GMJ
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Haven't got the details to hand, but over the years I've had three 12v chargers, a universal one which had selectable voltage and a selection of plugs, a specific one for my old Dell, nowadays I use a USB-c charger which does the laptop and phones, if your laptop will charge from one of these it is probably the best option.
All have worked well and judging by how cool the chargers runs appear to be more efficient than mains chargers.
The Aspire 3 is available in several different guises ( I have one as well as Dell) certain models can be charged by USB-c, without the specific model number I wouldn't know.That acer is clearly not usb c though. Graham needs either a specific charger with that very small end or a universal one with the right end as an option. They can be tricky to source.
The Aspire 3 is available in several different guises ( I have one as well as Dell) certain models can be charged by USB-c, without the specific model number I wouldn't know.
The power socket on my Acer Swift 1 is a very small diameter and not included in the 2 adaptor kits I have. They are (were?) available online but I forget where from, probably ebay.I was going on the photo Graham posted further up of his connection
Thanks all.
I think I've sussed it out now with the help of various forums and some research. I need a 3mm x 1.1mm plug and plug in chargers to suit my voltage and amperage (19v and 2.75A) seem readily available from a tenner or so. We are away from tomorrow so I'll sort one out when I get back.
A tenner is easily enough to make a good one, test it and retail it. However, if there is a huge marketing budget to pay for and a lot of greedy middlemen, a tenner will only get shoddy rubbish.Check the reviews and get the best quality one you can find. A tenner is extremely cheap. Too cheap imo.
A tenner is easily enough to make a good one, test it and retail it. However, if there is a huge marketing budget to pay for and a lot of greedy middlemen, a tenner will only get shoddy rubbish.
The problem is how to find out which it is? A big brand name guarantees a big marketing budget, but also mean a maker wants to keep their brand reputation.
I've always bought cheap ones, never had a problem with the actual charger.
In my experience of 12v laptop chargers, the problem is always with the cigar lighter plug connection. Those sockets are designed for high loads for a short time, not for hours on end. The "ears" don't grip well enough to hold the end connector firmly against the socket connector and they get hot.
Whenever possible, get one with the electronics on a separate box (not built into the plug) , so you can cut the plug off and connect it properly with a fuse and a switch if necessary.
Try to get one that is rated for at least 65watts.
Not relevant for this OP, but be very careful about choosing chargers for HP laptops. They are extra picky about chargers: a reason to avoid the brand, in my opinion.
Nowadays, the problem is far easier: modern laptops run off PD USBc connectors.
My two latest Dells both charge through USB-c, the older one came with a Dell charger with round plug, but I found out it could actually charge from USB, the latest came with a USB charger.Dell used to be really picky about chargers also. Michelle had one for years. Great laptop but it took a while to get a 12v charger that it would accept.