Just wasted $120 on a 'universal' laptop charger kit

Had a client bring in a Dell laptop with a dead power jack. Instead of ordering the exact part, I grabbed one of those universal charger kits from the supply store. The box said it worked with 'over 2000 models' and had all these different tips. Spent an hour trying to get a solid connection, but the pin was just a hair too short. It would charge if you held it at a perfect angle, but the second you moved it, it died. Ended up having to order the proper Dell barrel jack anyway, which took three more days to arrive. The client wasn't happy about the extra wait, and I ate the cost of the kit. Those universal things are never as universal as they claim. Has anyone found a brand of these kits that's actually reliable, or should I just stop buying them completely?

2 comments

2 Comments

amybarnes2d ago

Tell me about it, I've got a drawer full of those stupid universal tips that fit nothing right. Bought one for an old HP that said it was compatible, but the voltage was just close enough to be wrong and fried the battery. Now I just order the exact part every single time, even if it takes a week. Why do they even sell those kits if they never work like they're supposed to?

the_morgan1d ago

Ugh, that's the worst... those kits are such a scam.