Original Manufacturer vs Replacement Laptop Power Adapters

[nXtGenPC]

Have a client who needs a new power adapter, I recomeneded the HP one, but he is convinced that the adapter on eBay which is about 1/3 the price is just as good. Are there any good articles or some negitive reviews on these type of power cords I could show him, to help convince him?

I stand to make no profit either way, I just want to make sure the customer gets a good power adapter to make sure no future problems

Thanks!!

 

[Martyn]

Have a client who needs a new power adapter, I recomeneded the HP one, but he is convinced that the adapter on eBay which is about 1/3 the price is just as good. Are there any good articles or some negitive reviews on these type of power cords I could show him, to help convince him?

I stand to make no profit either way, I just want to make sure the customer gets a good power adapter to make sure no future problems

Thanks!!

Let him buy it and it's his choice which one he goes for. You can advise but he ultimately chooses.

 

[Slaters Kustum Machines]

I agree with Martyn, but have no article to prove it. I have however seen generics run hotter and have a MUCH shorter power cord so you might mention those if you haven't.

 

[CNS]

I have been soldering many ac adaptors and have never purchased them directly from the manufacturer. I have yet to have someone call me for a replacement.

If the AC adaptor fails, more than likely its a bad design, however many laptops have the actual jack supported by a wall, along with it soldered in 3 different places


I wouldnt worry about it!

 

[abyssinian]

Let him buy it and it's his choice which one he goes for. You can advise but he ultimately chooses.

Well said.

I can't lead you to any articles or reviews about their quality, but I can tell you that I have a very large box of that eBay junk that has failed. (don't ask me why I still have them, as I do not have a good answer) The OEM chargers obviously fail too, but based on their physical condition when compared to the generic junk in this box, it's obvious that the cheap ones were not in service as long as the originals...especially the "for Dell" ones.

 

[16k_zx81]

Let him buy it and it's his choice which one he goes for. You can advise but he ultimately chooses.

Yep. That. Right there.

When the adapter fries or the laptop dies in 6 months time he will remember the guy who gave him the right advice. He may even listen next time

In answer to the question, personally I have no problem with GOOD generic adapters. I use Huntkeys and swear by them.

Two things about name-brand vs not-name-brand

1. name-brand parts can be ridiculously overpriced compared to their counterparts. Power adapters and batteries are two perfect examples of this extreme variance.

2. non name-brand, or cheaper does not always equal "crap", HOWEVER, there are "decent quality", and "garbage" in this category and without experience of the SPECIFIC, ACTUAL product, any otherwise uninformed purchase will be a punt.

So yeah, I think your advice is sound, but unless you or he have some inside knowledge of the actual item he is buying its speculation either way. In other words, conventional wisdom is well applied here but its application is to something thats actually unknown

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[mraikes]

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In answer to the question, personally I have no problem with GOOD generic adapters. I use Huntkeys and swear by them.

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Huntkeys as in these guys?

http://www.huntkeydiy.com/ProductsList?rootid=50ede7b21ae1e91a011ae27b2d810001

 

[abyssinian]

After following this thread a little, I have realized a couple of things since my earlier post.

The OP did not mention exactly what his customer was looking at on eBay...I merely assumed it was the sub $10 "generic" junk that is so common and easy to find there. Good quality OEM adapters are available on eBay for great prices, but they are a lot harder to find. I usually search the term "(original, OEM, genuine) -for" in the title only, but even then you have pay close attention to the ads to avoid the "generics".

There are also many different "universal" AC adapters available such as the Huntkey, Targus, etc. I personally don't care much for these either, but they are definitely a much better choice than the $7 adapters with no brand name on them at all. The main issue with most universals are the tips developing bad connections over time. Also, some of them require the end user to choose the output voltage. With some people, this is a very bad idea. Even if they set the output voltage properly at first, the switch can get bumped/changed without intention.

 

[16k_zx81]

The main issue with most universals are the tips developing bad connections over time. Also, some of them require the end user to choose the output voltage.

Nope

http://www.huntkeydiy.com/ProductsParticular?pid=50ede7b2261723a001274c303cc30058

...

Uses this socket type. As solid as any I have seen on any adapter.

http://www.techbuy.com.au/p/155907/NOTEBOOK_ACCESSORIES_POWER_ADAPTERS/HuntKey/NB90MINI.asp

I use two of these on my workbench - plugging in and unplugging all day every day and have never had a problem. More than adequate for end-user purposes. I have been reselling them 2 years and have not had one come back under warranty

..

 

[purdybread]

sumvsion brand

I was just thinking about this issue of crap power supplies today. after a quick search i came accross sumvision branded replacements on ebuyer (uk). Anyone any experience of these?

 

[abyssinian]

It certainly sounds like the Huntkey is a decent product, and the next time I order a universal adapter I will try one. I actually already planned on this as I have seen 16k_zx81 praise the Huntkeys in other threads here as well. My earlier post is still relevant however as I stated "most universals" and "some universals" when speaking of the common shortcomings.

My business specializes in laptop hardware repairs, and therefore I see a LOT of bad AC adapters of all varieties. There are certainly other choices...some much better than others, but I still prefer and recommend original OEM type AC adapters as the most reliable in my opinion.

 

[Jsch38]

I have bought several universal replacement laptop power cords on ebay for dell laptops.
They do last, however tend to run hotter then orginial equiptment. Just be careful to match the orginial voltage of the laptop cord you replaceing.

 

[StreetHacker]

I give customers two options...Cheap Chinese AC adapter with no warranty or OEM one...When I say Cheap Chinese they usualy go for the oem one..and also I show them 1 I have how light it is and also HOW HOT it gets!...That usualy makes them go for the OEM =)

 

[foxeh30]

We usually give the client the option of a cheap no branded replacement or the official branded product. Differences are explained and some examples of the cheaper option being brought back after only a few weeks are given. We do not make any profit from the buying of the chargers so its down to the client.

Personally I have bought a cheap replacement for my own laptops when money has been tight and I've never really had any problems with them.

Sometimes its just luck of the draw.