[geckoglass]

The insulation and outer wire covering has finally separated from the plug on my adapter, where the plug enters the laptop. Anybody have any advice on whether this can be repaired? Is it possible to just replace the plug using the same cord? Or can I buy a generic adapter? Or buy a generic adapter and only switch out the cord bvetween the adapter and the laptop, using the original Dell adapter? Or should I bite the bullet and pay for a new Dell adapter?

I also need a new battery and figure I might as well get one while I'm "shopping". Same question for generic vs Dell brand?

Thanks a lot for any advice you might have. I appreciate it!

[JohnWill]

This appears to be a plain two conductor round jack. You can buy a compatible connector at places like Radio Shack and simply replace the one that's on the cord.

As far as the battery, it depends on exactly how demanding you are. For an older laptop, I tend to consider generic batteries, I hate to spend the big bucks that the OEM batteries demand. I've picked up generic batteries for a Compact EVO-160 and my Averatec 3150, and both have worked quite well. They were about 40% of the price of the OEM battery and seem to have the same runtime. They might not last as long, but then maybe the laptop won't either.