Helpful Tips for Choosing an AC Power Adapter for Your Laptop
 
Without an AC power adapter, your laptop would be virtually useless.  In fact, quite often the selling point of one laptop brand over another is the effectiveness of the AC power adapter and the battery life.  You will notice if you are shopping for a laptop that average battery lives are listed in the product specifications.  However, it is important to also realize that these battery life estimates are just that.  Estimates.  The actual time the battery will last depends greatly on what you are using your laptop for (such as gaming or word processing) and the quality of your AC power adapter. 
 
It is very common for an AC power adapter to begin malfunctioning a year or so after purchase.  The first sign that this is the case with yours is that the battery will not charge completely – or it will lose its charge more quickly.  IF this happens, you should check both the battery and the AC power adapter.  If you need to purchase a new one, tech experts recommend staying with one that matches your brand. 
 
Different Types of Laptop Power Adapters –
 
Your laptop will come in the box with an AC power adapter.  An AC adapter can be used in the home and generally speaking plugs into an outlet.  However, it is important to note that when it comes to laptops, the AC power adapter is used to charge the battery itself. 

When plugged in, the AC current charges the battery – and then the current is changed to a DC current which actually sends the power to your device.  It is never advised to plug your laptop into an AC adapter directly, and you should instead concentrate on devices that power up the battery supply.  The reason is because the level of charge of the AC adapter would be too high for your laptop directly. 
 
There are several different ways to charge your laptop battery.  If you will be using your laptop in a vehicle or airplane, you will need a charger that works with a 12-volt DC supply, such as the cigarette lighter or charging outlets located in your vehicle. 

This is definitely handy to have in your vehicle, because it ensures that you can keep your laptop powered up on the go.  Since the whole point of a laptop is to provide portability, it only makes sense to invest in accessories that increase how well your laptop will travel. 
 
You can also purchase universal laptop power adapters.  These power adapters are designed to work with AC outlets, 12Volt outlets in your vehicle and also come with components that will enable your laptop to be charged if you are in a different country that has a different type of plug-ins.  Depending on your needs, you may want to invest in a universal laptop power adapter. 
 
The best way to make sure that your laptop is usable, charged, and stays ready whether you are at home or on the go is to have the right type of AC adapter for your individual laptop.