Universal laptop adapters

[RegEdit]

I just bought a "universal" Adapter Monster laptop adapter off Ebay. Come to find out it only came with 5 output adapters.
Output: 18V/18.5V/19V/19.5V--0.1A~4.74A

Now I see other adapters that have 7 outputs.
Output: seven settings: 12, 16, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24V

Are there a lot of laptops out there that run off of 18, 18.5, 20, 22 and 24 V?

 

[AdamsAPlus]

I don't think so. We sell a lot of chargers and universal chargers. About 90% of the laptops we have seen use 19V or 19.5V

 

[gazza]

Get yourself a targus!

 

[16k_zx81]

The ones we use are Hunkey HKA09019050

They are the best quality/ price item I have seen. We source them for $35 ea and resell for $70.

They come with 8 adapters (including Dell-style), and a fabric carry bag.

87%+ efficiency. Work with most laptops.

The thing I really like about them is that they come with a hard wired plug which is the toshiba-type - fits most laptops out of the box. For other machines, an add-on plug can be placed over it. The connectors are very robust also.

They also have a netbook universal that is very good.

 

[parker.casey]

Get yourself a targus!

In my experience, a dead laptop starts with a non-specific power adapter...

 

[dgiles79]

In my experience, a dead laptop starts with a non-specific power adapter...

If this is going to be for one specific laptop, then getting the correct adapter would make sense, but if it's for a tech tool, then a universal adapter is a must.

In regards to the original question, 90% of laptops i get in are 18.5-19.5 volts, just make sure it has plenty of tips too.

 

[16k_zx81]

In my experience, a dead laptop starts with a non-specific power adapter...

I dont use customer adapters on any machines I work on (except older machines with unusual sockets). Have never had one die on the bench because of it.

 

[MobileTechie]

I've never had a laptop die due to using a universal adaptor. In fact they appear to work better than many of the manufacturers ones.

HP in particular make awful adaptors which break constantly. I've spend extra money to get real HP ones only to have them break a week later.

I've been using a cheap ebay universal adaptor for the last year which has just started giving up the ghost. I now have a Trust one which appears to be better quality and not overly expensive.

 

[rjg.tech]

I use the Rocketfish Universal Power Adapter. It comes with a lot of different tips and a compatibility guide that shows you what tip goes with what laptop. I mainly use these on laptop repair jobs where the client didn't bring in their own adapter.

 

[meanderer]

never skimp on power supplies period!!

get a reputable brand, antec, cooler master, targus, anything with established brand is ok.

avoid those no name ebay stuff like THE PLAGUE!!! They do kill laptops.

Most laptops I see are 19V, even if it is off by 0.5V you are ok

Early IBM laptops run on 16V however, be careful before you plug one in.

 

[seedubya]

There are quite a few older Toshibas that run on 15v too.

 

[BigBopper]

I just ordered a Cables Unlimited adapter from NewEgg.
I've had good luck with CU in the past, and always have the excellent customer service from NewEgg to fall back on.

Al