It's like a pipe, but the water stays still?

[c9]

I do not get electricity. Luckily, that's not a prerequisite for purchasing and using it. Otherwise I would be in trouble. Can anybody help me with this?

I have a new laptop, with an AC adapter as listed below. I also have a spare AC adapter from another computer (but the same company), with slightly different specs. The connector is the same, so it's physically possible to plug in either one. What I want to know is, is it OK for me to plug in either one? I've been told by someone smarter than me that I should not. Just wondering why.

	Original	Potential Adoptee
Output	19.5V	19.5V
	3.34A	4.62A

Comments

[sassy-red-head.livejournal.com]

Because the amps are higher (the thing that makes things burn up)

[c9.livejournal.com]

But I've been told that it would actually work fine, it's just not recommended. I've heard similar things about lower amps too. What would actually happen to the computer?

[sassy-red-head.livejournal.com]

It's probably fine. All I know is more amps=more ouchy when we are talking about electrocution.

Maybe test it on the computer of someone you don't like?

[c9.livejournal.com]

Haha -- that was also suggested! :)

[primary-suspect.livejournal.com]

You can read a bit more about the ampere here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ampere

But I think you can look at it as trying to shove more current down the pipe than the laptop will be expecting. Sort of like running your engine in the redline all the time. It might still work, but probably shortens the life of the components. Providing too little current can damage devices a well.

[c9.livejournal.com]

Yeah, further research I've done agrees. Even though I *know* what the different things mean, part of me just doesn't get it. Oh well. Might as well just give up and try to understand the next thing instead.

[primary-suspect.livejournal.com]

I know what happens you apply too many volts to an electrical component... They go *POP*! As I saw first hand when a guy plugged his radio alarm clock into an outlet in France without a power converter. It worked fine for about 5 minutes before it popped and started smoking.

[jpman.livejournal.com]

Tracy did the same thing when we got to Ireland. Her radio lasted abour 10 seconds. The amusement I got from the look at her face lasted all day.

yes

[petele.livejournal.com]

yes, you can plug the new one into the new computer.

amps are drawn on an as needed basis. so if your computer only needs for example 2.5 amps, both adapters are going to be fine... if the computer needs 3 amps, no problem...

the problem is if you're putting out higher voltage, or lower amperage.

Re: yes

[c9.livejournal.com]

Neat, can you point me to anything agreeing with this? I haven't hunted extensively, but everything I've seen says I should avoid it...

Re: yes

[petele.livejournal.com]

ummm, i don't have any definitive sources on that, other than me.... i think i've given you this info before, but just in case...

think in terms of a water pipe...
voltage = pressure of the water
amperage = amount of water flowing

if you're really concerned, you could cut into the cable, and find a 3.34amp fuse (likely a 3.5 is the closest you'll find), and put that in line with one of the wires... that way, if the computer ever starts using more than the 3.5 amps that the power supply is capable of providing, the fuse will blow.

Re: yes

[c9.livejournal.com]

I'm definitely not curious enough to start cutting and splicing. :) Just wondering if there's a longer writeup anywhere. I'll have to keep hunting.

Re: yes

[jamincan.livejournal.com]

My OAC physics teacher told it as a river and waterfall, amps = amount of water flowing, volts = height of the waterfall. Similar ideas I suppose.

I'm inclined to agree with you on being able to use the cord.

[rebelprince26.livejournal.com]

that's the greatest subject line ever.

[ex-thrasymac191.livejournal.com]

http://ask.metafilter.com/mefi/33602

[c9.livejournal.com]

Thanks -- I actually visited that very page shortly after I posted. Neat site!

[simplisticton.livejournal.com]

Ordinarily, I think Pete would be right, but when you're dealing with anything with a battery in the circuit, you've got to be more careful. Batteries are way more persnickety than any other form of electronics, and if you don't treat them right, you can kill them rather easily. Worse, they might appear to work for a while and then die prettily (as in pretty flames and whatnot).

Stable, elegant, well-designed and well-engineered electrical systems will take all kinds of abuse. These days, laptops are none of these things. They're built cheap and fast and designed to work with the power supplies they come with.

Better safe than sorry... you don't need that second AC adapter, so don't risk it and maybe you won't be cursing your laptop's 30 minute battery life in a year's time.