Support: "90W ultraslim adapter is completely incompatible with X220"

[othersteve]

All,

Okay, so bear with me for a few quick sentences here as I first explain my problem.

I have had two very strange problems with my new X220. For starters, the machine hibernates at random, flagging "critical battery" status, when there is far more battery left than is critical. This is an issue which has been previously reported on other ThinkPad models, but I'm not sure if a solution was ever articulated.

Secondly, the touchpad becomes so jumpy as to be unusable specifically when the 90W UltraSlim adapter is attached. This happens almost without exception, and being a computer technician by trade, I have run it through the usual troubleshooting/isolation process. Here is what I have tried:

• I tested with two different 90w UltraSlim AC Adapters.
• I tested on four different wall outlets in two different homes.
• I tested with and without the Lenovo Power Manager software installed.
• I tested before and after the Power Manager driver was reinstalled and updated.
• I tested with and without the battery attached.

The problem persists, although it alleviated itself for a brief while earlier today for no apparent reason.

So I contacted support to request a possible battery replacement (at least to try and correct the hibernation issue), and I am instead told that ALL 90W adapters are incompatible with this system. When I replied with the fact that they are sold WITH the system as optional accessories AND they are specified in the tabook, the support rep still held his ground. "The circuitry is not built to handle 90W", he says.

I think I speak for everyone who has read this far when I say "double-yoo-tee-eff?"

What would you do?

[vēer]

I would take it into warranty repair.
I had cursor problems on my T410 and it was keyboard problem with it, specifically trackpoint being too tightly connected to keyboard which caused it to jump on its own from time to time.
Dont know about battery, but either way, take it into service if they cant solve your laptops problems on the phone.

[othersteve]

Originally Posted by vēer

I would take it into warranty repair.
I had cursor problems on my T410 and it was keyboard problem with it, specifically trackpoint being too tightly connected to keyboard which caused it to jump on its own from time to time.
Dont know about battery, but either way, take it into service if they cant solve your laptops problems on the phone.

Problem is, service is apparently in Memphis, TN, and I really can't be without this system, as it's my primary workstation.

Things get stranger yet: another user on the Lenovo forums has now reported in my thread that they have the same touchpad problem as me. I wonder if there's something to this after all.

[jonnyjl]

Look at the bottom of your laptop where it tells you the acceptable input power requirements. Multiply the input voltage with the listed amps, should be 3.25/4.5A. If its listed like that, tell the next tech support rep that tells you that BS to go kick rocks and get escalated.

I'm using 90w adapters from T60s and a slim adapter with my X220T without an issue.

Oh.. and Power Manager doesn't complain either (lists 90W AC adapter as attached)

[LoneWolf15]

Talk with another support rep. Go to the X220 order page on Lenovo's website and screenshot the "accessories" tab that shows the two 90w adapters. If they give you the same argument, insist on their e-mail address and send them the screenshot. Then ask to elevate to a supervisor.

[John Ratsey]

Originally Posted by othersteve

So I contacted support to request a possible battery replacement (at least to try and correct the hibernation issue), and I am instead told that ALL 90W adapters are incompatible with this system. When I replied with the fact that they are sold WITH the system as optional accessories AND they are specified in the tabook, the support rep still held his ground. "The circuitry is not built to handle 90W", he says.

Someone in Lenovo support needs some technical training. The computer will only take the power that it needs. I'm using a 65W PSU to run my T420s at this moment but my power meter at the socket says the PSU is using 19W. If I use a 90W PSU then I expect the power drain at the mains socket to be the same. It won't dramatically increase on account of a bigger PSU.

It's time to contact someone else in support.

John

[jonnyjl]

Originally Posted by John Ratsey

Someone in Lenovo support needs some technical training. The computer will only take the power that it needs. I'm using a 65W PSU to run my T420s at this moment but my power meter at the socket says the PSU is using 19W. If I use a 90W PSU then I expect the power drain at the mains socket to be the same. It won't dramatically increase on account of a bigger PSU.

It's time to contact someone else in support.

John

I imagine the 19w is the usage by the laptop not counting charging a battery.

In any case, if the X220 (or T420) would only draw 20v at 4.5A , then you run the risk of overheating/causing a fire when using a 65w brick (assuming max draw)... assuming the laptop powers on at all.

The other way around is less of a concern, but the X220 is specifically designed to draw 4.5As too (again assuming 90W max usage for charging the battery, I don't know if the laptop itself can use 65w+)

[dbman190]

You can't force current to flow; the machine will only use what it needs. Having an UNDERpowered power supply is very bad, but having one too big (provided it's the right voltage) won't matter in the slightest. That technician is a moron.

[mohdfaris]

Originally Posted by dbman190

You can't force current to flow; the machine will only use what it needs. Having an UNDERpowered power supply is very bad, but having one too big (provided it's the right voltage) won't matter in the slightest. That technician is a moron.

Yup. I agree completely. If your laptop only need 20 Watt, it only draw 20 Watt from the 90 W power adapter. Corret me if I'm wrong, 90 W is the maximum Power the power adapter can draw from your electrical socket.

[afhstingray]

i dont think so, my M4400 has a 130w adaptor, and some of the 17" monster laptops have 230w adaptors that are themselves the size of a small netbook :|