Thinkpads Forum

OK, I'm just all about the askiness.
I have found the power supply for my 390X to be incredibly handy. I so far has powered the 365X's I picked up at Goodwill, and a Compaq Presario of about the same vintage as my 390X.
My question is this: Am I doing harm to these computers or, more importantly, my power supply, since its output ratings are different from but close to the output ratings for the appropriate power supplies for those machines? I am about to receive a hand-me-down laptop with a "universal" power supply, but I want to play with the Compaq as an expendable testbed for things I want to do with my Thinkpad.
Thanks.

Aaron

I have found the power supply for my 390X to be incredibly handy. ... Am I doing harm to these computers or, more importantly, my power supply, since its output ratings are different from but close to the output ratings for the appropriate power supplies for those machines?

As long as the adaptor supplies the same voltage that is required, and is rated equal or higher then what is needed you should be ok.
I do not know the specs of the 390x adaptor; I do know however, that my 365XD shipped with the 56-watt model and can be powered by the more common 72-watt IBM adaptor.

Basic rules: DO NOT over or under-volt, and DO NOT under power. Check polarity BEFORE you plug it in (not every device has polarity protection).

Post the ratings here if you can.