Your Acer laptop requires an adaptor cord to power the machine and charge the on-board battery. Over time, this cord can malfunction, become damaged or be misplaced, requiring replacement. Although Acer offers official replacement cords for your laptop, the name-brand versions often cost more than identical generic replacements. In most cases, a generic, third-party replacement cord works just as well as the name-brand version.

Proper Wattage
When choosing a generic brand AC adapter and cord, one of the most important factors to consider is the laptop’s power requirements. The power specifications required by your laptop are printed on the underside of the machine, typically listed in volts (V) and amps (A). Multiply these two numbers together to get the wattage (W) the laptop requires to function. For example, Acer Iconia W700 AC Adapter, if your Acer requires 16V and 4A, you’ll need an adapter that offers at least 64W. You can use an adapter that offers more watts, such as 70W, but you cannot use an adapter with less, such as 60W.

Proper Connector
In addition to the correct wattage, you must find an adapter with the proper connector that plugs into the laptop. Laptop connectors come in varying sizes and shapes, and the adapter’s connector plug must match it perfectly to function properly. Most online shopping sites list which laptops the third-party adapters work with, taking the guesswork out of matching a Web-sized picture of an adapter connector plug with your laptop’s adapter port.

Universal Adapter
If your household owns several Acer brand laptops, each with a different adapter port shape, a universal adapter may work well for your needs. Universal adapters offer multiple connector tips that you can change as necessary for your charging needs. So long as each laptop fits the wattage offered by the charger, a single adapter cord can charge several laptops; you place the correctly shaped connector tip on the end.

Compatible Voltage and Plug
Because of the ease of ordering though the Internet, you may find yourself on a website of a supply company based in another country. When searching for a generic adapter for your Acer laptop, verify that the cord for sale works in the country where you live. Outlet voltage ranges differ between the United States and Europe, and the adapter’s outlet plug is shaped differently for each country. Read all available information regarding the adapter to make sure the adapter is compatible with your electricity requirements.