Electronic Shop

Tuesday, 31 August 2010

Wire Cutters - tools, pos

This is an excellent tool.I have two sizes, but use the 8" most often. It works well to pull nails, cut wires, nibble metal, and bend, break, cut, or remove all manner of materials.The nipper gets into tight spots to pull nails when a hammer or pry bar won't fit.I used this tool last night. I was removing an old fireplace for a basement remodelling project. I used it to pull nails from the wooden framing. Then I cut the thick wire in the reinforced fabric ducting connected to the blower assemblies. I used it to cut the 12 gauge Romex to the blower (diag cutters or lineman's pliers may be the purist' choice-but I had this tool in hand...)Finally, I used it to bend sharp, nasty sheet metal edges into less dangerous shapes/positions when I was ready to carry the firebox outside.I have also used it in the past to grab rounded screw heads and extract them.Dependable tool. Frequently and successfully used. Highly recommended. Channellock 358 8-Inch End Cutting Plier

I agree with other reviewers here. These end-cutters are particularly well suited to pulling/leveraging nails. They are not as well suited to end-nipping. There are slightly better manual end-cutters for nipping where the pivot is closer to the jaws and the handles flare more widely resulting in better mechanical advantage. There are also ones with double-pivots which generate even better mechanical advantage and work well, but they can be unwieldy.

These however are perfect for nail pulling in that the jaws open wider, the head curvature is just right for the cam-action of leveraging a nail out and the narrower handles enable easy one-hand operation. As a carpenter I use these every day to quickly remove large stubborn nails with minimal damage to the lumber. Paired with a small Japanese prybar (Dogyu or others) they also work quite well for more delicate trim work.

By far, the easiest, quickest and least damaging way to pull nails.

UPDATE Aug. 2011: Ordered a new pair after losing the old ones. Quality and design has definitely gone downhill. Instead of a solid joint, there is a rivet which will wear and loosen faster. Handles are slightly less flared making one hand operation, for me at least more clumsy. Steel/heat-treating seems to be of lower quality and machining is definitely lower quality. Except for the cutting ends, the body is painted black rather than polished. Downgrade from 5 to 3 stars.

Channellock comes through again, as I can't say enough for the utility of this 358 plier/nipper. My main use is renovation. When I go into a home, for example, that has an unfinished basement, for some reason there are always thousands of nails in the joists -- who does that! But these 358 nippers can either snip a nail head flush with a wall, ceiling, baseboard, floor, or joist, or it can effortlessly extract it by rolling it out. You'll never want to use a hammer to extract a nail again since this 358 plier rolls the nail out without marking the face of the board or wall. Also, its handles are curved so that all four fingers can apply equal pressure, giving you more torque. Another use is to cleanly shape material, corners, and edges. I can enlarge a wallboard cutout for an electrical outlet in a precise way rather than using a ziptool or using a clumsy hand saw. No matter what, make sure you have this tool in your belt.

I'm very disappointed in the tool I received. It is not at all like the pictured item or like the #358 I already own. This is one of the problems with mail order, if I had been able to inspect the tool that I was going to be sent I would not have purchased it. Oh well, that's what I get for trying to save a couple of bucks. I should have gone to the hardware store and then I would have known what I was getting. If this is the future of Channellock tools, I'll have to switch to Klein's. They're still made the good old way. The bean counters have ruined another good company.

You can't go wrong with Channellock. I have been using these pliers for a couple of months now to pull and cut nails. They are comfortable to use and provide fantastic leverage when pulling nails. I highly recommend.

End cuting pliers are one of the most useful tools on the planet. Someone needs to give them a better name, something a little sexier. I use mine mostly for pulling nails - they're the only way to go.

in the ad they show this item but it is NOT the item that shows up at the door. i wanted the one in the pic and they send me one like it. they replaced the rivet in it and they changed the cutting part of the tool. the one in the pic is the good one. both half's of the cutting tool is sharp. this one has one side is sharp side and the other side is flat. what a POS. I want to send it back and get my damn money back. Not happy. if this is the tool they will be shipping out they need to CHANGE the damn pic on the site or others will find this to be a crap tool. I have used this tool in my work for over 15 years and now they changed it to a POS. - Tools - Pos - Made In Usa - Wire Cutters'

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Cork Bulletin Board - display board, board dudes

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I've been wanting this bulletin board for a while. It's so cute hanging next to my desk. Super easy to hang (has two bear claws on the back) and it comes with it's own plain black mini magnets and silver thumbtacks. Umbra Magnetic Pushpin Bulletin Board

This is one of the classiest bulletin boards I have ever seen. The size is just right for me, and it works equally well with either pushpins or magnets. The little mightie magnets are fantastic with it. The perfect product for getting the small clutter off my desk and having it where I can find it.

This looks really cool in my home office so much so that I bought 2 of them

Even with the additional expense of 2 it was less expensive then what I was going to buy from a high end catalog that was

Even going to charge separately for the push pins

This came with really cool magnets (more than you need)

AND push pins. I wondered how that would work

But the metal frame covers the cloth portion but you can't

See it. Ingenuise

I wanted a funky bulletin board for my office, something that looked good in the room yet was functional. This fit the bill. Plus it is fun to use both the magnets that came in the package and my own magnets. Simple to hand on wall. Highly recommended.

This magnetic board looks great in my office. Cork is so traditional, I wanted something that would jive with my home office style and hold all my random paper junk. The great thing is that you can use magnets or push pins (included). Love it!

I was looking for a thick cork bulletin board when I ran across the Umbra Magnet Pushpin Bulletin Board and decided it had everything I was looking for. I am very happy I did. I use it in my home office. It is not only attractive but functional. The small magnets hold lots of weight and the pushpins are easy to insert into the holes and stay. I store the extra magnets and pushpins on top and sides of the board to use when needed. I highly recommend it.

I was originally looking for a corkboard to hang jewelry on but when I came across this I fell in love. Now, I can use both push pin hooks and magnetic ones! I use

[...] Homz Magnetic Hooks, which are super strong, to hold heavier necklaces and [...]

A&W J-Hook Push Pins, which have a lovely retro look, to hold lighter necklaces. I was worried how all the hardware might look on the board but I love it, and in my opinion it looks much better than a standard old cork board - it's very sleek and modern looking, I love it!

I am so happy that I bought this! I was also pleasantly surprised that it came with push pins and magnets. It is very modern looking and matches very well with my apartment! I was hesitant at first but I am very pleased. I would def recommend this product. - Display Board - Board Dudes - Magnetic - Bulletin Boards'

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Office Supplies - office, hanging file folders

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A file folder is vital to the organization of any office or business. Make sure to also purchase a hanging file folder when purchasing file folders. This is because a hanging file folder is needed to hold the weight of these lighter manila file folders in a file cabinet.

These file folders make life easier because everything now can be organized in a neat folder. These folders can be used for invoices of clients, bills, and receipts. File folders are vital to keeping your records in order.

Peace and Happiness,

Patrick Leonardi Smead Manila Folder, Letter Size, 11 Point, 1/3-Cut Tab, 100 per Box (10330)

I consider myself chronically unorganized and very picky.

This is a terrible combination for getting stuff done.

However, this big box of folders make me very happy.

They are there: crisp, clean, a virgin surface for my labels.

They aren't floppy like my OfficeMax cheapies.

Nor do I feel like my folders are a billboard.

Will buy again.

I used it to get my personal bills, records in order. Easy to use and very well made quality stock and product. It is but also flexible, sturdy, strong folder. They did not skim on the quality and made it flimsy and so light.

No complaints about any Smead products from me. These file folders are great for keeping track of expenses, bills or just about any kind of written correspondence. I've used them for years and it was really great to get them at such an amazing price *and* I was able to take advantage of the FREE shipping with Amazon.

These folders get the job done efficiently. They hold up well, when the peper packets get heavy that they hold in them. It may seem awkward for someone to write a review on these manilla folders, but I'm doing it. Even though I didn't have too many packets of paper that actually extended beyond the initial folding, these folders can expand up to 3 more times, providing an extra inch of space, to actually be used by the user.

Put everything into organized file folders that are organized in three ways: Category (General, Specific, Detail); Action (In, Hold, and Action); and Tickler File (43 folders for 31 days and 12 months.)Use simple plain vanilla folders. Use the Brother Labels to label the folders in logical, natural orders. Do not go more than 3 levels for each category, or else you will get lost.

I label everything with OAPR (Outcome. Action. People. Resource) and DTCM (Deadline, Time, Context, and Monetary Value). You can learn more about what that means through my programs. - Hanging File Folders - Office - Office Supplies - Manila'

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Automatic Self Wind - good value, cheap

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I haven't had the watch "bug" since six years ago when I went on a small buying spree. About a week ago it hit me again. Ah well...

I like the look of open skeleton movements (especially those with exhibition backs), and I like automatic or mechanical movements as opposed to quartz battery movements. I find them beautiful and fascinating. That being said I can't afford to spend thousands for a luxury Swiss made watch (although I do have a few low end ones). So I usually troll around the web looking at the less expensive (i.e. cheap) brands. Awhile back I came across this watch on Amazon and fell in love with it's looks, and price. I have never heard of Akribos XXIV though I did go to their website. They operate out of Brooklyn N.Y. Their site seems to be down as I could not view their posted watch collections.

Pros:

Cheap-$49.99 at Amazon.

Very good looking design.

Open skeleton face ans exhibition back.

For such a busy front the hands are fairly easy to see.

Good looking dress watch, especially with a dark suit.

Seems to keep good time. Mine has gained 40 seconds in 5 days. Pretty good for a Chinese movement.

Simple watch. No complications (i.e. date, day, date, week, etc.) only time. So less chance of it dying.

Cons:

Very poor crown design. Mine is very hard to get out as the designers have left no space between the crown and the case to slip a finger nail in and get it out. I found that gripping it with a piece of rubber band between my thumb and index finger I was able to pull it out to adjust the time. And remember; if your used to having a watch with a date complication you may forget and try to pull it out two stops to adjust the time. Since this watch only tells time it only moves out one stop.

Chinese movement: These can vary wildly in quality control even from watch to watch of the same model. You may get a decent one or you may get a dud. It's cheap so don't expect Swiss quality, and treat it with a little TLC when winding and adjusting. The Chinese automatic movements in my Stuhrling and Nicolet watches still keep almost as good time as my Swiss made KINGMATIC Movado automatic, and are better looking to boot.

Although it's automatic you may have to wind it at night before going to bed as I doubt it has much of a reserve as the higher end autos.

(You can seen the mainspring through the front of the watch in the 12:30 position. When the the bands are tightly together it's fully wound. If you have to wind it NEVER wind it to a full stop as you can easily break it. Wind it just to the point you feel a firm resistance and keep an eye on the mainspring).

All in all I'm very pleased so far with this watch so far, mainly for it's great look. Whether or not the movement will will last remains to be seen.

I'd recommend this watch to anyone looking for a cool looking dress watch at a very affordable price. Just be gentle with it!

P. Sullivan Akribos XXIV Men's AK410SS 'Saturnos' Skeleton Automatic Leather Strap Watch

I managed to scoop up this watch for a ridiculous price of $55 for a one-hour sale. THis is an automatic watch, so that means thatthe scond needle has a sweeping motion, like many high end watches. This watch got me out of two sticky situations, where I was confronted with one male and one gorgeous female, and ther was nothing to talk about as it was an awkward moment, but this watch saved the day when it appeared for a breif moment when my hand reached out to press the "door close" button on the elevator. Immidiatly it became the topic of conversation, and now three people in the elevator were looking at the internals of the watch (which ARE awesome, mind you).

Sadly, you cannot tell tim ein this watc at night as it doenst have any glow-in-the-dark paint, so youll have to twitch your wrist a little to get a shimmer of light going. Secondly, this is just a nag, but this watch has only one feature. Telling time. I know that this watch should probably cost more, as it doesnt loose or gain time like many 100$ watches, but I miss my other watches where I can get at least the DATE going. If youre good with your calendar, this should no be an issue, but then again, any mans WATCH should NOT be of only one purpose.

THis watch is gorgeous, and at one point i was staring at it for 15 minutes just watching everything move on the inside. It is self winding as well, so as you move your hand throughout the day; the watch will have juice.

Great entry level automatic+exibition watch. Love the backside too. bought this watch knowing i would cut the strap and turn it into a clasp buckle, but its fine for now. I was not buying this watch for the strap, but for the watch itself. It might look good with a metal band, or any other band you may choose to adjunt it with. IT is buietiful however, and even at 150 it would still be a good buy if its your FIRST automatic/exibition/waterproof watch.

Dont have anything negative to say about this watch come on its 64 bucks Very pleased with the watch it arrived with everything described watch looks the same as in the picture just not as bright, of course because they take the picture with bright lighting. As far as the way the watch works I use it during the day and during the Knight it stays wind the waterproof works and watch hasn't corroded still looks like when I got it I'm very satisfied nice watch nice price.

If you want to choose Akribos XXIV watch in part because it carries a warranty, please be warned that Akribos XXIV does not honor its warranty. It's been 1 year since I made a request for warranty replacement and I still have not received a response.

Thought I'd try my first cheap Chinese made movement to see how it worked. The watch arrived and looked nice but didn't work. After winding the watch the second hand would go around and stop at the 12 position every time; I'd shake it and it would go around again then stop. No more Chinese movement for me (or at least Akribos movement). Just can't trust the quality control. - Automatic Self Wind - Dress Watches - Good Value - Cheap'

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Digital Camera - compact flash, photography

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This WAS an excellent product. Now, for many of us, it's worthless. In May, I took it with my iPad to the Amazon jungle in Peru and was able to read the CF card from my Canon DSLR using a small CF card reader. It was brilliant. I could review my day's photos and decide where to shoot the next day based on whether or not I was happy with my results.

Then came the updated iOS 4.2 operating system for the iPad right at the beginning of December, and now this kit cannot read a CF card using an external reader. This is because Apple reduced the power to the port that this plugs into specifically to prevent people from plugging useful things into the USB connector. That's why I say to ignore any review before that time. Earlier reviews are talking about a product that actually works as designed. Only reviews after that tell you what it can do if you buy it now.

Still, this might work for some people, depending on your needs. Here's where you stand.

1. You only have SD cards in your cameras. You're probably fine. The SD dongle still reads most of those.

2. You have CF cards and need to read them with an external reader. You are completely out of luck unless you use a powered USB hub. At that point, you're carrying so much junk around, you may as well just take your laptop, and you must be near an electrical outlet for it to work at all.

3. You have CF cards and can attach a USB cable directly to your camera. This is a crap shoot. Some cameras work and some don't. You can either borrow a CCK from someone to see if it works with yours or you can just buy it and hope.

Some may wonder if my one-star is a little too harsh, given that this device still works in some situations. Normally, I would agree, but there's another point at work here. This isn't about a device that never had the capacity to do something you might want it to do. For that you knock it down a star or two. This is a device that worked perfectly when it was released and that the manufacturer has intentionally crippled. Both the iPad and this kit are capable of working, but Apple has removed that functionality in software. When a company breaks their own product on purpose, I think that deserves one star. Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (MC531ZM/A)

The first thing that came to mind with the iPad was "perfect photo device!" so a big selling point of it was the ability to download my photos to the iPad on-location, edit them and upload them - something I usually can't do while out taking photos or on vacation.

In order to do that, you need the iPad Camera Kit (a currently very-hard-to-find item (I waited 4 weeks to receive mine as all the local stores sold out instantly after receiving shipments).

Right off the bat, I love that they give you 2 adapters (1 for SD cards, 1 for USB). I had no use for the SD adapter as all my cameras are compact flash. I would have happily bought a separate CF card reader if one were available, but no luck on that. If your camera uses something other than SD, you need to "tether" it to the iPad (meaning you plug the USB piece from the camera kit into the iPads dock port, plug your USB cable from your camera into your camera and the other end into the USB piece on the iPad). Not the most convenient method, especially when on-the-go, but its workable.

Plugging in my camera (a Canon 40D), the previews started to appear on the iPad. It took 36 seconds to load the first 35 previews (this is using a short USB cable and a high speed CF card (30MB/Sec). A big downside here is that you cant view the photos larger than a thumbnail without importing them, going to your photo albums, finding the folder it went to and then scrolling to find it. Importing photos (10MP RAW Files) took 6 seconds each. After importing you get the option to "Keep" or "Delete" them from the camera - this is a bit scary as if you're click-happy on the popup, you can end up deleting the photos from your camera (not a huge deal as theyre on the iPad, but definitely a bit of a scare). You can either select individual photos or choose to import everything from the card.

Imported photos go into a new folder in you Photos app - "All Imported" - it also creates a secondary folder: "Last Import" - I would have really liked a way to create a specific folder for each import rather than lumping it all into 1 folder.

The USB adapter is a bit picky as far as what it will accept, I hear some USB Card Readers will work with it (eliminating the need to tether your camera), but it's all a matter of trial and error. USB Keyboards work (again, not all - ones with USB ports on them will not work). You can also not import video files if you have something like a Flip HD camera. This was disappointing as the iPad would make a GREAT video playback screen (especially 720p video like the flip) - especially compared to the 1" screen most of these cameras have.

A big plus to apple for including RAW support on imports (instead of just JPEG).

With the many photo editing apps out there, you can easily take some photos on your camera, import them into the iPad, edit them however you'd like and upload them your photo sharing sites from just about anywhere. For that, it's worth it. It has all sorts of problems (no CF, requires tethering, slow import, no video, etc..) but it's the only option you have, and for that I have to recommend it.

While I agree on the outrageousness of the opportunistic pricing by marketplace vendors here at the moment, it does NOT mean this product should get a one star rating.

That being said, the connection kit (if you can get ahold of one) works as described. I've tested it with Nikon RAW NEF files and it works beautifully. It maintains the original untouched NEF through the camera -> iPad -> iPhoto on Mac path without compromising the RAW image - this was a major concern for me.

A friend has a DSLR that takes Compact Flash and after a great deal of research was able to find a USB card reader that was compatible with the USB connection adapter so she could view/transfer the images without having to tether the camera over USB! The biggest issue was finding a CF card reader that did not draw too much power from the iPad.

My only gripe, and the reason for the deduction of a star is the performance / ease of quickly reviewing images. I find the highest utility of this device is to quickly review a photo on a much larger screen while on location. When you first put the card in, the Photo app generates thumbnails of the images on the card. These are of a fixed size and to view the image any larger you must fully import the image into the Photo library on-device then view it. There is no way to view a larger image directly from the memory card. This makes the process of reviewing a few images amongst many pretty cumbersome.

For fun, I tried hooking up a USB keyboard to the USB adaptor and can confirm it works like reports elsewhere have said. 3rd party apps don't have access to all of the function keys/control key combinations yet but built in Apple apps do. Maybe in a future OS release? - Compact Flash - Photography - Cf Card - Sd Card'

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Hitachi Framing Nailer - porter-cable, nailer

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This Paslode nail gun is also over priced on here. I purchased this Paslode nail gun from a local Paslode distributor for $269.00. Check with a Paslode distributor for a lower cost. The nail does work very well and has slightly more power than the older model F350 S. Paslode PF350S 2" to 3-1/2" 30° Full / Clipped Head Framing Nailer (502000)

I typically use only Hitachi or Max guns. I needed a new framer in a hurry and couldn't wait for a Max to be ordered out, so it was between the Hitachi and the Paslode. I compared both of them in the store and the Paslode beat the Hitachi hands down. Its beefier, well balanced, fit & finish are superb, and its made in the USA unlike the Hitachi (made in Taiwan). I don't think I'll ever buy Hitachi again. I have a lot of their older models which are well built guns, but the new ones are really cheap looking. They are child's toys compared to the Paslode, and the rep said a lot of guys are having problems with them. Lastly, the Hitachi is lighter than the Paslode, but I'd rather have a gun that can take more abuse. I've used my father's older F-350S PowerMaster and noticed like the other poster stated that this gun is way more powerful. This gun also seems to be better constructed than the previous model. Not one misfire yet; I think this gun is a winner. - Porter-cable - Bostitch - Nail Gun - Nailer'

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Notebook Power Adapters - dell inspiron, laptop charger

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I was very skeptical about buying this AC adapter. I had changed batteries in my computer and I was still receiving a message that my AC adapter was not recognized and my battery was not charging. My old adapter was still powering my computer but nothing else. Dell's website has the worst reviews for the AC adapters so I thought this would be a better/cheaper route. The product is working perfectly. I plugged it in and it worked right away. My screen did not display the "AC Adapter is not recognized" upon powering up and the battery is charging. I am very pleased with this product. OEM Dell Ac Adapter Laptop Charger for Dell INSPIRON ,Dell XPS ,Dell Studio, Dell Latitude ,Dell Vostro, P/N PA-10 PA10 90w 90 watt Genuine/Original/OEM Portable Charger for Laptop Notebook Computer Battery Charger Power Supply Cord Plug

This is a REAL Dell charger. A bit bigger than the one that came with my Latitude D630, and uses a 3-prong plug instead of 2 prong, but works perfectly. There are a LOT of junky AC adaptors on the market which power the laptops, but do NOT charge the batteries. This is a REAL charger/adaptor. High quality. Works perfectly. Fair price...so I leave this ALWAYS at my desk at home ready to plug in whenever I use my laptop there, and keep the other (original one) ALWAYS in my laptop bag so I've got it if I'm travelling and need it!

I have been very pleased with this power supply. It has been operating every day for the past month since I bought it and it has been working fine. It is interesting to note that this power supply is a full 90W supply. Please don't be fooled into buying the cheaper 60W versions from other vendors. These cheaper 60W supplies burn themselves out after about a month, especially if you are using USB devices that need to draw power from the laptop via the USB port. I know this from personal experience. This supply is an OEM replacement my original laptop power supply, not just a cheaper knockoff.

My old adapter was still powering my computer but nothing else. This power supply is a 90W supply and the system BIOS on my DELL E1705 recognizes it & it charges correctly. Please don't be fooled into buying the cheaper versions from other vendors. I have had an experience with cheaper power supplies that burn themselves out after a year, to the day!. This is especially true if you are using USB devices that need to draw power from the laptop via the USB port. I know this from personal experience.

This supply is an real OEM replacement for my original laptop power supply, not just a cheaper knockoff.

The product is working perfectly. I plugged it in and it worked right away. My screen no longer displays the "AC Adapter is not recognized" upon powering up and the battery is charging.

I am very pleased with this product.

When charger arrived I plugged it into the back of my Dell E1505 and it did feel a little loose so doesn't appear to be the exact model you get from Dell. After a while I noticed this buzzing sound coming from the charger part (the large rectangular portion of the charger where the wires connect) when it was connected to the outlet and into my running laptop. Not sure if it was a fire hazard but I returned it just in case. Sorry, can't recommend.

For two days this product worked OK, then it started sparking and fizzing and did not work when plugged into my laptop. A guy at Best Buy looked at it and as soon as he plugged it in he said "oh crap, that shouldn't be plugged in at all!" because it was dangerous. I bought this product because of the scary reviews of the non-DELL chargers, but it just goes to show you that anything can be a poor quality piece of crap.

I have a Dell Inspiron E1505. On this computer the charger allows the computer to run when plugged in, but does not charge the battery. I have to stay plugged in at all times to use my computer with this product as my charger.

I bought this adapter because the product page said it's compatible with my Dell Inspiron 6000. Before I plugged it in, I noticed that the output amperage is different than my original adapter. I checked elsewhere on the Internet, including the Dell site, and I could find no other reference to this adapter being compatible with my laptop. Other websites list the 6400 as a compatible model, but not the 6000. The wrong amperage might not appear to be a problem immediately, but it can cause severe damage to a system. The seller should fix their listing and be more careful about listing compatibility accurately. I do not regard this seller as trustworthy.

I bought this as a replacement and spent the extra money to get the dell product. Unfortunately this only powers the computer if it is plugged in and will not charge the battery. By the time I replaced the battery and figured out it was the chord, I could not return it!! Bad warranty, bad product. You might as well go with the knock off products and take your chances, at least they are cheaper to replace! - Laptop Power Adapters - Dell Inspiron Adapter - Laptop Charger - Dell Inspiron'

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