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October 19th, 2010 15:00
Power Adapter Compatibility
Can different power adapters with different outputs work correctly for a specific Dell laptop?
My friend is using with her Vostro 1000 laptop a PA-10 adapter, instead of the specified PA-12. Can that cause any problem?
The plug is the same on both models. The PA-12 provides, (according to the specs, this is the standard charger for Vostro 1000) 19.5 volts DC, 3.34 A continuous, and uses 65 watts.
The PA-10 provides 19.5 volts DC, 4.62 A (max), uses 90 watts. What's the deal? Is this one okay to use?
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ieee488
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October 19th, 2010 16:00
As long as the volts DC and amperage are the same there should be no problems.
The PA-10 is capable of supplying more power than the PA-12, but if the laptop doesn't require that much, the PA-10 will source only as much as the laptop needs.
Power (watts) = Volts x Current; hence 90W = 19.5 x 4.62 and 65W = 19.5 x 3.34