How do I Choose the Best Laptop Power Supply?

If you have a laptop, you will likely need a replacement laptop power supply in the future, since this type of accessory does not always last as long as the computer does. Before you buy, you need to take your budget into account so that you know the best place to buy it from. Making a note of the voltage requirements first is crucial so that you know that the laptop power supply that you are considering will work with your computer. You should also decide just how functional you want the power supply to be, and consider whether you expect to be traveling with it.

Many people assume that they must buy a laptop power supply from the same company that manufactured their laptop. Fortunately, this is not always the case, as there are many universal power supplies on the market. These can be purchased from most stores that carry computer accessories, and usually fit various brands. Going this route can save you money since most independent companies feature lower prices on power supplies than major computer manufactures do. Just be sure to check your current power supply to find out the voltage required for the replacement.

While the point of a laptop power supply is to bring power to the computer, some types are more functional than that. There are power supplies available that have room to plug in several electronics at once so that you can charge more than your laptop at one time. This kind of laptop power supply typically costs more than a basic adapter, though, so be sure that you will use it with other electronics before you spend the extra money. Otherwise, you can opt for a simple power supply that just requires one end to be plugged into the laptop, and the other to be plugged into the wall.

The point of a laptop for many people is to have some flexibility with where they use their computer. If you travel often and bring your laptop along, it is convenient to have a laptop power supply that is just as portable as your notebook. Since a regular kind that plugs into the wall will not work on an airplane, or in most cars, you should consider purchasing a laptop power supply that is meant for traveling. Some standard power supplies come with kits so that you can alter them to charge in an airplane or car, but you can also typically purchase a separate travel adapter that is perfect for this kind of use.