an OEM ac adapter (SONY branded) for $5-10 more, buy it. If not, its not worth the extra money just to feel good. Having an OEM adapter will also add to resale value though not much..
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
The chirping is indeed coming from the big box on the the power cable. You unplug the computer, stick it in another room, and the box-thing still chirps and the green LED doesn't light up. I'm assuming the box on the power cable is the AC/DC adapter. Targus is rather spendy (it's actually about the same price as replacing the old OEM one (~$80 amazon). I was hoping for something in the sub $30 range. How much should I spend?
$13.82 would be fine for a non OEM one...
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-AC-Power-Adapter-for-Sony-Vaio-VGN-CR4000-VGN-CR490_W0QQitemZ220366714686QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLaptop_Adapters_Chargers?hash=item334ee1373e
As for the Targus: $28.85
http://cgi.ebay.com/Targus-APA63US-Universal-Wall-Power-Adapter-Laptop-New_W0QQitemZ380157594847QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLaptop_Adapters_Chargers?hash=item5883288cdf
both sub $30 on eBay. Amazon is a lot like shopping at Best Buy sometimes..