[Drew]

I've got an HP Compaq laptop, and it's not charging up very successfully. I'm not sure if it's the connection in the back of the laptop, or if it's the power supply thing. The plug -> cable -> two pin socket seems fine, but the box with two pin socket -> cable -> laptop socket seems suspect.


Is there someone who can recommend a website shop etc which would be good for spares of this ilk? Would I be ok using a different charging unit from a different laptop? Is there anything I need to know before I buy? I've never even thought about these sorts of spares before now, so want to make sure I don't buy something which will be useless.

Cheers.

[Drew]

In fact something a little like this:

[GCW]

After the mother in law left my laptop adapter plugged in for 3 days in a cupboard, I got a replacement from MDS Batteries.
They were cheapest, it arrived quickly and I've had no problems with it.  Worth a look anyway.

[GCW]

What do you mean "not charging succesfully"?  Could it be your laptop battery?

[slackline]

Agree with GCW, its more likely to be the laptop battery getting old.  Overtime Lithium rechargeable batteries deteriorate and loose their ability to hold charge.

Thats why your mobile will need a new battery after a few years too.

[Drew]

I think I might try the battery first then.

I can charge it up for ages, and it'll only actually charge about 5-7%. I'll try a new battery and see how that works, but it also doesn't charge up very well... by this I mean that I will plug the charging unit in, and the light will come on so say it's charging, but it'll turn off again, to show that the plug has almost fallen out. I think it might be a problem on the laptop end of things. The socket doesn't sit in it properly.

[GCW]

Sounds like your power lead is OK.
The site I linked does batteries too.  I'd definitely try a new battery first.