Every laptop owner using the device quite intensively every day is faced with the need to charge the battery. Some laptop computers run out faster, others slower, but in fact the power supply for a laptop is, one might say, its main companion and friend. What to do if such a necessary accessory is lost or out of order? Let's try to figure it out, because the variety of network adapters for laptops offered in stores is quite large.
Reliability of “exercises”
It is worth noting that the network adapter for a laptop is a fairly reliable device. The accessory is included in the package of delivery of almost all laptops and usually performs its functions properly for several years. This statement is especially true for models from well-known manufacturers. For example, the case of maintaining the functionality of an adapter for an HP laptop for 10 years is known ! Thus, the devices in question are characterized by a high level of reliability and with proper handling by the owner. Among the reasons for buying a new charger, failure due to the fault of the manufacturer most often does not appear.
Reasons to buy a new adapter
Situations when the purchase of an additional or new power supply for a laptop becomes a necessity may be different. Most often they are presented:
- Failure of the device due to inaccurate handling of the user. The most common problem is damage to the plug or cord.
- Loss of charger;
- Usability. If there is a need to charge a portable PC in several places, for example, at home and at work, then constantly carrying the charger with you can cause some discomfort for the laptop owner.
In all these cases, an almost ideal solution is universal adapters for laptops. The reviews that users of these devices leave are almost always positive.
Original and universal PSUs
The name of the manufacturer of modern devices , as well as his fame, are very often for the future user one of the decisive factors when buying. Indeed, choosing between an accessory of a well-known brand and it is not clear how and from which components the created device without a name, the buyer is likely to give preference to the first. As for the chargers, there are reasons for reflection.
Worth thinking
It should be noted that, for example, the original Asus laptop adapter and a high-quality universal device from popular Chinese manufacturers are almost indistinguishable when performing their main function. At the same time, choosing the second option, the user can get some additional benefits.
Issue price
The cost of the power supply for the laptop when choosing its manufacturer and type is unlikely to play a significant role. The fact is that original and universal solutions are evaluated almost identically. The adapter for laptops HP, Dell, Lenovo, Asus, Sony, Toshiba, Acer, released by the manufacturer of the laptop itself costs about $ 20-30. For about the same money, you can purchase a high-quality universal product. Products of little-known Chinese brands are cheaper, but in this case there may be questions about quality and reliability.
Principle of operation
How does a laptop adapter perform its functions? Asus, HP, Dell, Lenovo, Toshiba and other well-known manufacturers do not pay any serious attention to clarifying this issue , for example, in the documentation for devices . And the point here is probably not in the secrecy of the production process and the development of solutions. Simply, all adapters for laptop computers work in general the same way and are designed on the same principle. The main objective of these devices is to convert the voltage received from the AC network to the power needed to supply power to the laptop . For the charger from the kit, the voltage and current strength at the output always have the same value. Universal power supplies have an automatically or manually adjustable range of these indicators.
Design Features
Of course, the principle of operation of a universal adapter for a laptop is no different from a similar characteristic of the original solution. But there are constructive differences. In addition, the accessory from the manufacturer of the laptop computer does not provide additional features, unlike the universal adapter for laptops.
Absolutely all models of laptop power supplies consist of the following elements:
- A power cable that connects the device to a wall outlet.
- Directly power supply.
- Cable from PSU to laptop. There is a connector at the end of this cable (plug that plugs into the charger connector ).
It is the connectors, or rather, their number, in addition to the adjustable voltage range, that provides the main advantage of a universal adapter for laptops. Typically, such a product comes with several different connectors (up to 10), which makes it possible to use a power supply to charge many models of computers from different manufacturers.
Additional features
In addition to its main function, the devices in question can serve as a kind of fuse. In the event of a power surge in the network, the main blow is taken by the charger, and the hardware components of the computer remain protected in most cases from increased current values.
As for the extra features, here the universal laptop adapter might offer some variety. These benefits include those found in many products:
- USB-connector , which makes it possible to charge various gadgets - smartphones, tablets, MP3-players, etc.
- Built-in screen for monitoring the charging process;
- Car adapter, which makes it possible to charge the laptop from the cigarette lighter in the car.
The practicality of universal charging
Of course, only the original device of the same manufacturer as the laptop computer can ensure guaranteed compatibility of the power supply connector and the laptop connector. At the same time, for many laptop models , especially outdated, it is simply impossible to find such a solution due to the termination of production. In this case, the user has little choice: a universal adapter for laptops or compatible. Compatible power supplies are copies of the original options, which are far from being licensed by manufacturers in all cases. Universal solutions, assured by their manufacturers, are inherently compatible with virtually any laptop. This is actually very convenient. A variety of plugs make it possible to charge several models of devices in turn, which may be required, for example, if the family has several laptops .
What does the label say?
Probably, the reader was already able to make sure that in the case of buying a universal adapter, the laptop power supply turns from a simple accessory into something more functional and practical. How to choose such a device? It is enough to carefully read the label, it will talk about:
- A list of laptop manufacturers for which the power supply is suitable. Usually this list is quite wide and allows you to immediately determine whether it makes sense to compare other characteristics with the nominal values required by the laptop.
- Output voltage range. This most important characteristic is measured in volts and is indicated in the Output field. The value needed by the laptop should fall within the range provided by the adapter.
- Input voltage (Input field on the label). In most cases, this figure is 220-240 Volts, which means it is suitable for all users in our country. Universal solutions can also be equipped with a car adapter.
- The range of current strength at the output of the device. This indicator is measured in amperes. The upper range indicator should be equal to or higher than the nominal value for a laptop.
- Power in watts. For this characteristic, the rule "the more the better." In most cases, a sufficient indicator is 90 W. A large power indicator will reduce battery charging time and also prevent overheating of the power supply.
Terms of Use
A high-quality universal charger can last quite a while. Usually these products do not bring their owner absolutely no worries. It is only important to fulfill the conditions for proper and careful use:
- The device must be connected in the correct order: first of all, the connector is connected to the laptop connector, and only after that the plug is connected to the outlet.
- Always disconnect the power supply from the mains when charging is complete or when leaving home. Major troubles can be the price for breaking this rule. For example, with the most positive development of events, the power supply will spoil the power supply itself, and in the worst case, a fire can occur.
- The device cord must not be taut . It is also necessary to exclude the possibility of crushing the cable with any object, for example, furniture. Among other things, mechanical damage to universal laptop adapters very often appears due to the fact that pets perceive them as a toy and gnaw.
- Careless pulling of the plug from the outlet by the cord must be excluded as a factor contributing to damage to the device cable.
- We exclude overheating. Air access is a must for any power supply; do not cover it with various objects, such as clothing.
- The charger must be protected from the ingress of any liquid on the case, and even more so on internal electronic components.
Thus, with the right approach to the selection, and after the purchase - careful operation, the device discussed in the article will serve its owner for many years.