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

[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.