Laptop adapter?

Shrimply

Hi all, quick question.

I've just got a new dell laptop and it has just come to my attention that the apapter is practically identical to the one for my HP netbook.

Obvisouly for someone as disorganised as me this is likely to cause a few problems, looking at them the only difference seems to be that the Dell is Output is 19.5V (3.34A) and the HPs is 18.5V (3.5A).

I imagine this difference is enough that I need to be very careful about which one i used but wanted to check if its anything to worry about if I manage to muddle them up.

Thanks.

totalsolutions

Ohh, yes POLARITY. The the centre pin on the diagram printed on the power units. Two small circles with a + to the centre. If one is -, then bang.

I would paint or ribbon or mark in some way to identify each, that would be best.

Shrimply

Polarity is the same, I'm guessing the answer will be that it probably won't do any damage short term but if I use the wrong adapter a lot it could do damage?

And I guess using the lower voltage output, i.e the HP adapter of the Dell Laptop is less likely to do damage than the other way around?

Its obvious I'm just going to have to be very careful, it'd be so much easier if the adapters just didn't fit into the wrong machine.

spud17

My router and cable modem have easily confused power leads.

I use wide white tape, folded around the lead, right up against the connector.

This sticks out like a flag, on it in black felt pen is either a large M or R.

Shrimply

Thanks, yeah I'll have to make sure their properly marked, more than likely I'll roll out of bed one day and plug in the wrong adapter.

I'm so used to absolutely every manufacturer having unique fittings that it hadn't even crossed my mind that they'd be the same.