Thinkpads Forum

I got a new thinpad T60p as my new work machine, purchased by my company.

I just asked them if they had any extra power cords that were compatable with the laptop, as I often plug in both at work and at home, and would like to avoid dragging along a power cord on my commute.

They replied by telling me they had some dell powercords, and if the plug looked the same, I could try that out. After researching for a little bit, the dell power adapter supply 90 watts of power (just like my thinkpad power adapter.)

Is this just a horrible idea? I've had this laptop just a few weeks, and love it. I'd hate to destroy it. (on the other hand, getting to re-use our old power adapters would be better than tossing them and ordering new thinkpad ones...)

That's a bad idea. I just got mine and will not take a chance on frying something, there are some electrical genius's who will say it is OK, but it is just like russian roulette.

you have to check all the specs. Output voltage and output Currents should match exactly

As long as the tip's polarity is the same as the Thinkpad's, there shouldn't be any problem provided the Dell brick provides the same voltage and wattage as the Thinkpad's. Check the labels on both.

There's usually a graphical representation of the tip polarity on the power brick.

I'm not sure about the T60, but almost all other Thinkpads have the CENTER terminal as positive, with the outer ring negative. In addition, all of my T4x machines have an outline of the tip polarity embossed in the case right above the power connecter.

Regards,

James

espressojim wrote:I got a new thinpad T60p as my new work machine, purchased by my company.

I just asked them if they had any extra power cords that were compatable with the laptop, as I often plug in both at work and at home, and would like to avoid dragging along a power cord on my commute.

They replied by telling me they had some dell powercords, and if the plug looked the same, I could try that out. After researching for a little bit, the dell power adapter supply 90 watts of power (just like my thinkpad power adapter.)

It might work; it might not. Before I tried it, though, I'd get the suggestion from your desktop support unit in writing since it's not your notebook.

The T60 tip and sleeve is completely different than on any thinkpad I have seen or owned, it is huge and has a tiny (almost coax ) cable type inner tip.

Kyocera wrote:The T60 tip and sleeve is completely different than on any thinkpad I have seen or owned, it is huge and has a tiny (almost coax ) cable type inner tip.

Thanks for that reminder Mike.

On second thought, it probably won't work and shouldn't even be attempted.

My 2623-DDU is still in the pipeline, although I got the shipping notice yesterday, glad to hear you got your's.

Regards,

James

I am paranoid and probably wouldn't try that; even if the T60 didn't have a very different power port.

James:

My 2623-DDU is still in the pipeline, although I got the shipping notice yesterday, glad to hear you got your's.

Will be anxious to hear how you like yours.

mmmhmmm,
Well leaving paranoia at the door,
Assuming the output polarity, current and voltage are the same, then there shouldn't be a problem. Of course if the connector wasn't the same then you'd need some sort of adaptor, and taking into account that you'd probably have have them custom made/diy then...

Also it gets more complicated, as some equipment actually has a range of voltage/current that it can operate at.

It's basically down to finding a 'compatible' power supply, what brand is on the plastic casing will have no difference in operation of the actual circuitary inside the thing, unless of course, the label on the plastic case is lying. >_>

I am someone who likes to toy and take chances with my stuff however, every console and cable I've ever bought has had my soldering iron in it at some point :p