On Thu, Feb 17, 2011 at 3:44 PM, Beth Santos <<a href="mailto:beth@waveplace.org">beth@waveplace.org</a>> wrote: <div class="gmail_quote"><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-left: 1ex;"> Lately, however, we have been having problems with chargers and need to get some new ones that won't break so easily during power surges. That's one of the reasons why we're having a fundraiser to get better quality materials for our class and to see if we can't grow it even more. </blockquote><div> Beth, You are certainly familiar with the fact that the XO plug specs are somewhat non-standard. <a href="http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Hardware_specification#External_connectors">http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Hardware_specification#External_connectors</a> In particular, the 1.65mm center pin was an odd size choice. I've had the opportunity to use try IBM / Lenovo ThinkPad chargers with some success. This is in spite of the fact that the IBM chargers have a center hole of 2.5mm. The external size (5.5mm) is the same on ThinkPads and XOs (at least XO 1.0). IBM / LENOVO THINKPAD LAPTOP NOTEBOOK 72 WATT AC / DC COMBO ADAPTER The ones I have are P/N 73P4502, and the really cool thing about these is that they can either plug into the wall or into a 12V DC source (e.g. car cigarette lighter). The extra space in the center hole causes them to wobble a little, but they work just fine and the power they supply is compatible with the XO's specs. Input1: AC 100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz (worldwide use) Output: DC 16V 4.55A Power: 72W Outlet: 2-prong US Input2: DC 10.5-18 VDC, 8A Output: DC 16V 4.55A Outlet: 12V DC (car cigarette lighter type) Connecter size: Internal Diameter: 2.5mm External Diameter: 5.5mm Googling the part number (73P4502) and "ThinkPad" shows that these are still available for purchase at a wide range of price points. <a href="http://lmgtfy.com/?q=thinkpad+p%2Fn+73p4502">http://lmgtfy.com/?q=thinkpad+p%2Fn+73p4502</a> For example: (6 new for: US$3.54 each) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014SJISC/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001N1RCQA&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0HWWCNBQERZ2XW59H72E">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014SJISC/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001N1RCQA&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0HWWCNBQERZ2XW59H72E</a> (10+ units for: US$16.11 each) <a href="http://www.hootoo.com/ibm-thinkpad-73p4485-laptop-ac-adapter-16v-45a-p-56754.html?gclid=CKnb28uqmKcCFYh_5Qod_wuBeQ">http://www.hootoo.com/ibm-thinkpad-73p4485-laptop-ac-adapter-16v-45a-p-56754.html?gclid=CKnb28uqmKcCFYh_5Qod_wuBeQ</a> I think that P/N 73P4485 may also be compatible, but I don't have one in hand. That may be the version that doesn't have the DC input option. Of course, you can always order OEM XO green chargers, but you say you haven't had much luck with those. (111 available for: US$20.00 each) <a href="http://www.ilovemyxo.com/product/xo-power-adapter.html">http://www.ilovemyxo.com/product/xo-power-adapter.html</a> I happen to have a spare IBM charger in hand and if you haven't had the chance to field test one, I could be persuaded to part with it in exchange for some help getting Haitian localizers signed up and working in Pootle on the Sugar (and eToys) translations. :-) cjl </div></div><div style="visibility: hidden; left: -5000px; position: absolute; z-index: 9999; padding: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow: hidden; word-wrap: break-word; color: black; font-size: 10px; text-align: left; line-height: 130%;" id="avg_ls_inline_popup"> </div>