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Problems with non-genuine AC adapter?

  • 28-02-2009 11:24pm
    #1
    Xiney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,085 ✭✭✭


    I have an HP Pavillion dv6458se and my husband has an HP Pavillion dv6140ca. Both take the same laptop adapters - 90W (unlike the 65W that is more widely available)

    We no longer have the genuine ones we received with the laptops because they stopped working last summer and I'm nearly certain I recycled them. Right now we are using a couple universal adapters, but these are also on their way out.

    At present I am looking to ebay to purchase a couple of replacements. Many of the sellers of the HP 90W adapters are cheap enough - there is no way they are genuine.

    Unfortunately, today we were warned by people at the laptop repair shop not to purchase non-genuine chargers. They didn't say why, however, and at the time I didn't think to ask. I have done google searches to try and find instances of problems occuring from fake ac adapters but I can't seem to find anything. My husband, however, is extremely concerned.


    Basically, my question is, what exactly is the risk in buying a fake ac adapter?

    Considering the fact that we are not currently using a genuine laptop adapter and apart from it breaking (which the genuine one did as well) there have been no problems... is it simple scaremongering on the part of retailers? A genuine HP adapter would cost us €150 each whereas we could get two fake ones for under €30 - if it breaks the laptop it's not worth it though, of course.


Comments

  • #2
    Xiney
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,085 ✭✭✭Xiney


    How about this question then:

    does anyone here have a non-genuine laptop adapter that's working fine?

    My adapter is much worse than my husband's so I'm in more of a hurry to replace them!


  • #3
    Voodu Child
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,706 ✭✭✭Voodu Child


    It depends what you mean by non-genuine adaptor.

    You can buy a standard 'multi-voltage' laptop adaptor in an Irish store, it will be of reasonable quality and should pass all CE specs. There shouldn't be anything wrong with this, so long as it works and is of good durable quality.

    However, you can buy fake 'branded' adaptors on ebay, ones with blurry 'DELL' stickers or whatever on them. They definitely can be dodgy, they usually don't pass any safety standards (even if they have a big CE sticker on them) and can be of questionable safety. I have seen a few fake Dell adaptors opened up and shown to be potentially dangerous in terms of overheating, surges, fire hazard etc.

    At the end of the day, you're plugging something into the mains (huge source of energy) and then plugging it into your expensive laptop. It's just a bad idea, personally I wouldn't do it.


  • #4
    CombatCow
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,317 ✭✭✭CombatCow


    I bought a "non genuine" charger before and it died within a week, it cost €20 on ebay, it was a lot lighter then the origional, not as good build quality. So I wouldent recomment the cheapo ones.

    You should be able to find a cheaper genuine charger on ebay instead from the original manufacturer.

    iirc non genuine chargers can void the laptops warrenty, thats prolly what the laptop repair shop didnt tell you.


    CC


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