[DietProZac]

I have a 12" G4 867MHz TiBook and the power adapter just crapped out on me. It looks like the plastic part where the cord connects to the plug (with the green/amber light) is broken, so I doubt I could get Apple to replace it- they'd just tell me it was abused.

So I'm looking for replacement adapters on eBay to try to save $30, and the closest thing I can find is a part #M8482. That part number doesn't show up on Apples US site (which says I need #661-3049), so it must be an adapter for a different region. This is only slightly different from the adapter I have now, because it's output is 24V and my current adapter's output is 24.5V. Everything else is the same, input, wattage, amps, Hz etc... Just a 0.5V output difference. Will this screw up my computer, or interfere with battery charging in some way? I'd really rather not shell out $80 to Apple if I can get this one for half as much.

Thanks.

[The Placid Casual]

Personally, for the sake of $30, I would go to Apple and remove any chance of your machine being fried.

You can never be too careful.

[rag on a muffin]

they will replace it. just take it in. my friend tripped on his power cord (that was stupid and clumsy) and they replaced it. they even knew it was abuse and they replaced it. they especially replace the older power adapters because they tend to break.

[bighead]

Go to an Apple Retail Store and ask if they have any open-box or refreshed AC adapters. Last time I found one, it was $35 and someone had opened it and realized it wouldn't work on a PowerBook G3.

Less than half the price, and never used!

[chipchen]

yea... first, go to an apple store. MOST OF THE TIME they will not replace it unless it looks like it's possible it could have been defective in some way. They try to give you the benefit of the doubt... remember, this can depend on the person you go to. It's like taking something back to a store after thirty days... depends on what mood that person is in and whether they have a hang over from the night before.

about purchasing a power adapter... get an apple one. no doubt about it. Unless you get a Kensington one or iGo which were made for PowerBooks.. I wouldn't play around.

MOST OF THE TIME, again, the Apple Store does have a "refresh" power adapter for the powerbook. This is indeed due to the fact that a lot of people buy the wrong one, or buy one and return it when their find their old one. They mark these from $79 to $34.95. I got one myself.

Unless you walk in on the last weekend of the month (in which case they'll have the refresh items for the month on a table in the back), you'll have to ask someone politely. Look for someone who is willing to look and not someone who just says, "oh, yea.. what's out here is all we have"

good luck!