Laptop power supply problem.

[LusciousLucy]

Dear Friendly Efest Forum Tech Support for those of us who aren't as knowledgable as you

I have an HP G60 that had much fun and games being sent back and forth to TechTwats about 8 months ago after packing up for no reason 10 months into ownership (some of you may recall the saga). It took 3 collections and f**king around with my machine and it being returned at least twice as unfixed as it was when sent to the knobends that call themselves tech support for Currys to finally get it back with all manner of things seen to.

That's not really the issue here though, the issue is the totally ok and working fine cable that came with the computer was never returned with my machine and my laptop was sent back with an 'HP Replacement Cable' (it says this on the big sticker on the pack), it aint mine and teh one I sent to them with my machine that's for sure. I reported this annoying error on their part but they did bugger all about it after saying so and bringing it to their attention on a number of occasions.

NOW...that replacement power cable has packed up on me. I am still under a help plan but not under warranty but the cable wouldnt be covered as its not the original cable but anyways...

my question to clever people who will be able to answer me quicker and better than sitting on the phone to TechTwats is...

I've been lent a Dell powerpack/cable that has an output of 19.5v - 3.34A.

The busted pack is an HP that has an output of 18.5V - 3.5A. I know it isnt just a fuse thats gone in the plug as I've changed that. The pack has been playing up for a while not giving power.

Is it or is it not safe to use the Dell pack to power my laptop in the meantime? The jack is the same but I am wary not to use it because of the power difference issue.

Sorry for the slightly long winded story. I'm not happy as you can probably tell and need the laptop to get on with my very important day job of jobhunting and all my CVs and bookmarks are on it. I dont want to try plugging it in in case I blow the poor machine up.

Thanks in advance. I hope someone can help with advice.

[rabid]

It might be OK but I personally wouldn't risk it. Does it actually fit?

[The Nal]

It'll work fine yeah, its about the same wattage.

Although if you have HP out again don’t tell them you’re using a Dell pack as it will void the warranty.

Edited February 2, 2011 by The Nal

[LusciousLucy]

The jack is the same. I'm getting told by other folk I have asked that even just the slightest wattage/voltage difference could f**k the computer up. I'm just peed off with TechTwats for generally being twats.

The warranty is void anyway as its over a year old. Phone calls will ensue shortly. Grr.

[Greeny_Musicchild]

Call up the tech guys and insist that the laptop is absolutely fine. Tell them you went to PC World or Currys and they used a G60 adaptor on it and it charged, turned on, worked fine. They should send you a charger in the post.

They had a policy of picking up the whole lot regardless of the issue until about 12 months ago when they dropped it because people complained all the time. Agents were told as long as its 100% the charger they can send one.

Fact is, most people who work there either don't give a shit or care way, way too much.

If you break the laptop with a charger that isn't the original you invalidate the insurance policy and if that's still running I think it'd be a silly move.

I used to work for them.

Oh, also, when you say you're under a 'help plan' but not a warrenty what exactly do you mean? I'm assuming you mean over a year old but with the 'Whatever Happens' policy on it?

[The Nal]

Probably better getting a proper replacement yeah. But the're both 65w adaptors with the same connector. I'd be very surprised if anything went wrong.

[Greeny_Musicchild]

Yeah, I agree. Froma purely techinical standpoint another 65W adaptor is very unlikely to cause anymore problems. However if you ever mention this to the Tech Guys or Currys whilst still under warrenty or an insurance policy they won't touch any power issues with a bardgepole ever again.

I can say from personal experience that the Tech Guys are prodominently a company filled with team leaders and managers who genuinely don't give a shit about the customer at all. I'd say the majority of agents on the phone sympathise but they're bound by so many rules and restrictions.

[philipsteak]

Excuse me a sec while I just hijack the thread while the tech lot are around. My USB ports have just stopped working. Dont remember when I last plugged something in, but worked fine. Then just today none of the 3 ports are working. Its not the drive I'm plugging in cos works fine on another computer, and I've tried plugging in more than one drive. Computer just doesn't seem to see it. Tried updating the drivers and nothing (didn't need updating) and thats about the extent of my ability.

[Paul ™]

Found this online and is pretty much correct. As others state, don't tell them about using it though.

The difference in voltages (5%) and currents (-3%) are pretty close. Aside from that, the power that can come from the first is 19.5v * 3.34A = 65.13W while the other is 18.5v * 3.5A = 64.75W. That's hardly 1% difference in output power so yeah you can. Just make sure that they have the same polarity (they generally do) and don't leave it plugged in unattended.

[Paul ™]

Excuse me a sec while I just hijack the thread while the tech lot are around. My USB ports have just stopped working. Dont remember when I last plugged something in, but worked fine. Then just today none of the 3 ports are working. Its not the drive I'm plugging in cos works fine on another computer, and I've tried plugging in more than one drive. Computer just doesn't seem to see it. Tried updating the drivers and nothing (didn't need updating) and thats about the extent of my ability.

[Greeny_Musicchild]

Excuse me a sec while I just hijack the thread while the tech lot are around. My USB ports have just stopped working. Dont remember when I last plugged something in, but worked fine. Then just today none of the 3 ports are working. Its not the drive I'm plugging in cos works fine on another computer, and I've tried plugging in more than one drive. Computer just doesn't seem to see it. Tried updating the drivers and nothing (didn't need updating) and thats about the extent of my ability.

[The Nal]

Found this online and is pretty much correct. As others state, don't tell them about using it though.

The difference in voltages (5%) and currents (-3%) are pretty close. Aside from that, the power that can come from the first is 19.5v * 3.34A = 65.13W while the other is 18.5v * 3.5A = 64.75W. That's hardly 1% difference in output power so yeah you can. Just make sure that they have the same polarity (they generally do) and don't leave it plugged in unattended.

[Paul ™]

Am pretty sure you get univeral power supplies now that just come with different tips for the connector

*edit*

Yeah you do

Link

Edited February 2, 2011 by Paul ™

[philipsteak]

Check the properties of the USB Hubs in Device Manager, they may be set to allow computer to sleep under Power Management tab

Re-install the Chipset and USB root drivers too if that doesn't work.

[LusciousLucy]

Thanks everyone. This is why I referred to Efests tech support instead of TechTwats. SO much more helpful than the boys you speak to on the phone are always nice but as whoever it was said, they are so bound by rules its very frustrating.

[LusciousLucy]

To Paul, I am trying not to have to pay for a new cable. Having just found out I am not getting paid after the company I was working for up to Christmas has gone into administration, £20 for a new cable is a third of my weekly JSA payment! I've got £100 or so to cover me til the end of Feb with regular outgoing bills being covered by remaining money. Oh the joy

[Paul ™]

I posted that to demonstrate that a 65w power adapter is pretty much standard, as Nal says.. as long as the Voltage v Amp is around 65w within tolerance, it will do the job.

[LusciousLucy]

Ta for the heads up Greeny. New powerpack ordered and on its way by middle of next week. Good thing too, I have the job application of my life to get written before 11th Feb.