Thinkpads Forum

HI all!

Long time lurker first time poster. I have a 385xd that I absolutely love. Still works great, screen is still brilliant, and it does what I want it to do (runs word2000 and biblioexpress). Have had to replace the battery but thats it as far as problems. I do however need a new AC Adapter. The original still works but only intermittently (the wire is broken where the wire feeds into the dongle that plugs into the computer. the FRU is 02k6496. Can someone point me to where might be able to get a replacement. Also do I need this exact part or are adapters pretty much universal? TIA! Also want to say thanks and kudos to everyone who posts to this site. It is an amazing resource!

Luke

Welcome to thinkpads.com!

I believe that your current AC adapter is a 16V 3.36A (aka 56 watt) rated supply. Check the label on the bottom of the adapter to be sure. The documentation that I can find on the 385XD says it came with the 56 watt but is also "35 watt supported". If it were me, I'd stay with a genuine IBM 56 watt adapter or even use a 16V 4.5A (72 watt) supply; that adapter should run cooler. You can usually find them on eBay or online retailers. Some of those sellers will advertise them as "for IBM Thinkpad" systems. That usually means that they are not genuine IBM power supplies but "clones" or universal adapters. A close look at any picture should tell the tale (lack of IBM colored logo is one good clue).

And you have a private message waiting!