Comments on: no power

Question: no power

nimsey lou — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:32:20 -0800

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.

By: Phalene

Phalene — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:39:10 -0800

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.

By: nimsey lou

nimsey lou — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:46:25 -0800

Problem with ebay/amazon is I have to wait. I really need one by Monday.

By: GPF

GPF — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 19:28:12 -0800

First place I'd visit is Fry's.

By: Mamapotomus

Mamapotomus — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 19:50:52 -0800

I'd suggest MicroCenter or maybe EPO. EPO is closed Sundays though.

By: PinkButterfly

PinkButterfly — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 20:17:39 -0800

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.

By: dixie flatline

dixie flatline — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 20:28:49 -0800

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.

By: drjimmy11

drjimmy11 — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 22:25:12 -0800

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.

By: nimsey lou

nimsey lou — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 08:39:36 -0800

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.

By: superfem

superfem — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 08:57:38 -0800

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.)