Review for ZOZO 90W 15V-20V, Model PA-3900-Z, ASIN B0132ST35Y
INTRODUCTION & WHY I BOUGHT THIS
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I am an independent computer handyman and occasionally I encounter a laptop with a power problem that may or may not be caused by a faulty power adapter. A universal power adapter is a good tool to have so that I can verify that a new power adapter will solve the problem before buying one for my client. Sometimes the DC jack in the laptop is faulty, and in one Lenovo IdeaPad it was apparently the power circuitry on the motherboard that had gone bad, preventing the power adapter from powering the laptop or charging the battery, though the laptop was able to run on the battery after I charged it by alternative means (I had eliminated the power adapter and the DC jack as the problem by replacing both).
I looked at several universal laptop chargers before selecting this one, and there was not much to distinguish any particular brand. The features I wanted were: 90W capacity (both in case I need that much power, and so that it will have more robust components), a wide voltage range (many have a range of only 18V-20V, which may be all I'll ever need, but I don't know), and a wide variety of charging tips (this has 16, many have 12). I had no clear reason to select this brand except that it seemed popular.
DESCRIPTION & TESTING (this does work on Dells)
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The seller's descriptions and photos all match the unit I received. The unit is made in China. The build quality seems as good as any power adapter. It looks and feels solid. It came in a small, sturdy cardboard box with a hinged lid which I will use as a storage box to keep the adapter and its parts tidy (7.5" x 5.7" x 1.9"). The tips were in a small ziplock bag. The DC cord has a Velcro strap attached but the AC cord has only a twist tie. I added my own Velcro strap.
The DC tips are imprinted with both the output voltage and with the M-number, which can be used to look up the tip in the reference table included in the box. The tips fit very securely on the DC cord using a 3-prong connector, and so far they have fit the laptops perfectly (as well as the originals).
The power brick is about a typical size and weight for a cheap 90W adapter. It has a green LED to indicate that it is receiving power. The AC cord fits very securely in the power brick. It is 6ft in length, which is fine, but the DC cord is only 45 inches, which is rather short. I do not anticipate this being a problem for me since I will not be using this adapter often or long term, and so the inconvenience will be minimal. However, if you intend to use this unit as your primary power source, you may find the DC cord to be too short if you want the power brick on the floor rather than on the desk with the laptop. A benefit of the short cord for people like me, though, is that it will make the cord quicker to bundle up after use, and the unit easier to fit in my tool box.
I have tested this adapter so far on an Acer Aspire M5, three different HP Pavilions, a Gateway NV79, and four different Dell Inspirons (15 2558 from 2016, 15R-5521 from 2013, 1545 from 2010, E1505 from 2006). I will continue to test it on laptops that I encounter and update this review if I run into problems. So far it has functioned perfectly, being able to power the laptops and charge their batteries. I have heard that Dell laptops often reject non-Dell power adapters. I do not know if this is true, but it is not true of this particular adapter.
I have not had the opportunity to run this adapter at its full capacity to see how hot it gets. I did just stress test it on the Gateway NV79 (65W) I am using to compose this review, using OCCT's power supply stress test (which runs both the CPU and GPU at max stress to consume as much power as possible), while also charging the battery. I ran the stress test for 20 minutes with the power adapter sitting on a carpeted floor. It became quite warm, but not more than I was comfortable with, and not nearly what I would call hot. During normal, light use of this laptop, the adapter becomes only mildly warm. Keep in mind that if you have the adapter under blankets or other insulators, it will likely build up much more heat. Allow your electronics some ventilation.
LOCATING POWER REQUIREMENTS LABELS
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If you do not see a power requirements label on the bottom of a laptop, check under the battery. One HP Pavilion had that information, as well as laptop model information, inside the battery compartment.
PROS
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- Wide voltage range and tip variety.
- Seems well constructed and plugs fit securely.
- So far the adapter seems reasonably power efficient judging by the heat output (I have not tested a full 90W draw, however).
- Includes a Velcro strap for the DC cord to keep it coiled up.
CONS
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- The DC cord (the one that connects to the laptop) is quite short at under 4ft, but as a diagnostics tool this may be a benefit due to its compactness.
- I would like to see a Velcro strap on the AC cord (only the DC cord has one - the AC cord has only a twist tie).
| Brand | ZOZO |
|---|---|
| Item model number | PA-30900H-ZXX |
| Item Weight | 14.1 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 5.2 x 2.09 x 1.18 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5.2 x 2.09 x 1.18 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Manufacturer | ZOZOPlus |
| ASIN | B0132ST35Y |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | July 31, 2015 |
