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Jessie Jones

About Laptop Power Adapter

Laptops are portable devices with their own power supply in the form of a rechargeable battery. These batteries only last for so long before they need to be recharged. Laptops use power adapters that plug into wall outlets for this purpose. Hundreds of different brands of laptops exist on the market and each one uses its own type and model of adapter. Most manufacturers will provide accessories and parts for their laptops on their retail websites. Other places to find laptop adapters include electronics retail stores, and discount computer hardware wholesalers. It's also possible to find adapters and cables on online sites like, oriccabattery.co.uk. When it's time to replace an old adapter with a new one, research is required to find the right kind of adapter. When looking for laptop adapters, owners need to check the model number and the voltage and amperage requirements of their laptop.

This information is used to look for a compatible laptop adapter online. The voltage of an adapter needs to match the required voltage of the laptop. However, the amperage of an adapter can meet or exceed the required amperage. Laptop owners also need to get an adapter with the right connector type. The cylindrical connector tips are the most commonly used type for a laptop device. Another option is to look for a universal power adapter, which can adapt its power settings to the laptop and comes with multiple connector tips.

About Voltage Voltage is what pulls electrical energy into the laptop. It's kind of like the wheels on a paddleboat, which turn and push the paddleboat across the water. In this case, the paddleboat is actually a bunch of electrons. If the voltage of the laptop is different from that provided by the adapter, it won't be able to create the correct charge needed to pull the electrical energy into the laptop. Finding the right voltage for a laptop adapter is also important to keeping the power from shorting out the laptop. A voltage that's too high will overload the laptop's circuits. Owners will end up needing to buy more than just a new adapter at that point.

About Amperage Amperage, also known as current, is what gives the laptop enough power to run. It is the amount of electrical energy that flows into the laptop at any single moment. Laptops need the right amount of consistent energy flow to power all the circuits within the device. Usually, voltage is a measure of how much potential energy the laptop can use. The amperage on laptop power adapters needs to match or exceed the amperage required by the laptop.

Connector Types When looking for a replacement laptop adapter, check that the connector is going to fit the laptop's power port. All laptops use DC power connectors, but not all connectors are going to be the same.

Laptop Connector Types

Description

Cylindrical Connectors

Known as barrel connectors, sleeve connectors, tip connectors, and coaxial power connectors; they are an insulated, hollow cylinder that connects to the laptop power port

Snap and Lock Connector

Also known as Kycon 3-pin and 4-pin DC power plugs; this connector has three or four pins surrounded by a thin, metal cylinder

Molex Connector

Often used on personal computers to supply power; several insulated electrical wires are encased by a flat, plastic rectangular case with 3, 4, or 6 terminals

USB connector

Consists of a hollow, rectangular metal tip, inside of which are two or more flat metal pins

Some name brand companies will have their own specialized connector tips for their laptop adapters. This can make the search for an affordable adapter more difficult, but not impossible. The cylindrical connector is the most common type of connector used in laptops. Laptops and electronic devices may also commonly use USB plugs for their power ports. Several types of USB connectors are in use including, Type A, Type B, Mini A, Mini B, Micro A, and Micro B.

Conclusion Laptops are mobile devices, but they require power cords and adapters to charge their batteries. There are two main types of laptop adapters: AC and DC power adapters. Each one converts the electrical energy from a power source to a form that can power the laptop. These adapters need to supply the right voltage, connector type, and amperage. This is important to ensure that the laptop charges properly. There are several different types of connectors and only one type will work for any single laptop. If the laptop owner can't find the proper style and model of adapter on eBay, he or she can set the save a search feature to notify via email when a matching adapter is listed.

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