Kurt's dashboard

Apparently this is a common issue. The power adapter is damaged at the barrel connector into the computer. Although a connection is still clearly there apparently whatever method is used to identify the power adapter no longer functions. The laptop gets power but will no longer charge the battery, apparently because this function is disabled by the bios. This is the second adapter I have recieved from dell and this issue began shortly after losing my warranty service. Dell has been great when I had a warranty, but now that I don't it's more like repeatedly beating a brick wall, there is nobody to call without getting charged some fee.

It is my opinion that because the issue is so common that it is the responcibility of Dell, it is clearly the result of a poor design that is almost grounds for a recall. Why has dell not simply improved the quality of their power adapters? Or at least offered some method to overide this adapter check in the bios?

If I could get another adapter I would be satisfied, I only need this laptop to live another year or so.