AC Adapter for Inspiron
 

It looks like I am going to need to purchase a new AC adapter for my laptop. Should I purchase it directly from Dell? Or buy one that is listed as new on eBay?

(if this should be posted somewhere else, please feel free to move it, thanks.)

Either should work fine - I don't imagine that there would be significant advantages to one over the other, except possibly price.

Is the new eBay adapter a Dell? For your model? Just making sure. Some sellers have aftermarket units, and you could end up with something that doesn't match. Make sure the output voltage, current capacity and plug match your laptop.

I have read about the item over and over. I am sure it is a Dell, they have all the right model numbers and information that is on the adapter that I have. The picture shows it is a Dell, and it says it is brand new. The price, even with shipping, is lower than buying directly from Dell. Oh boy, this makes me so nervous.

Sounds like you did enough homework. I didn't mean to throw a wrench. Just didn't want you getting el-generico power brick. Dells are made by a variety of Asian manufacturers anyway. It isn't as if they have magic glitter on their power prongs. :)

I appreciated your input cyrnel. That was why I posted my question here. Thank you. I did order it from eBay and I should be getting it this week sometime. Not soon enough that is for sure. The one I have is so tempermental.

:| well, the new one didn't work for too long. I called Dell, which I should have done in the first place. They are sending me another new one, under warranty. If this one does not last, I give up and will convince my husband to let me get yet another computer, this time a desktop.

Wow, two failed in a row? In what way are they failing?

The laptop is not recognizing that there is an AC adapter plugged in. Therefore, it is not even charging the battery.

Don't want to venture into the obvious, but if you're seeing the same symptoms with two adapters obtained from two sources,

1) Try another wall socket.
2) Try wiggling the laptop socket. It might have been damaged by an impact to the plug.

Adapters go bad, but two in a row would be remarkable.

I have tried several wall sockets in the house, same thing everywhere.

I have wiggled and wiggled the laptop socket, still nothing.

So it's been without charge for some time now? Have you tried removing and replacing the battery? Take it off and brush the contacts with an eraser. A bad battery connection will prevent some laptops from seeing the adapter.

I had this same exact problem with my dell laptop. I have two very new, purchased from dell ac adaptors, and it still won't power up. It seems as if it doesn't recognize anything being plugged in. I've tried cyrnel's suggestions and neither have made it work.

We've come to terms that the problem might be something entirely different.

Is there a power light on the adapter?

If the laptop has been discharged for a while, plug it in and leave it alone for at least 15min before trying anything.

What happens if you remove the battery and try to boot? (some allow it, some don't)

I'm heading off to an appointment but will be back in a couple hours.

There is a power light on the adapter. I have left it plugged in for hours now, but my dinner is done. I will check it after dinner, and take out the battery and try to boot it.

If this does not work, it is still under warranty. I will keep calling Dell if I have to.

I assume the adapter power light is lit? The old adapter lights as well?

So the laptop just stopped charging with the original adapter, worked briefly with a new adapter, and hasn't noticed the latest adapter at all? That would make me suspicious of the laptop, whether it's the plug or something deeper.

What model of Dell?

It is an Inspiron 1150.

I had it charging for a brief moment just before. Then it stopped. I guess I will wait to see what happens when the next new adapter comes in. If that does not work, I hope they come up with another way to fix it before the warranty runs out.

edited to add: on a good note, my warranty goes until 1/12/2007. whew.

Did it work without the battery?

Good deal about the warranty. :) If it helps, companies are usually good about working through issues they know began before the warranty ended. Sometimes you have to pelt the front-line agent with boulders but the higher ups know better. The key is getting a ticket number.

No, it did not work without the battery.

I googled two reports of 1150's with bad power sockets. Both said they were noticeably loose so it doesn't really tell us anything.

Sure would be handy to have another 1150 available to try your battery & adapters.

Sounds like you're not the only person with this problem..

http://www.lieffcabraser.com/dell-inspiron.htm

:| :| :| :|

/Rushes to buy Dell 1150 on ebay so as to participate in class action fun.
/Hoping for valuable Tomato Soup discount coupon as settlement, and a vote in what Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP can do with their windfalls.

Seriously, that's a large blanket of models but it sounds related. Seeing as this is power brick #3 and however many weeks downtime, it wouldn't hurt to ask Dell if they know anything about the situation. Damage control often means agents are given extra, uh, latitude (hint, hint) to make customers happy.

Thank you all so much for researching this for me. I had no idea. I will gladly contact Dell and see what they know about this.

surprise, surprise. The new adapter did not work either. After almost 90 minutes of phone time, it has been decided that my laptop must be shipped back to them for repairs. I bet it is the connection for the ac adapter plug.They say I should have it back in 7 days, but with the holidays right around the corner, I bet it is longer.

just a little update: my laptop came back today. They said they had to replace the system board. When I spoke with Dell today, they said that perhaps the jack for the ac adapter is attached to the system board and that is why they replaced it. I have no clue, and I will just have to take their word for it. I was able to fully charge the battery and I am using it right now with ac power. *fingers crossed* that it stays this way. I am very grateful for my warranty and for all of your help with this problem. I feel very comfortable turning to TFP for my computer problems. No one made me feel stupid. Thanks!

Yep, the adapters are usually attached to the board. Makes for dicey DIY repair, especially if it's warranted. It's great you got it back and working.

Wouldn't hurt to be a little careful about that corner of the laptop when the plug is inserted. Your new board might be revised and stronger, or not.

I have no advice to offer here. I just wanted to say this was a very nice story with a couple of twist and turns, even the ending looks set to be happy (as long as the computer now holds out). Good luck

I just got this email from the IT department at my school and I immediately thought of this post..


Yours isn't specifically listed, but it might be a hint into the quality of batteries that Dell uses. :)

Just thought it was worth noting..

Thanks for thinking of me, JinnKai. I will have to check this out when I get home.