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Targus Laptop Charger with Dell N5010

Aug 15, 2013 5:12AM PDT

The AC Adapter that came with my Dell N5010 broke. The computer would not charge when plugged in. The computer would charge when plugged into other Dell AC Adapters.

I purchased a Targus Universal Wall Power Adapter for Laptops. My Dell laptop presents a warning message on startup that informs me that there are problems with this new charger. I simply ignored this message and proceeded with ordinary startup.

I realized that the battery is not charging with this new charger. It did not work to use the new Targus connector wire with the old Dell AC Adapter.

Do Dell computers work exclusively with Dell AC Adapters?

I would like to resolve this issue by managing options and features already on my computer. I would prefer not to download new programs.

Discussion is locked

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Do Dell computers work exclusively with Dell AC Adapters?
Aug 15, 2013 5:25AM PDT

They should. Why? Because of laptop battery fires years ago many makers locked out third party chargers.

It's a legal issue as well as technical. If the charger does not work you return it as there are no user accessible settings available to make it work.
Bob

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would another computer brand be a third party?
Aug 15, 2013 5:45AM PDT

Like we have a HP laptop and a Dell Laptop and the chargers seem to work ok on each other. Is that not good to do?

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Just don't try to bring a lawsuit over the results.
Aug 15, 2013 6:01AM PDT

Once a product is in the user's hands their choice!

Do you remember the issue I noted?
Bob

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(NT) Yeah, I'm old enough!
Aug 15, 2013 6:05AM PDT
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It was 2000. Dell was in the news.
Aug 15, 2013 6:13AM PDT
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Review that product
Aug 15, 2013 11:15PM PDT

So what is the actual warning message?

In most cases the Targus charger will work but it also depends on what laptop gets used here. As laptops gotten the Li-on type batteries, these and related circuitry have gotten real fancy. While it may report an issue, it's basically looking for a "item tag" of sorts that says, its good to go. Reliable 3rd party vendors have offered "replacements" for yrs. so you can take it all with a grain of salt, what's what. i can only offer if you feel uncomfortable and/or the warning is really making a point, return the charger. I have oreder replacement AC chargers that flatly state they are true replacement, yet are label from brand XYZ but rated for that laptop model#. The Targus as you stated is a "universal type" so be sure you do what's required to make it all work, like correct plug, voltage/amps slide sw. or similar(if needed).

As for ordering a replacement AC charger for Dell, you can google away(use Amazon) pricing is reasonable probably cheaper than Targus. I've done this for various laptop brands.

tada -----Willy Happy

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Grinding this more finely. You wrote...
Aug 15, 2013 11:39PM PDT

" It did not work to use the new Targus connector wire with the old Dell AC Adapter. "

Since you claim it charged with other Dell adapters it seems odd to mix the Targus and Dell parts here. Nice experiment but I don't think it proves much. We know that because of the issues in the past there are lockouts to prevent problems in that area. That is, the maker went the extra mile to be sure there is no maker created issue but at the same time broke third party compatibility.

I'd re-test with the other Dell adapter and Dell cables then if that works, get a Dell charger.
Bob