Time Dell started fitting Neutrik Powercon Connectors and quality power cables

Hi,

The number of people suffering AC adapter failures is beyond a joke and at upwards of £60 per time for a replacement, Dell should be ashamed of themselves for producing such poor quality components.

Is it not time that Dell got together with Neutrik and started fitting powercon connectors (or if there isn't one suitable as standard, developing a laptop sized one)?

Most professional lighting equipment uses powercon connectors and they're pretty bullet proof as they're not only tough but lock into position when inserted and require a release catch to be pressed to remove them - no more cables unconnecting themselves.

Furthermore, looking around the web, it seems that a lot of the problem also lies with the 3rd connector in the cable which is very thin and is then cut by the silicon around the plug which hardens with age. It seems to me that the use of powercon connectors removing the need for the silicon and a better 3 core cable - why not a 3 core mains power cable so all the cores are of equal strength, would remove all of these issues.

If you're wondering how powercon connector work, you have to align the lugs on the connector with the gaps on the socket and then insert the plug and twist approx 90 degrees. When it reaches its inserted position, the plug then clicks and locks into position making accidental removal impossible because of a) the lock mechanism and b) the lugs which require the plug to be twisted back straight an aligned with the holes before removal. To remove the plug you have to depress the silver catch to release the locking mechanism before twisting the plug back round 90 degrees to align the lugs with the holes in the socket.

They're absolutely bullet proof which is why lighting professionals use them.

The overall cost might be £5 per laptop, however I doubt anyone would baulk at an extra fiver compared to a £60 replacement cost every 12-18 months.