Subwoofer Power/Computer?

October 25, 2005 10:35 AM

Help me with my subwoofer power problem!

I bought a cheap subwoofer and speakers to connect to my computer. It's a laptop, however, and lacks the power-in that the subwoofer requires. What do I do? Is there a power adapter or something I can buy? I don't want to spend much. BTW it's a PowerBook.

posted by miss tea to computers & internet (6 comments total)

Is it one of the ones that's meant to connect between the computer's power cable and power inlet? If so you can just use a standard Europlug cable, that you can buy at any electrical or computer store.
posted by cillit bang at 10:42 AM on October 25, 2005

It looks like it is supposed to go in the power in for a monitor or tower. But since I don't have that in a laptop I don't know what to do. I am not clear about the europlug but don't think that would help (as far as I can find via the internets).
posted by miss tea at 11:41 AM on October 25, 2005

It's what, a female three-prong? Or is it like an AC thing that runs through the power provided by the audio out?
If it's the first, get thee to a computer store and buy the cable. It'll cost you $5-$10. You then plug the speakers etc. into another outlet. If it's the second, then you need a pre-amp, which can be had (if you pick up a cheap microphone one) for about $20 at an instrument store.
posted by klangklangston at 11:51 AM on October 25, 2005

It looks like it is supposed to go in the power in for a monitor or tower.

Does it look like the first one of these would fit in? If so, you can go anywhere and ask for a computer power cable and they'll give you what you want. Did you buy it in the same country that you will use it? If it's been sent across the Atlantic, you should check the voltage rating. Otherwise, just go ahead.
posted by springload at 11:53 AM on October 25, 2005

The specific name for the type of cable those previous to me are talking about would be (insert the name for your local power plug, mine [Canada/USA] would be male edison) to IEC 320-C13 plug. FYI, IEC 320-C14 is the male socket. In case you end up at a clueful store, or you're not sure but it's marked on the package. Good luck!
posted by shepd at 12:05 PM on October 25, 2005

Yes! It's a female three prong. Thanks all...
posted by miss tea at 12:25 PM on October 25, 2005