Is purchasable AC adapter cord longerthan included adapter's

[Matt_]

Ok, don't laugh. During the time that I've been using my family's R50p, my one tiny complaint is that I wish the cord on the AC adapter were longer.
In the customization page for a particular laptop model, there's a seperate AC adapter that can be purchased.
ThinkPad 72W AC Adapter[+$53.10 ]
At that price I guess it would be ridiculous/cost-prohibitive to purchase it if it did have a longer cord.
While I guess someone could suggest plugging the ac adapter into an extension cord, when this laptop is plugged in, I plan to have it plugged into a surge protector -- and I think is supposed to be plugged directly into a surge protector and not do something like plug it into a power strip/extension cord and, in turn, plug that power strip/extension cord into the surge protector, right ?

[G-Man]

It's the same length. Just take your current (short) power cord to a Radio Shack, show it and ask for a longer one. I'm sure they have.

Regards,
G-Man

[Matt_]

Thank you for help G-Man. I'll look into that when I get a chance.
Regards,
Matt_

[Logi7]

It's the same length. Just take your current (short) power cord to a Radio Shack, show it and ask for a longer one. I'm sure they have.

Regards,
G-Man

haha i took the longer cord from my dvd player

.. not it has to be right beside the outle though

[hausman]

While I guess someone could suggest plugging the ac adapter into an extension cord, when this laptop is plugged in, I plan to have it plugged into a surge protector -- and I think is supposed to be plugged directly into a surge protector and not do something like plug it into a power strip/extension cord and, in turn, plug that power strip/extension cord into the surge protector, right ?

I don't see the problem. An extension cord is just that. There's no additional circuitry or load that would affect a surge suppressor. OTOH some power strips do have surge suppressors built in but I still don't see why that should matter.

If you need a temporary extension, I'd use an extension cord. I've seen them in 6' (and maybe even 3') lengths so you don't have to mess with really long ones.

If you need a permanent extension then either look for one at a place like Radio Shack (while the connector into the adapter is a standard 2-prong type so you should be able to find replacements) or if you're handy with electrical stuff, splice some line cord into your existing cord (be sure to twist and solder the wires together to maximize strength and tape or shrink tube everything for safety.)

[PTzero]

I bought one of these from Radio Shack.

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?c ... id=61-2876

[gte204i]

as an electrical engineer, I think of no reason you shouldn't be able to simply use an extension cord. It's simply an added length of conductor. Copper is copper. The extension cord would have no effect on the function of the surge suppressor. I wouldn't, however, plug anything else into the extension cord, especially something with a high current draw like a microwave...just in case you were thinking of warming a meal while browsing thinkpads.com....hahha

[awolfe63]

The cord that connects the AC plug to the 72W adapter is an international standard - I don't remember the name though. (Anybody?)
You should be able to find them in various lengths at hardware stores, radio shack, etc as well as on the web.

[Matt_]

I'm sorry I haven't had a chance to reply before now.

Because I bought my Belkin F5C980-TEL surge protector over a year ago, I don't recall if my hesitation over plugging an extension cord or power strip into the surge protector came from anything that I read while trying to research internet opinions at the time.

The documentation that came with it states:"You SHOULD NOT USE two-wire extension cords or adapters. Using any extension cord in conjunction with a Belkin Surge Protector will void all Belkin Components warranties. All connected equipment should be plugged directly into your Belkin Surge Protector."
I had emailed tech. support and received an answer that I didn't understand:
"Thank you for contacting Belkin Technical Support
We don't want to be responsible for a possible defect in an extension cord."

So I called tech. support to see if someone could elaborate on this answer and tell me if Belkin has some technical-based reason for advising against using an extension cord, and unfortunately he didn't have any information regarding that.

hausman:
I don't see the problem. An extension cord is just that. There's no additional circuitry or load that would affect a surge suppressor. OTOH some power strips do have surge suppressors built in but I still don't see why that should matter.

gte204i:
as an electrical engineer, I think of no reason you shouldn't be able to simply use an extension cord. It's simply an added length of conductor. Copper is copper. The extension cord would have no effect on the function of the surge suppressor. I wouldn't, however, plug anything else into the extension cord, especially something with a high current draw like a microwave

I appreciate the replies and explanations, and if something like the 6ft ac power cord from Radio Shack ends up being insufficient, I'm glad to know I can go ahead and safely use an extension cord.

One other question (one which I think I have the answer to):
The power cord on my family's R50p's power cord has this information stamped on it: "7A125V"

The Radio Shack cord (61-2876) that I saw at the store has this on it: "10A , 125V , 1250W"

The amperage rating is diff. from the ibm cord, but some info. that I found at another messageboard made it sound like this is okay:

A cord is a cord. 2 wires from your outlet to your player. it will only deliver as much, or as little power as your player demands. as long as the cord can handle the load that your player requires, there is no harm in using it. I highly doubt that your player will require more Wattage then that power cord can deliver.
It will not damage your player unless you plug it into the wrong voltage source. if you just plug it into your regular outlet your fine, as all the voltage conversions from AC to DC and such are done inside the player.

No using this power cord will not harm your player.
In general you should use a cord rated for more amps than the device to which it is connected. A 7Amp cord could handle a max of 1540 watts. (7A X 120Volts = watts). The 20 watt apex is well below this. This safety guideline is only to keep the cord from overheating as a result of the resistance of the wire to the current flow. You can actually just feel the outside of the cord (near the outlet especially) after a device has been on a while; if the cord is hot, a bigger rating is required--else the plastic of the cord could catch on fire and start a bigger fire.

awolfe63:
The cord that connects the AC plug to the 72W adapter is an international standard - I don't remember the name though. (Anybody?)
You should be able to find them in various lengths at hardware stores, radio shack, etc as well as on the web.

Thank you, too. If Radio Shack's 6ft power cord isn't long enough, I'll check into this, too.