[ltp] Re: Slightly off-topic: different wattage

[James Knott]

Rolf Kutz wrote:
> On 21/09/09 10:56 +0200, rappard@dds.nl wrote:
>> (Apologies for the previous near-empty message, Internet Explorer
>> barfed.)
>>
>> The 90 W / 20 V AC adapter that came with my T60 recently broke -
>> what  are the drawbacks of using a 65 W / 20 V one instead (we have a
>> spare  one of those at work)? Is charging going to take substantially
>> longer?
>
> My T60 came with a 65W adapter. It's a 14" one
> with Intel graphics. 65W adapter might not be
> enough for 15" with non-Intel graphics, who might
> need more power. I recendly switched to a 90W one,
> cause the connector of the other one broke. Can't
> really compare the charging time difference, since
> the battery is rather old now.
>
A higher capacity adapter will not cause faster charging, as the charge
rate is determined by computer & battery.  A power adapter supplies only
the power that's needed, so you shouldn't see any difference in the
power consumed by the computer with either charger.  On the other hand
an inadequate charger may not be able to always deliver the power
required, which can lead to problems.