Hi, A friend of mine has a problem with her notebook. The power adapter has stopped working, and she can't find a compatible replacement. I looked around and I've found a universal adapter which I think will work. But I think a universal adapter will cost more than one which is actually the type she wants. The original is 19v - 5a The notebook is a Gateway MX6883B, but she wasn't sure about the model # so that might not be exact. This is the universal one I found: http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Prod... Any ideas where I might find a cheaper one It needs to be available in Britain Thanks, Sam Biscuits are good, but keep the crumbs off your keyboard!

•Input 100 ~240 Vac ; For worldwide use. •Output +19 Vdc 120W ; Apply to most of Notebook Computer. Seems like it will work...as long as it's physically compatible. Google says: 'Your search - MX6883B - did not match any documents.' You need the exact model number. Just googling for 'gateway MX6000 power adapter' yields serveral interesting results.

thanks for the reply, i hadn't tried googling mx6000 Found this: http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Ac-adapter-... This says 19v @ 4.7a Is that close enough? Or could that damage the comp? Thanks, Sam Biscuits are good, but keep the crumbs off your keyboard!

I don't know where you are located, but before you condem the old one, find someone who is familiar with basic electronics, soldering, and do this: Try measureing the output voltage of the old supply with a meter, while wiggling the plug/cable in your fingers. Also try wiggling the cable along it's length, and near the supply itself. If this does not produce the proper output, unplug the supply, and cut the cable which goes to the laptop about 12" from the laptop. Now strip the cable on both cut ends. Using the ohmeter, check the cut off end for continuity, again wiggling the cable, looking for continuity. If you get none, recheck the cut cable leading to the supply for voltage output. If you now have voltage, obviously the plug was broken, you may be able to obtain a usable one from Radio Sh$$ and solder up as necessary. I'd also look on eBay for an original replacement. There are tons of them on there.

Another way you can be absolutely sure that it is bad, is if the LED light on the power supply is lit (IF it even has a light - most do). If it IS lit, that most likely the problem is with either the plug, or the socket that it plugs into on the laptop. Try applying pressure in different directions on the plug while it is plugged in. For instance, my laptop socketis bad, so I have to have a VHS tape under the plug which is lifting the laptops rear-right side up off the table a little bit. The upward pressure on the plug, is creating a downward pressure on the contact inside. Hopefully this helps!!

Thanks for the replies, It had occurred to me that the socket could be bad, I hadn't thought of the jack itself. One problem is I haven't actually seen the PC myself, but I'll at least pass on these suggestions, and hopefully be able to get a look at it myself. Sam Biscuits are good, but keep the crumbs off your keyboard!