Tripping on Laptop Power Cords

JamesThomas · April 3rd, 2009, 10:39 PM

We have two laptops here; both of which have cost us plenty to fix due to broken computer power jacks and/or AC adapter plugs and wires. In fact I'm using a relative's computer right now due to a broken power jack on my Dell Inspiron 6000. The battery won't charge at all.

Are we just a couple klutzes here

What percentage of people with portable computers do you think have similar problems?

Doing some research on a remedy; so your answers are especially important.

Thanks,

jt

**GroundZero3** · April 3rd, 2009, 10:41 PM

Im not sure about a percentage but i do some laptop manufactures have started to move towards a magnetic power adapter (Apple laptop uses these) so when you trip over the cable, it doesnt do any damange

JamesThomas · April 3rd, 2009, 11:07 PM

Hey GZ,

They're called Magsafe connectors.

I've heard that they require especially short connector wires to make them work; this could cause a little shorting; which means heat; and there have been some reports of fires....though I don't know this for sure.

That said, at my age, any smoke coming from my lap, could very possibly be seen as a good thing.

jt

EXreaction · April 4th, 2009, 12:10 AM

Never heard of anyone else doing that before.

Personally I think magnetic adapters would cause more issues than what I've got now unless the magnets are pretty strong. It would be extremely annoying to have the dang power adapter keep falling off. They shouldn't have any issue with shorting though, not if they are made right. Just look at the adapters to most home deep fryers, they are all connected via magnets so the entire vat of 350F oil doesn't come crashing down if Jr pulls on the cord.

**GroundZero3** · April 4th, 2009, 07:27 AM

EX the magnets are not strong at all (strong enough to keep the power attached to the laptop while its just sitting there,they cables aren't heavy at all) they are designed to pull away from the device so you don't yank the laptop/break the connector.

They are a really nice feature on the macbooks

EXreaction · April 4th, 2009, 02:18 PM

Well, I like to move my laptop around quite a bit.

As long as it wouldn't fall off then slide down and fall off the back of my desk I guess it would be alright.

osprey4 · April 4th, 2009, 02:39 PM

It's hard to tell just from message boards, but broken AC jacks and screens are both very common laptop problems. The screens, however, are generally easier for the DIYer to fix.

thephilosophizer · April 4th, 2009, 02:39 PM

The magsafe connector is great. The magnetic part is in the power jack of the laptop so you can't kill the screen or anything with the magnet. I have actually killed two laptops with the power jack problem, and the macbook solution is the only one I know of (also, the macbook is generally just an awesome piece of computer).

EXreaction · April 4th, 2009, 02:52 PM

You won't damage an LCD screen with any normal magnet anyways.

**GroundZero3** · April 6th, 2009, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thephilosophizer

The magsafe connector is great. The magnetic part is in the power jack of the laptop so you can't kill the screen or anything with the magnet. I have actually killed two laptops with the power jack problem, and the macbook solution is the only one I know of (also, the macbook is generally just an awesome piece of computer).

I believe other laptop manufactures are starting to move towards this solution because its a great idea