If you have a power transformer label that tells you it outputs "(whatever) Volts AC", then it's just a cheap transformer with a plug that will provide raw usually unfiltered AC to it's intended appliance, which will THEN rectify (convert to DC) and filter the power to some- thing useable, usually around half the rated AC voltage.
Do NOT use an AC wall-wart transformer on your Powerbook, you might damage it beyond practical repair, as they rely on a high-quality switching power supply to power them. The power supply that came with your Powerbook is NOT a cheap wall transformer, but a sophisticated self-regulated current-regulated sensing switching power supply that won't tolerate the sort of abuse we assign to garden-variety wall transformers. Drop it on concrete and it's probably toast. If your PB supply has died, seek high and low for another just like it, because it's the very best thing you can use. It's possible to build a conventional power supply to the same specs, but I've done it, and it's a tough power supply to build ( to the same specs, anyway ). These things have to supply very highly filtered and regulated voltage at high current (typically around 3 Amps) through a broad range of current demands, and that takes a sophisticated design. If you see a used supply for your Powerbook on sale, buy it even if yours is working fine today. They're hard to find, and valuable. -- PowerBooks is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Enter To Win A | -- Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras start at $299 | Free iBook! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> PowerBooks list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/powerbooks.shtml> Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/powerbooks%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Macintosh? Get free email and more at Applelinks! <http://www.applelinks.com>
