no power

April 26, 2008 6:32 PM

The AC Adapter for my laptop (Dell Inspiron B120) just crapped out. Where in Houston can I find a replacement for a decent price?

It doesn't have to be a Dell one but I can't afford $130 for a universal one either. I was hoping $50 or less.

posted by nimsey lou to computers & internet (9 comments total)

Ebay? My laptop adaptor is supposed to cost $80 new (from a toshiba), but I've seen mine for $40, so you can probably get just as good.
posted by Phalene at 6:39 PM on April 26, 2008

Problem with ebay/amazon is I have to wait. I really need one by Monday.
posted by nimsey lou at 6:46 PM on April 26, 2008

First place I'd visit is Fry's.
posted by GPF at 7:28 PM on April 26, 2008

I'd suggest MicroCenter or maybe EPO. EPO is closed Sundays though.
posted by Mamapotomus at 7:50 PM on April 26, 2008

This one will work with your laptop and is only $25.62 (Amazon.com) I bought an adapter for my Dell laptop when it died last year.
posted by PinkButterfly at 8:17 PM on April 26, 2008

I don't think you'll be able to get one locally for under $50. My suggestion would be to buy the universal 70W Targus brand at Fry's (about $80), then order a proper one from somewhere else and return the Targus when you get it (Fry's == very liberal return policy).

I just went through the exact same thing in the past week. Watch out if the Targus says "power only" next to your laptop model; that means it will only power the computer, not charge the battery, and also the computer will run at the minimum possible speed.
posted by dixie flatline at 8:28 PM on April 26, 2008

make sure you can return it, as mentioned above. In my experience with Dells, when it no longer accepts AC power, it is always the motherboard. I went through sending back to Dell for a new AC adapter, to no avail.
posted by drjimmy11 at 10:25 PM on April 26, 2008

Thanks. I am going to try Fry's and Microcenter today. If it is a no go then I will buy the one from Amazon.

Good to know drjimmy11. I know it accepts AC power because I have an old power adapter (that was chewed on by my dog and repaired) that works with it.
posted by nimsey lou at 8:39 AM on April 27, 2008

It's also worth a quick look on Craigslist. I had the same issue a few years ago and was able to get an identical Dell AC adapter within 4 hours for less than $30. (This was in NYC, though.)
posted by superfem at 8:57 AM on April 27, 2008