Category: ADAPTER

Why Does AC Adapter Polarity Matter?

The AC adapter is an important component of any laptop. Without it, it would not be possible to recharge the laptop’s battery, which is essential for portability. The AC adapter also makes it possible to use the laptop without draining battery life, helping extend battery life on long days. Laptop AC adapters are not all created the same, however, and one of the distinguishing characteristics of different AC adapter designs is their polarity.

The polarity of an AC adapter refers to the way that power flows through the cable and into the laptop itself. The power coming from a wall outlet is what is known as alternating current (or AC power), but the power needed by the laptop is known as direct current (or DC power). The AC adapter converts the AC power into DC power at the correct voltage for the laptop.

The polarity of the adapter happens in the connector that is inserted into the laptop directly. The connector is comprised of a tip and a barrel. The tip is essentially the hole in the middle of the connector and the barrel is the larger area surrounding this hole. Power can only flow in one direction, either from the tip to the barrel or from the barrel to the tip. This is what is meant by polarity.

An adapter with a positive polarity means that its tip is positive and its barrel is negative. An adapter with a negative polarity means that its tip is negative and its barrel is positive. There is no standard design, so adapters and devices are often marked with a symbol to show their polarity. The side connected to the center dot is the tip, and the side connected to the symbol shaped like a C is the barrel.

It is important not to plug an adapter with the wrong polarity into a device. It will not supply power, and in some cases can cause damage to the device or the adapter. Visit Spareparts Warehouse to find a compatible adapter for your laptop, or view specific sections, such as Sony Laptop AC Adapters and Toshiba Laptop AC Adapters to find adapters specific to your laptop’s manufacturer.

Toshiba Laptop Memory Replacement

When looking at upgrade options for a Toshiba laptop, you will find that upgrading the laptop memory is likely to have the greatest impact on the overall performance. Programs store their data in RAM when they are running. If multiple programs are open at once and the laptop runs out of free memory, it must begin using the hard drive to store and retrieve the extra data. Since hard drives are much slower than RAM, this results in slower performance. Upgrading memory allows users to run more programs with fewer slowdowns and speed up operating system load time.

Replacing your Toshiba laptop memory is one of the simplest upgrades to make. The basic steps are as follows:

  1. Disconnect the AC adapter and remove the battery to ensure no power is going to the laptop. This reduces any risk of electric shock when disassembling the machine. The battery is most often removed by sliding the battery slider and removing the battery.
  2. Locate the memory access panel on the bottom of the machine. It is usually marked with an icon that resembles a memory stick. In some cases it may be located behind the battery. If you have trouble locating this panel, consult your manual or a service manual for the exact location.
  3. Remove any screws securing the memory access panel in place and remove it.
  4. Gently release the two fingers holding the memory stick on each side and it should swing upwards. Carefully pull it out of the slot. Repeat for the second stick if there is one.
  5. Place the new memory stick in the lower slot and snap it down into place. Repeat for the upper memory stick if there is one.
  6. Replace the memory access panel and screws.
  7. Replace the battery and reconnect the AC adapter. Boot up the computer and test that the full amount of memory is recognized by the computer.

At this point, if the memory is recognized and the laptop is working properly, you are finished. If you are having trouble you may want to check that you selected the proper memory module for your machine, or the possibility that the memory is not seated completely in the slot.

Laptop Parts and Symptoms

One of the most common issues with laptop batteries is overheating. Not that the batteries are designed poorly or improperly but due to, in most cases, user wear and tear. While the laptop is using the AC adapter for power the battery acts as a backup in case of a loss of power or accidental unplugging. During this AC power use the battery becomes hotter than it would if being used independently. To lessen the chances of this overheating, which leads to a shorter life expectancy of the battery, keep the AC power adapter plugged in only if you need to charge the battery while using the device.

If the battery is consistently hot to the touch, remove it and allow it to cool down making sure it is close to room temperature before reinserting it. Should the battery continue to overheat or get too hot it will probably need to be replaced. Always replace a defective battery as soon as possible as it could cause irreparable damage to the laptop in question. In addition to overheating, failure to charge or hold a charge is another very common issue with laptop batteries.

First check to see if the AC adapter is securely plugged into the device; the tightness of the connection will vary from laptop to laptop but it should be held in place well. To check for a good connection look for the battery charging LED if one is present on your laptop.

If it is not on wiggle the cord to see if the connection makes and breaks contact. If you notice a flickering LED light then the solution is a new adapter which is far better than needed to purchase a new battery or a new DC power jack which can be repaired by a common user with a little instruction and help.

Issues with third-party batteries and Sony laptops

Sony laptops are arguably some of the best Windows laptops available, but there are a few issues that many users won’t appreciate. One of these issues is a type of protection that Sony includes to prevent users from using third-party batteries with their Sony laptop.

Sony would prefer that users use only Sony laptop batteries, partly because it means they must be purchased directly from the manufacturer, but also to ensure quality. Users who have found a trusted third-party manufacturer for their laptop batteries, however, are likely to be frustrated by this limitation. Fortunately, there is a workaround to let you use third-party batteries with your Sony laptop, as the battery check is a software program rather than something included in the Sony system board. Follow these steps to disable the software check.

  1. Power down the laptop, remove the battery, connect the AC adapter, and power the laptop back up.
  2. Click the Start button and type “msconfig.exe”. You may need to enter your password to continue.
  3. Click the “Startup” tab and look for a listing for “ISBMgr.exe”. Uncheck the box.
  4. Click “OK” to save the changes, and choose to restart the laptop. There may be a popup once you restart; alerting you that certain programs have been disabled. Simply dismiss this dialog box.

Now you can install your third-party battery, and you should find that it works without problems. Visit our Sony laptop parts page to view other parts and upgrades that are compatible with your laptop.

Diagnosing a Laptop AC Adapter Problem

Laptop AC adapters can sometimes take a lot of abuse. As an external part of a laptop, they are designed to be rugged, but problems can still crop up from time to time. If you suspect that yours may be having an issue, here are some steps for diagnosing a laptop AC adapter problem.

  1. Try another power outlet. This may sound silly, but if you are not getting power to your laptop through the AC adapter, try another power socket to ensure that is not the cause of the problem.
  2. If possible, try another AC adapter. This may be more difficult, but if you have a friend or a repair shop that has a compatible AC adapter, try one that is known to be working. If the problems still persist, you know the AC adapter is not to blame.
  3. Try running the laptop without the battery. Sometimes problems with the battery can cause symptoms unrelated to the AC adapter. If the laptop runs fine when running only from the AC adapter, it is likely caused by a faulty battery or some other component.
  4. Look for signs of wear and tear on the AC adapter. Large cracks on the “brick” or transformer could be signs of problems, as can frayed wires or bulging. If any of these conditions look serious, replace your AC adapter.
  5. Listen for strange noises. AC adapters that are failing often make whining noises or other strange sounds. Replace the AC adapter if necessary.

If you have tried the steps above and are still uncertain whether your laptop AC adapter is faulty, it may still be a good idea to order a replacement. As one of the least expensive parts of a laptop to replace, it may be worth the peace of mind knowing that your AC adapter is working correctly.

How AC Adapters Work

Laptops are useless without AC adapters. They are what run your laptop when your battery dies. They are what charge that battery when you want to use it on the go. With that in mind, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how they do what they do, especially if it comes time to replace them.

A laptop AC adapter will consist of essentially three main parts: the cord that carries unusable AC to the box, the box that converts the AC to DC, and the cord that carries the usable DC to the laptop. Your house is powered with AC, or alternating current, because it travels well without losing energy, but alternating current is not usable by laptops. They require direct current, or DC, power.

The box of your adapter technically does more than simply converting current, or rather there is more to the process. As alternating current enters the box from the cord connected to your wall, it is run through a transformer. This drops the current from about 110 volts to around 19 volts, which is what most Sony laptops can work with. Other brands of laptop often use 15 Volts, but most other variations are plus or minus a volt in either direction. The current then runs through a rectifier which essentially forces the current out in one direction only, thus making direct current. Finally, the current runs through a regulator, ensuring a steady stream of voltage despite any changes in power consumption. After running through all these components, the current continues through the second cord, and into your laptop.

Knowing the basics of AC adapters will allow you to make some more educated decisions on replacement or upgrade adapters. First, check your cords. Match your main power, or AC, cord to whatever plug you’ll be using. For example, plugs in Europe are different than in the US, and plugs in your car or on a plane are different than the ones in your home. Also, invest in a surge protector to help ensure the longevity of your AC adapter, essentially protecting it from being overloaded.

Your laptop will also require specific voltage from your adapter, and a minimum wattage as well, typically listed on the underside of your machine, or available from the manufacturer. When it comes to wattage, you can get higher than what is listed on your machine’s specifications, but going lower can cause the box to overheat, and shortening the life of the laptop AC adapter.

As for the DC cord, the main thing to look for is the connector. If it doesn’t fit the DC jack on your machine, it won’t do you any good at all. If you’re not sure, check with your spare parts retailer, chances are they will be able to assist you in finding an adapter that will fit your machine. Also, when looking at replacing an adapter, be sure to confirm that the problem isn’t with the physical DC jack on your machine, as it can become loose or unsoldered. A loose DC jack can cause problems that may simulate issues with your AC adapter and may require the DC jack to be repaired.

Review of types on connectors found on AC adapters

When it comes to laptop AC adapters, there are a wide variety of connectors that connect the adapter to the laptop’s power supply. Manufacturers specifically try to make their adapter unique for each model, and even compared to other manufacturers, to avoid a user plugging an adapter into the wrong machine, which could cause damage. Here we will look at a few of the most common types of connectors.

Barrel Connectors

Most modern laptop AC adapters use a “barrel” type of connector. It consists of a cylindrical shaft that is hollow inside. When the barrel is connected, a pin (tip) goes inside the barrel, and the outer portion of the barrel makes contact with a different part of the power supply. The tip usually carries the positive pole while the barrel carries the negative pole. Barrel connectors come in a wide variety of sizes to avoid confusion between different manufacturers and models. For example, HP laptop parts often use a different pin and barrel size than another manufacturer such as Acer.

3-Pin and 4-Pin Connectors

Some laptops and AC adapters use a 3-pin or 4-pin type of connector, also referred to as a “Snap and Lock” type. These connectors use a large cylindrical connector with 3 or 4 pins inside. Snap and lock connectors are particularly useful in laptops that are designed for durability, as they are very stable and secure, and not prone to breakage.

Oval Connectors

Oval connectors are similar to barrel connectors, but utilize and oval shape to prevent connecting them to standard barrel connections, since connecting an adapter to the wrong laptop could cause damage to the system board or other components, requiring a costly laptop repair. They are not used frequently.

Octagon Connectors

Octagon connectors are similar to snap and lock connectors, but they utilize 8 pins that give even more stability and a more solid connection.

How to Choose a Replacement Adapter for Your Laptop

Your laptop makes your office, your entertainment and your important files portable and convenient. You can take your laptop anywhere you go, whether you’re working at home, the coffee shop or the park. One of the most important laptop accessories you can have is your laptop adapter or power cord. Your laptop needs power to keep you on the go, and a lost or broken laptop adapter can seriously slow you down. Even if you haven’t lost your laptop adapter, you may want to purchase a back-up power cord to keep at home or at the office. Here are some steps to help you quickly find a replacement laptop adapter or power cord, so you can get back to work and play.

Choosing a Replacement Adapter:

Find your laptop’s model number.

You may find this number located on a sticker on the bottom or side of your laptop computer. If you can’t find it there, check your user manual or search your laptop’s built-in help program for the model number. You can also find it under your laptop’s system properties.

Find your wattage requirements.

In addition to your laptop model number, you will need to find out the voltage requirements for the laptop adapter. Laptop adapters have varying voltage (V) outputs, and using the wrong laptop adapter can damage your computer. Check your user’s manual for voltage requirements information for your laptop. The output voltage will usually be listed as DC voltage. You may also want to check for product or part numbers that are compatible with your laptop model.

Find a compatible laptop adapter.

Look for the compatibility lists in descriptions of laptop adapters you are looking at. Sometimes the compatible laptop models are listed in the product description or in a separate list. Laptop model numbers can often look similar, so make sure the model numbers match exactly. Laptop adapter and power cord product descriptions typically list the manufacturer, part number and a partial description as well. If you find an adapter with the correct output voltage, but the wrong port connector, you may be able to find port attachments that will adapt the connector to the power port on your laptop.

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Four Easy Laptop Upgrades

When upgrading your laptop, you want to ensure you are getting the most from the upgrade while also getting the most value for your money. In many cases, you also want to make sure that the upgrade is easy enough for you to do it yourself in order to avoid paying a repair shop on top of the upgrade costs. Here we will look at four easy upgrades for your laptop that will add extra performance, storage, and convenience.

1.Memory

One of the upgrades that is likely to have the most impact on any laptop is upgrading the memory. A computer with more memory is able to run more programs at once without slowdowns and can also help you open and edit large documents more quickly. Upgrading the memory is often fairly inexpensive and easy to do, so upgrade your laptop to the maximum amount of memory supported to get the most from the upgrade.

2.Hard Drive

Upgrading the hard drive in your laptop is a great way to get more storage for your important files, but it can also provide a performance boost. Upgrading from a 5200 RPM drive to a 7200 RPM or faster drive will boost performance, or you may even consider adding an SSD for faster boot times and a huge performance boost. Make sure to backup your important data before you attempt the upgrade.

3.Battery

If your laptop is more than a year old, you may find that your battery does not last as long as it did when new. Battery capacity degrades over time, so replacing the battery with a new one is a great upgrade that will allow you to spend more time away from power outlets. Adding a second battery is also a great idea for doubling your battery life.

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4.AC Adapter

An AC Adapter may seem out of place on a list of upgrades, but adding a second AC Adapter to your laptop setup can add extra convenience. Keeping an adapter plugged into the wall in your office and one at home, for example, makes it easy to quickly move from one location to another without the hassle of carrying an adapter around with you.

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With these inexpensive and simple upgrades, you can add performance and convenience to your laptop experience, and almost anyone can perform these simple upgrades with a little planning and research.

Picking the Correct Laptop AC Adapter

Choosing a laptop AC adapter replacement is fairly easy, but it is important to understand a few terms to ensure you get the proper replacement that is fully compatible with your laptop model. Using an incompatible adapter could cause damage to both the adapter and to your laptop, so it is imperative that you take a moment to understand the main points that differentiate laptop AC adapters.

An AC adapter converts the AC (alternating current) power coming from a wall outlet into DC (direct current) power that the laptop requires. Virtually all AC adapters will support the correct AC current, so the focus should be on finding an adapter that provides the proper DC current for your laptop’s model.

If you look on the original laptop AC adapter for your laptop you will see a number of specifications for the voltage, polarity, etc. for this adapter. You can sometimes find this information on the laptop itself as well. Look on the sticker at the bottom of the laptop for this info. Sometimes this information is also listed near the DC jack where the AC adapter is plugged into the machine. This will often read something like “DC18V 5A (MAX)”.

The first important number is the voltage. Common voltages are 15V, 16V, 18V, 19V, 20V, 22V, and 24V. The second most important number is the amperage, or amps. Common amp ratings are 6A, 5.6A, 4.7A, 4.5A, and 3.8A. It is important that both of these numbers match to ensure compatibility. Both of these numbers work together to produce the overall wattage of the adapter, which is the voltage multiplied by the amperage. So an 18.5 Volt 4.1 Amp HP AC adapter would end up with a rating of 75 Watts.

Another specific marking is the tip polarity which can be found on the brick portion of the adapter. This is a symbol with a + and – sign and a graphic indicating whether the tip or ring are positive or negative. If the positive circle is connected to the small center dot, for example, the adapter has a positive polarity, meaning that the tip is positive and the barrel is negative. Make sure the polarity of the AC adapter matches the laptop; most laptop AC adapters are center positive.

The last important factor of an AC adapter is the size of the tip. If the tip is too small or too large, it will not fit the connection point on your laptop. The tip is most often expressed as a measurement, such as the 6.3mm x 3.0mm tip used on some common Toshiba laptop AC adapters. Generally if you use your model number or the original part number you should not have to be concerned with the tip size.

To simplify the process, you may consider using an online parts supplier which can help you find compatible parts for your laptop model. Armed with the information above, however, you can make a very informed decision and know the part you are purchasing is compatible with your laptop.