Thinkpads Forum

Can the X301 use an AC adapter from a T42? I have two adapters for my T42: a 90W and a 65W. But my T42 just died (after 4 years), and so I ordered an X301. Will I be able to use these old adapters with the X301?

Thanks a lot.

Welcome to thinkpads.com!

No, the power supplies are different. For many years before the advent of the 60 series systems (roughly 2006), Thinkpads used an AC adapter to provide 16V DC to the laptop. Two versions were mostly in use: 54W (really 56W if you do the math; 3.5A x 16V) and 72W (4.5A). As far as I know, there were no 65W or 90W 16V adapters that had the coaxial power plug which fit the T42.

With the 60 series and onward, a change was made to the AC adapter to 20V. That also required a totally different plug for the laptop.

ref: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-72181 (X301 specs)

Output is 20 V dc, 0 - 3.25A

ref: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-57839 (T42 specs)

Output is 16 V dc, 4.5

Thanks for your helpful reply. I guess I was thinking of a different computer when I remembered 65W and 90W... turns out both my T42 adapters are 72W like you said.