A/C Adapter - T21

[Harryc]

I've collected some A/C adapters over the years, and am wondering if either of them will work with a T21. They are;

FRU - 02K6496
FRU - 85G6738

If neither of those are the right A/C Adapter for a T21, can someone please provide the right part number/FRU#?

[rkawakami]

FRU 02K6496 = 56W adapter
FRU 85G6738 = not found at Lenovo.com, but a Google search says 16V 2.2A or 35W

Both adapters should not be used with the T21, which was originally spec'ed for a 72W power supply. As long as the IBM adapter has the output specs of 16V and 4.5A and a yellow plug then you should be able to use them with the T21. There are many different AC adpaters with various FRUs that meet these specifications.

[Harryc]

Thanks for the information. Does anyone have the FRU number for the original T21 AC Adapter? Also, the linked adapter looks like a knock-off. Any danger in getting one of these vs. original IBM? All of the adapters on EBay appear to be not original. What's the best source for low cost original adapters?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0109181447

Moderator edit: Shortened URL to prevent horizontal scrolling

[rkawakami]

The adapter in the eBay auction appears to be a genuine IBM part.

edit: The FRU of the 72W adapter listed in the tawbook.pdf for the T21 is 02K6699.

[Harryc]

Thanks again Ray. I have owned so many thinkpads over the years I should know by now to check the parts drawer first. I found part number 02K6661 just sitting there . It is rated at 72W, 16V, 4.5amps. I am good to go.

[nikki605]

The FRU on my T21 adapter is 02K6677. 16 volt, 4.5A. It came with the T21 when I bought it new in 2001.

[Harryc]

Thank-you Gary. Question, how does that Belkin USB 2.0 card work and is it a problem fitting it into the PCMCIA slot next to a wifi adapter?

[nikki605]

I rarely have both plugged in at once, but they do fit - barely! I have the Netgear wireless card plugged into the bottom slot. It does have a slight bulge on the top of the plastic part that sticks out the side of the PC. The Belkin USB card has no bulge on the bottom of its plastic end. It has a large bulge on the top, of course, to accommodate the 2 USB plugs.

I have them both plugged in right now. I put the wireless card in the bottom slot first and then the USB card in the top slot. As I slid the USB card into the card slot, I could feel a slight drag against the wireless card, but not so much that I had to "force" the USB card into its slot. Just go slow and easy and they both should fit.

I had wondered if installing both cards might shield the wireless card from getting a good signal, but it doesn't seem to. According to the Netgear software, the signal strength I am getting right now, with or without the USB card installed, is the same - 90%.

The only other thing that concerns me is the heat. Each PC card generates a lot of heat. I'm not sure if running the two of them together for a long period of time will produce a heat problem.

I really like the Belkin USB card. It comes with a power supply that connects to a plug located between the 2 USB plugs. I have to use it when I want to use either my flash drive or an external 2.5" HDD since both draw power from the USB port. The power brick is not that big and fits in my PC bag when I travel. I've also used it to connect to several different printers and never had a problem. When connected to a printer, you don't need the USB card power brick since the printer has its own power. I bought it on eBay a little over a year ago for $25 plus shipping.

Hope that answers your questions.

[Harryc]

Hope that answers your questions.

It does, thanks for taking the time to reply.