HP Omnibook 6000_ac adapter nightmare!

lewiscolonjr · 05-12-2007, 02:31 PM

I'm running my HP Omnibook 6000, an oldie yes, but I love it and it's lasted me this long without any problems because of attentive maintenance and OS updates as well as memory expansions.

Funny thing is, the problem has nothing to do with the laptop itself, or it's ability to function anyway.

It's the AC adapter. The one I had previously just stopped working all of a sudden--no sparks, no signs of any kind, the green light just never came on again and it didn't give the laptop juice anymore.

So I got myself a replacement on Ebay which worked great--until about an hour ago--when it mysteriously stopped working.

The replacement one however, lasted about a month before kicking the bucket just now.

I have already ordered another replacement from Ebay because I'm positive it will work, at least for a little while. So I guess it appears that my laptop has recently begun to run in a way that somehow, over time, overwhelms the power cord and eventually expidites its life-span dramatically?

Am I right? Probably not I think. But more importantly, what can I do to fix it?

Thanks in advance.

email me: lewiscolonjr@gmail.com

**8210GUY** · 05-12-2007, 04:40 PM

I would think of them in the same way as a PSU, and in that area there are good and bad brands\models, it may be the one from eBay is one of these bad brands ?
I would also guess if you are buying the same one again you may well face the same thing again, bad units can work for a long time, or they can die quick, it's luck of the draw, the only way to better your chances is to get a known good brand, and to that end the original one sounds like it was just the job, so I would go back to the manufacturers site and get one from them, or a reseller maybe, >>>Here<<< is the page of parts, just find your adaptor model number to ensure getting the correct one you need.

As to your laptop if it has not being behaving erratically or playing up recently I would say there is nothing wrong with it, the first one probably died due to age and use, the second probably because it was a cheap\duff one, the one coming may well fit into this as well if it is the same one you got.
About the only other thing that could have an influence would be your power sockets, have you moved recently ? had any thunderstorms etc ?
I'm just wondering if you are getting any power surges, such things can kill PC's, I always recommend to people I know to get a surge protector, I prefer the Belkin ones as they give a lifetime warranty with insurance for your goods up to £\$ x value depending which model you get for if it fails to work, the last one I got has unlimited cover, hope you get a good lead this time anyway.

*edit
P.S. it is not a wise move to post your email address, spam bots will pick it up then you will end up on spam lists, I suggest removing it by PM'ing a mod\admin to do it for you as your edit time will be up by now.

lewiscolonjr · 05-13-2007, 09:55 AM

Thanks a lot. The email address I posted on accident, but still, thanks. Come to think of it, I live in a place with tons of thunderstorms! I carry the laptop around with me a lot and so it gets plugged into different and strange outlets daily--often without surge protectors, which I have at home. What you are saying makes sense, I think I will only use this new AC adapter with surge protectors, never plug it directly in to any wall, you know, try to even not plug it in to so many different outlets.

Do you think the best chance I have is to always use a surge protector and maybe only charge the battery when the laptop is off, or even take out the battery when running on wall power? This laptop is really great, I love it, I have a brand spanking new MAC notebook that I brush aside because I prefer this old Omnibook 6000!--so I really hope this happening is not being caused by some evolved defect in the laptop. What do you think?

**8210GUY** · 05-13-2007, 10:04 AM

Well I have seen it said that the battery should be removed when using the mains, but I can't recall if that was for a specific brand or generically all units, but charging shouldn't make a difference, so continue that as suits you IMO, but as a thought, why not get a travel surge protector ?
Belkin do a single plug adaptor such as This that has no lead so would be easy to carry with you and use anywhere, should be the ideal solution for you I'd of thought.

lewiscolonjr · 05-13-2007, 10:17 AM

Yes, absolutely, the travel surge protector is the way to go I think, thank you for the link to it. I hope that's all the problem is--you know, a matter of different outlets and surge protection. I really do live in an area that has constant electrical problems to to t-storms and baby hurricanes. I think, now that I think of it, if I was sure to use a surge protector each time, I might eliminate this problem.

lewiscolonjr · 05-13-2007, 10:31 AM

Just Curious though--does the surge protector have to be a portable one, or one especially for laptops? In other words, will my "standard issue" multi-plug power strip surge protector basically perform the same function?

**8210GUY** · 05-13-2007, 10:39 AM

The only difference the socket makes is the amount of level of protection you get, the one I linked (there are others) gives $50,000 coverage, but the one I have also includes satellite and TV cover with unlimited cover for the equipment, so it isn't so much what you use with it, it's more if it is enough to cover what you use with it, if that makes sense lol, so yes using your current one will be fine if you want to take it with you assuming it has sufficient cover for your needs, I just thought something more portable would be easier for you.

lewiscolonjr · 05-13-2007, 10:53 AM

Oh yes indeed, it would be more convenient for me. I was just ignorant as to whether or not they offered the same--or basically the same--"protection" in terms of electricity! In terms of "protecting" my laptop from electrical atrocities, these products indeed perform the same function do they not, of cutting down on the chance of electrical damage to the product being plugged in? The one specially designed for laptops--electrically--perform the same service as the power-strip I plug the television and dvd player into...I noticed the laptop ones have ethernet ports on them...but other than that?

**8210GUY** · 05-13-2007, 11:26 AM

Yes you do get them with Ethernet protection as well, but I put that under the same umbrella as the level of protection required, it is pointless protecting your system against surges but if you are using a wired modem and that isn't passed through the protector as well then you aren't fully protected, if your connecting wireless I don't think it will affect the PC, but I couldn't swear to that, but it doesn't mean the modem wouldn't benefit from the protection as well.

But there are differences between these protectors and the level of surge they can protect you from, but so long as they say they cover against lightning strikes, and in the warranty give enough financial cover to protect your equipment you should be fine, equally if your using a protector for you TV, unless the aerial passes through it as well you may as well not bother as you wont be fully covered.
>>>Here<<< is their wizard to aid guiding you to an appropriate level of protection for you, and they offer a quick >>>Guide<<< as to what it's all about, but it's very basic, but using their wizard it suggested the other model I didn't link to which includes phone cover for dial up at a guess, didn't look to close TBH, but you can see that one >>>Here<<<.

05-12-2007, 02:31 PM	#1 (permalink)
lewiscolonjr Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5 OS: win xp home	HP Omnibook 6000_ac adapter nightmare! I'm running my HP Omnibook 6000, an oldie yes, but I love it and it's lasted me this long without any problems because of attentive maintenance and OS updates as well as memory expansions. Funny thing is, the problem has nothing to do with the laptop itself, or it's ability to function anyway. It's the AC adapter. The one I had previously just stopped working all of a sudden--no sparks, no signs of any kind, the green light just never came on again and it didn't give the laptop juice anymore. So I got myself a replacement on Ebay which worked great--until about an hour ago--when it mysteriously stopped working. The replacement one however, lasted about a month before kicking the bucket just now. I have already ordered another replacement from Ebay because I'm positive it will work, at least for a little while. So I guess it appears that my laptop has recently begun to run in a way that somehow, over time, overwhelms the power cord and eventually expidites its life-span dramatically? Am I right? Probably not I think. But more importantly, what can I do to fix it? Thanks in advance. email me: lewiscolonjr@gmail.com

05-12-2007, 04:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
8210GUY TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,566 OS: xp Pro	Re: HP Omnibook 6000_ac adapter nightmare! I would think of them in the same way as a PSU, and in that area there are good and bad brands\models, it may be the one from eBay is one of these bad brands ? I would also guess if you are buying the same one again you may well face the same thing again, bad units can work for a long time, or they can die quick, it's luck of the draw, the only way to better your chances is to get a known good brand, and to that end the original one sounds like it was just the job, so I would go back to the manufacturers site and get one from them, or a reseller maybe, >>>Here<<< is the page of parts, just find your adaptor model number to ensure getting the correct one you need. As to your laptop if it has not being behaving erratically or playing up recently I would say there is nothing wrong with it, the first one probably died due to age and use, the second probably because it was a cheap\duff one, the one coming may well fit into this as well if it is the same one you got. About the only other thing that could have an influence would be your power sockets, have you moved recently ? had any thunderstorms etc ? I'm just wondering if you are getting any power surges, such things can kill PC's, I always recommend to people I know to get a surge protector, I prefer the Belkin ones as they give a lifetime warranty with insurance for your goods up to £\$ x value depending which model you get for if it fails to work, the last one I got has unlimited cover, hope you get a good lead this time anyway. edit P.S. it is not a wise move to post your email address, spam bots will pick it up then you will end up on spam lists, I suggest removing it by PM'ing a mod\admin to do it for you as your edit time will be up by now. Last edited by 8210GUY : 05-12-2007 at 04:42 PM. Reason: Update*

05-13-2007, 09:55 AM	#3 (permalink)
lewiscolonjr Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5 OS: win xp home	Re: HP Omnibook 6000_ac adapter nightmare! Thanks a lot. The email address I posted on accident, but still, thanks. Come to think of it, I live in a place with tons of thunderstorms! I carry the laptop around with me a lot and so it gets plugged into different and strange outlets daily--often without surge protectors, which I have at home. What you are saying makes sense, I think I will only use this new AC adapter with surge protectors, never plug it directly in to any wall, you know, try to even not plug it in to so many different outlets. Do you think the best chance I have is to always use a surge protector and maybe only charge the battery when the laptop is off, or even take out the battery when running on wall power? This laptop is really great, I love it, I have a brand spanking new MAC notebook that I brush aside because I prefer this old Omnibook 6000!--so I really hope this happening is not being caused by some evolved defect in the laptop. What do you think?

05-13-2007, 10:04 AM	#4 (permalink)
8210GUY TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,566 OS: xp Pro	Re: HP Omnibook 6000_ac adapter nightmare! Well I have seen it said that the battery should be removed when using the mains, but I can't recall if that was for a specific brand or generically all units, but charging shouldn't make a difference, so continue that as suits you IMO, but as a thought, why not get a travel surge protector ? Belkin do a single plug adaptor such as This that has no lead so would be easy to carry with you and use anywhere, should be the ideal solution for you I'd of thought.

05-13-2007, 10:17 AM	#5 (permalink)
lewiscolonjr Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5 OS: win xp home	Re: HP Omnibook 6000_ac adapter nightmare! Yes, absolutely, the travel surge protector is the way to go I think, thank you for the link to it. I hope that's all the problem is--you know, a matter of different outlets and surge protection. I really do live in an area that has constant electrical problems to to t-storms and baby hurricanes. I think, now that I think of it, if I was sure to use a surge protector each time, I might eliminate this problem.

05-13-2007, 10:31 AM	#6 (permalink)
lewiscolonjr Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5 OS: win xp home	Re: HP Omnibook 6000_ac adapter nightmare! Just Curious though--does the surge protector have to be a portable one, or one especially for laptops? In other words, will my "standard issue" multi-plug power strip surge protector basically perform the same function?

05-13-2007, 10:39 AM	#7 (permalink)
8210GUY TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,566 OS: xp Pro	Re: HP Omnibook 6000_ac adapter nightmare! The only difference the socket makes is the amount of level of protection you get, the one I linked (there are others) gives $50,000 coverage, but the one I have also includes satellite and TV cover with unlimited cover for the equipment, so it isn't so much what you use with it, it's more if it is enough to cover what you use with it, if that makes sense lol, so yes using your current one will be fine if you want to take it with you assuming it has sufficient cover for your needs, I just thought something more portable would be easier for you.

05-13-2007, 10:53 AM	#8 (permalink)
lewiscolonjr Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5 OS: win xp home	Re: HP Omnibook 6000_ac adapter nightmare! Oh yes indeed, it would be more convenient for me. I was just ignorant as to whether or not they offered the same--or basically the same--"protection" in terms of electricity! In terms of "protecting" my laptop from electrical atrocities, these products indeed perform the same function do they not, of cutting down on the chance of electrical damage to the product being plugged in? The one specially designed for laptops--electrically--perform the same service as the power-strip I plug the television and dvd player into...I noticed the laptop ones have ethernet ports on them...but other than that?

05-13-2007, 11:26 AM	#9 (permalink)
8210GUY TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,566 OS: xp Pro	Re: HP Omnibook 6000_ac adapter nightmare! Yes you do get them with Ethernet protection as well, but I put that under the same umbrella as the level of protection required, it is pointless protecting your system against surges but if you are using a wired modem and that isn't passed through the protector as well then you aren't fully protected, if your connecting wireless I don't think it will affect the PC, but I couldn't swear to that, but it doesn't mean the modem wouldn't benefit from the protection as well. But there are differences between these protectors and the level of surge they can protect you from, but so long as they say they cover against lightning strikes, and in the warranty give enough financial cover to protect your equipment you should be fine, equally if your using a protector for you TV, unless the aerial passes through it as well you may as well not bother as you wont be fully covered. >>>Here<<< is their wizard to aid guiding you to an appropriate level of protection for you, and they offer a quick >>>Guide<<< as to what it's all about, but it's very basic, but using their wizard it suggested the other model I didn't link to which includes phone cover for dial up at a guess, didn't look to close TBH, but you can see that one >>>Here<<<.