Stupid Tech question: The dog ate the power cord to the lap top..

[radwriter0555]

the part that goes from the little black box that connects the two cords to the laptop itself.

Do I need to get an HP specific cord with the handy dandy lil black box (what DOES that thing do??) or does someplace like radio shack make a generic one?

[GOPisEvil]

1. I think you'll need one specially made for the HP.

I had to order a replacement from my old laptop from Dell. Strangely enough, they had to SEND it to me when I live in freaking Austin, and could have picked one up. Then, because I was at work, I ended up having to go the air cargo place to pick the thing up.

Long story, but contact a computer store like Comp USA; they should have what you need.

[radwriter0555]

But... what's it CALLED?

I can't figure that part out.. And what in heck is it?

[GOPisEvil]

6. I would take the cord in to the store, and have them figure it all out.

I hope you're able to buy just the cord. I had to buy a whole new power-supply thingie. :grr:

[radwriter0555]

9. oh no.. it's the whole new power supply thing. I love my dogs...

I really do.

[GOPisEvil]

10. Oh, I paid about 50 bucks for a new one from Dell a couple years back.

Like I said, take the whole shooting match into the store, and tell 'em to find you one like it.

Is this the dog that dared cause your fall?

[radwriter0555]

11. oh of COURSE not.. It's the little one that I can't kick because

she's too small.

Exacting revenge for her big sister I might assume.

[GOPisEvil]

12. Of course. Isn't that always how it works?

Nature. Hmph!

[notadmblnd]

7. I was able to get a replacement power supply online at hp.com.

Mine was fried. It cost about 75.00. Radio shack does carry them, just take the old one with you.

[TacticalPeek]

2. I've gone through a couple of those things on a TP.

If its the power cord, the one that runs from the black adapter box to the wall, you could probably use anything that fits, like from an old printer power adapter, etc.

The fancy stuff goes on in the box, and the cord from there to the laptop has to spec out, and is seldom 'pluggable'.

Warning: I have fried hardware trying stuff like this sometimes.

[radwriter0555]

3. Right, it's the part attached to the little black box... of course.. it

wouldn't BE the cheap part, now would it?

[Rabrrrrrr]

5. No, dogs and cats somehow know what's more expensive

:-)

[TacticalPeek]

8. My sympathies.

I've had two of those where that wire flexed in normal use enough to break, right at the box making splicing unfeasible.

If you can't find the HP, I found some 'generic' ones at Black Box Catalog tailored for specific models.

Damn machines!

(No, not you Honey.)

[Rabrrrrrr]

4. Yes - you'll more than likely need the special HP one

The black box is the power converter that turns the AC into what form of DC the laptop runs on; it will also be pinned (that is, how it connects to the laptop and which pins are ground, +5 voltage, +12 voltage, +1.4 voltage, etc.), more than likely, in a uniquely HP way.

I've never run across generic laptop power supplies.

But give 'em a call - you never know. I've also not bought a new laptop in almost three years.

[radwriter0555]

13. Thanks.. Great advice from everyone .. which means I have to take the POS

to Fryes and get it dealt with. I checked online and don't find HP's site too easy to navigate unless I'm spending big bucks.

Heck, I might as well get another battery while I'm at Fryes.

[Rabrrrrrr]

14. Good thinking!

Something for the dog to swallow...

:-)

Good luck on your adventure!!

[Tesha]

15. Targus sells some generic ones.

They have switchable "tips" that select the correct
voltage and have the correct connector for various
laptops.

Tesha