Computer/Electronics Help?

[poak]

Ok, so yesterday I was on my laptop when our 8mo old pup blew by me in a full sprint. I had it plugged in and she took the cord with her. I looked down to see the male end of my AC adapter snapped off in the computer's charging port.

So, obviously I need a replacement or a fix.

My first idea was to see if I could solder it back together. The nature of the break and positioning of the piece that would need to be soldered makes this look pretty impossible.

My second idea was to try to track down an inexpensive electrically conductive adhesive or epoxy... Seems that stuff is pricey enough to not be worth pursuing ($20-30, I can probably find a 3rd party replacement for roughly the same price).

My 3rd idea was to find a connector from a parts house and attempt to repair the cord (or ideally find a length of cord w/ an appropriate connector so I can just cut, splice, and shrink wrap the two cords together). So I guess my questions are as follows:

1) Does anyone know of a site or store I could possibly find a connector at?

2) If it were to be an online retailer, how would I measure the connector to ensure I was ordering the right size?

3) Am I a frugal idiot that should just accept that I need to blow $30-40 on a 3rd party replacement?

[gnmwilliams]

Nothing wrong with being frugal. However, take the advice from someone who has worked in a retail computer store for 8 1/2 years. Trying to repair a laptop charger can cause battery problems in the future. Heat and irregular voltages can occur when a cable isn't connected juuuust right. These two things can lead to your battery dying sooner than it's supossed to or worse, FIRE! I am currently using an old projector power cable, instead of a spliced cable, on my laptop because of a similar issue that you've just experienced. As long as the connector, voltage, and amperage is the same you should be good. Personally, I would feel fortunate that the actual pin on the laptop itself didnt break which would require a new motherboard. Buying a new cable is probably the safest, and in the long run, cheapest way to fix the problem. (Batteries or exploded laptops can be expensive!)

Edited November 23, 2009 by gnmwilliams

[extremescene]

I agree... the safest option is to purchase a replacement made for that model. Hopefully you can find a 3rd party that will work, I've run into proprietary power connectors before.

One minor mistake and you could end up frying your entire laptop or at the least, the battery, as stated above... very expensive!

[Motasyco]

My dog jumped up on my lap the other day and put his paw on my keyboard. He pulled off the Tab key. I haven't been able to get it back in place. Dogs and computers don't mix.

[poak]

Hmmm... sounds like I'm best suited to play it safe and get myself a new charger!

Thanks for the advice guys!

[greenego]

I have purchased several power supplies for laptops on ebay.

[Guest TurboniumOxide]

A chinese 3rd party junk charger burned down my neighbors house to the tune of 3/4 of a million dollars. If you value your computer, get a new correct part. Having been in the computer business since the 8080 was new, I can assert that the power supply is the most critical part of your computer, don't skimp.

[dunndw]

Take whats left of the adapter to Batteries Plus. They should have a replacement