StarDestroyer.Net BBS

I need to replace the dead AC adaptor for an Aspire 1801 notebook. The deceased adaptor is a Yanec pa-1151-08 (19V, 7.9A, 150W) plugged into a 240V Euro wall socket.

I know nothing of AC adaptors.

Can I buy any brand of AC adaptor as long as the specifications match? Do I need to buy the same brand, or try to find an Acer-built adaptor? Is there a lot of tolerance on these things or can a wrong adaptor damage the notebook?

While probably best to go with the same, any one providing the necessary specs (19V, at least 150W) should work - provided it has a compatible plug for your laptop (big problem that forced me to have a AC adapter shipped from the US with massive shipping costs on my last laptop because it had a unique power port on it that it shared with only 2 other laptop models in the world).

It shouldn't be possible to damage the notebook (excepting perhaps physical damage if you get an incompatible plug and try to shove it in), however if you get a too weak one you'll probably experience random instability and errors, the same you get when you have a underpowered/faulty PSU on a desktop PC.

I can get a compatible one (well, I assume it's compatible, since it's the recommended model for the notebook) shipped in from Holland, but it's €69. Testicles.

Why do they have to make the parts numbers so damn confusing?

ETA: and to make it even more fun, Acer has wiped all the info on the 1800 line from their website and they've apparently discontinued their 150W adaptors. Jolly.

This one should do the trick, right?

No idea. It should by the stats - check the plug!

Although it does seem to be the same model you had, considering the absolutely identical stats on the same part number (manufacturers don't matter so much, those things tend to get rebranded easily).

You can also check eBay - I replaced my sister's laptop AC adapter that way. As long as the specifications match (same output voltage, at least the same output current, plugs the same with positive and negative terminals in the right place) you'll be fine.

It turns out the guy who originally sold the laptop probably has a few (new) adaptors left in stock, so we're going to try that route first. I know eBay can have lower prices, but I'd rather not buy electrical equipment used.

If you're comfortable with a soldering iron, you need not worry about the plug style of a donor AC adapter with the right specifications. You can, of course, just solder the old plug onto the new adapter, as long as you take care to preserve polarity.