Need New Power Cord - Advice?

[Nellisir]

I'm away from home to attend a wedding, and just discovered I didn't pack the power cord for my Toshiba laptop. Is it possible to pick up a safe one from Radio Shack or the like, or do I need to get a Toshiba power cord from Best Buy or something? I'd prefer not to blow a ton of money on something I'll only need for 4 days.

Thanks
Nell.

 

[Rodrigo Istalindir]

Two things that are problematic -- the first is fairly easy to solve, the second not so.

First thing you have to make sure is that the output voltage and amperage is correct. Your laptop should have a sticker on the bottom indicating what that is (the powerbrick will have that info for sure, but that doesn't help much now ). The laptop should be able to handle a very small amount of variance, but that's at your own risk. Too much and it could cause damage or fire.

What's harder is finding one that has the right connector. Radio Shack used to make a 'universal AC adapter' that came with selectable output and a collection of plugs. It would still be kinda hit or miss.

If you really need it, a real one is probably your best bet, although (based on my experiences) you're odds of finding the right one at Best Buy are pretty slim unless it's a fairly new laptop.

For four days, I'd just suck it up and enjoy a small break from the modern world

 

[Nellisir]

Two things that are problematic -- the first is fairly easy to solve, the second not so.

First thing you have to make sure is that the output voltage and amperage is correct. Your laptop should have a sticker on the bottom indicating what that is (the powerbrick will have that info for sure, but that doesn't help much now ). The laptop should be able to handle a very small amount of variance, but that's at your own risk. Too much and it could cause damage or fire.

What's harder is finding one that has the right connector. Radio Shack used to make a 'universal AC adapter' that came with selectable output and a collection of plugs. It would still be kinda hit or miss.

If you really need it, a real one is probably your best bet, although (based on my experiences) you're odds of finding the right one at Best Buy are pretty slim unless it's a fairly new laptop.

For four days, I'd just suck it up and enjoy a small break from the modern world

Thanks; I'll make sure I check on that.

It's not even like I'd have to take a break - there are at least 3 other computers around here I can use. But this is mine, and if we switch to a hotel for a few nights, this is the one that'll be there.

So, I'll still see what I can dig up. I'm spoiled.