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1150

Universal Notebook Power Adapter

1150 points posted to Laptops, Laptop Power by slateslate 08/24/07

1. I've owned Dell Latitudes and Inspirons since 1998.
2. Your power adapters have a life expectancy of 12-18 months under daily mobile use. It is annoying for have these adapters fray.
3. Subsequent generations of notebooks each have unique adapters. Make all adapters the same after this generation of notebooks. So that should one power adapter fray, I can swap with another Dell adapter even if it's from a different notebook model.

OR

1. MAKE YOUR POWER ADAPTERS LESS PRONE TO FRAY AT THE END WHERE THE ADAPTER MEETS THE COMPUTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jorge
08/24/07		 I still have spare power adapters but the laptops died or are so old they're dead to me. Not sure how you use your adapters, only bad one was caused by user mangling the cord and the wires lost contact, other than that I have some from 1999 if not older. I guess I should sell to you on E-Bay?
slateslate
08/24/07		 For a good summary of problems with the power adapter,

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&s...< jorge's comment vindicates the environmental/practical/common sensical benefit of having a universal Dell power adapter.....even if your laptop dies, your power adapter can power another Dell, even if it's a subsequent generation.

I'm not an electrical engineer, but c'mon.....does the notebook compter of today draw THAT much more wattage than a Dell from 5 years ago?
jorge
08/24/07		 Well thats a good point but I got caught up on your limited life expectancy, but you are right sticking to a universal block with the option to change the connector like the ones sold by Belkin is needed. Can you see how in the future you can buy a new laptop and not the power adapter because the one you have still works.

Good Idea, I change my vote!
limulus
08/29/07		 This idea is similar to 73529, "Standardize Power Cables for Laptops", but both are good ideas!
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