Power Cord/Charger/Supply Question?

[freetime]

I have a Dell Inspiron 8100 that says on the bottom to use model 'Dell PA-6 20v-3.5a ' power supply/charger/cord.

I have (been using) a 'Dell PA-9 20V-4.8a' power supply/charger/cord.

Like in the old 'Get Smart' TV series will my computer go up in smoke if I continue to use this power supply? I ask this because the computer bottom gets VERY HOT, almost to the point where I can't pick it up bare handed after only an hour of use.

I'm using this power supply because the laptop won't work unless plugged in.

How much is a new battery and power supply for this computer?

[gman863]

The PA6 @ 3.5a is likely a 65-watt power supply; the PA9 is likely a 95-watt.

You should be OK using the PA9 - it's the same voltage. The extra amps/watts are basically reserve power and will not hurt the PC.

(The reverse of this, however, is different. If you use a power supply that is a lower wattage or amperage than recommended by the mfr., the PC will not get enough juice. As a result, an undersized power supply may overheat and/or not provide enough power to run and charge the PC)

Hope this helps.

[freetime]

I figured because the power cord/supply was also Dell, that it was ok to use with this laptop.thanks for explaining a very important aspect of why using the wrong power cord could be harmful.

What do you think about the battery? Is it kaput/dead or is it not turned on or what? It does'nt seem to 'charge/hold any charge because none of the 'idiot lights' associated with the 'battery' illuminate when plugged in or unplugged and the laptop is on.

[gman863]

When the power supply is plugged in, you should see at least one power light lit - sometimes it will be inside or near the PC power input; other times it will be somewhere near the keyboard with the "on" and other lights.

When the PC is turned on with Windows loaded, look at the bottom right icons (next to the date and time). You should see one that looks like an "AA" battery. If there is a power cord icon attached to it, it means the battery is attempting to charge (In almost all cases, the battery should attempt to charge if the PC is plugged into AC power).

Notebook batteries generally have a lifespan of about three years. Once they have been charged and discharged a few hundred times, they go "flat", holding little if any charge.

If you are looking for a new battery, check out Amazon.com and do a search for "Inspiron 8100 battery" then sort by user reviews. There are both good and junk aftermarket batteries available; it's better to spend a few bucks more on one with good reviews. In any case, Amazon will cost about 60% less than buying a replacement from Dell.

[freetime]

gman, I see no Icon for the Battery in the tool box when the computer is in use. I do see what appears to be the 'battery indicator' in the upper left hand corner above the keyboard. It's in a row of 3 tiny indicator lights and it just blinks on and off 'orange/amber' with a faint 'green' at times.

I can't run the laptop without being plugged into the wall by power cord.

I'll check your recommendations to find a new battery. I realize those don't last long in any application, so expected it would be shot by now. I really like the computer keyboard keys on the 8100 compared to more modern keyboard with 'flat' style keys. Arthritis is not a friend of those who type, especially if there is no raised keys.