For some reason over the past week my laptop charger has been really inconsistent. Sometimes I have to really fiddle with the end after I've plugged it in to charge my laptop up. Bit of hassle if I want it on the move, as you'd expect with a laptop! It only charges if in one position but towards the end of the week its been harder to find this position. Anyways I've got an Acer Aspire 3502WLMi and wondering how much a new charger would be? Or can you use other Acer chargers cos my dads old laptop was an Acer and he still has the charger for it.

Actually just asked my mate and he said he had the same problem and it could be something to do with the pin INSIDE the laptop. Sounds expensive if it is that!

Thanks

John

It most likely is the jack inside the laptop and not the charger, unless the cable/connector is damaged. The internal connection is very low tech and most likely the tension on one of the contacts is weak. Most often, a simple, slight bend on the tension "prong" is all that is needed, but like all tensioned (spring loaded) things, once bent/worn, rebending back is only a temporary fix as it will unspring even faster next time.

Replacing the connector is not normally a user task as it requires disassembly of the laptop, and desoldering/soldering on the main board, so it should be left up to a qualified technician. Sadly, the very nature of laptops makes this a time consuming task and so labor is where the major costs come in. However, as far as repair tasks go, it is an easy task and it should take no more than 1 hour.

I would not use the PS/charger from another computer, even if the same brand laptop as they may use a different battery or charging circuit. The exception would be if the power supply itself has the exact same model number and electrical characteristics.

Thanks for the help. Sounds complicated! So you suggest taking it into an expert on Monday and seeing what the general opinion is. Hopefully they'll be able to tell me that all I need is a new charger. Cos the charger wire is quite oddly shaped so maybe its that.

So you suggest taking it into an expert on Monday

No, I thought Tuesday would be better!

But seriously, I think you misunderstood me. I don't think you need a new charger. I think you need a new connector in the laptop that the charger plugs into. Now if that oddly shaped wire is damaged, then, if there's room to work with, the wire can be repaired. If there's damage that's too close to the molded connector, then a new connector, hopefully, can be attached to the wire. If you need a new charger, you can find universal chargers on-line that will likely be cheaper than a new original.

Ah ok, thanks for that. Will see what happens then when I take it into the shop Tuesday Hoping it won't be too expensive, got an expensive month coming up!

Keep us posted.