Short power DC cable

akist

Active member
I have two laptops from pcspecialist both Vortex 17". They use a huge brick adaptor which is heavy and bulky at 230W ! My 17" Sony Vaio uses a 70W adaptor which is half the size and weight of this one.

But I am not complaining about the size of the adaptor. I am complaining about the very short DC cable. It is too short to be of any practical use and we are obliged in almost every single situation to have the brick size adaptor on the same space as the laptop. For example it does not matter if the laptop is on the breakfast table, or on the dining room table, or on the desk - it does not matter where it is, this huge brick adaptor must be next to it, almost.

Ideally we would want the adaptor to be on the floor and this is how it is with all other laptops (the Vaio, the Acer etc) but not with the pcspecialist, the word "laptop" does not apply, because you must also lag around this huge power brick, only because some idiot somewhere has decided that the power cord must be less than 1m length...

Of course if the laptop lives on the desk and never moves, you tend to ignore the power brick right next to it, but once you start moving the laptop, it is a laptop after all, the 1m cable makes it so awkward. The connector is also an awkward 4-pin connector it so not as if you can simply get or make an extension for it.

Here is a vote for DC extension cables or better adaptors provided for free from pcspecialist.
 

akist

Active member
I've never had a problem with my vortex with the length of a cable. Depends on the height of your tables and units i guess though.

I would suggest one of these.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Masterplug-...id=1418735219&sr=8-6&keywords=extension+cable

Probably get them cheaper as Tesco or your local Electrical store.

Honestly did you really think I would not know how to get a mains extension cable or that I would complain about it?

The problem is not the mains but the DC cable. You know that cable which plugs in at the back of the laptop.
It is so short that makes it impossible to have the adaptor on the floor and the laptop up on some working surface . The adaptor brick must be in almost all circumstances next to the laptop.

Now if you xould suggest a source of extension leads for the most awkward connector ever seen I have looked and even if you wanted to make your own extension lead you would not be able to find those connectors. The o ly solution is to chop this short lead an place an extension lead in between. All because some moron decided o make it so short.
 

SmokeDarKnight

Author Level
A DC Cable extension then? make sure you order the correct size for the vortex though.

Maplin http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/dc-power-extension-cable-set-21mm-1m-jr94c EDIT, noticed these arent the right connection

Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/3M-Power-Extension-Cable-2-1mm/dp/B003AN8X0I EDIT, noticed these arent the right connection

or failing that

Take it to a sparky and get them to make the cable longer?

Cut the cable yourself and use terminal blocks and extra cable?

Get a sparky to make a male to female connection for the laptop to brick side?
 
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bigben

Master Poster
That does sound like it could be annoying at times.
You could try phoning them to see if they have any suggestions or alternatives, maybe avoid the word calling them morons tho...

Now if you xould suggest a source of extension leads for the most awkward connector ever seen



Could you put a picture of the plug up here?
 
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SmokeDarKnight

Author Level
Is the port like this?

dc-font-b-power-b-font-jack-plug-socket-for-asus-l5-font-b-clevo-b.jpg_220x220.jpg
 
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akist

Active member
The socket at the back of the laptop is a male socket. The connector at the end of the cable is a female *and* protruding connector. Which is very hard to find (I have not seen it anywhere).

Here is a picture of this connector.

As you have also suggested cutting the cable and inserting an extension is the only solution.
 

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SmokeDarKnight

Author Level
I'll have a look tonight to see if i can find anything.

I keep seeing 4 pin extensions but they might be audio. There must be something that exists.

Ill post if i find something
 
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