Why are some things to do with computers so bliddy complicated?

[Hiheels]

I mentioned in another Q that I need to get a new charger for my laptop - now, wouldn't you think that so long as I knew what make/model the laptop was and had the part number of the original I would be away to the woods?
Yep, so would I...but no  
I remember having this trouble when I tried to get my first replacement, which obviously I did in the end, but wanted to save a few pennies and instead of going back to Amazon thought I'd try Ebay...BIIIGG mistake. I found one that had the serial number of the replacement (I've had an original and then one replacement) as being compatible with, ordered it, tried it last night and it worked for a while, then mysteriously stopped. They're sending a replacement, but I've got a sneaky feeling it's not faulty, it's just not quite right.

Now, why on earth don't 'they' make it easy?! If you've got X computer you need this charger, this type of memory etc instead of so many damned options?  
If there's a good reason - let it be heard...

[antonymous]

It's nothing to do with the computer being complicated. It's a very simple case of getting a power supply that gives the correct output voltage and having a sufficient current capacity to meet the demands of the computer and keep it's battery charged. The original power supply should have had that info printed on it  i.e. O/p Vdc and max Current  mA/A. Any power supply that can meet those criteria (or exceed the Current rating) with the correct plug on it's o/p lead will do.

[Hiheels]

Yebbut, that's the thing, looking through the list of ones available I find ones with the output and all that malarky, but then it doesn't list it as compatible...there are ones that say they are under other listings, but surely it would be easier that if you have X laptop then you just need Y charger?
Same with memory, that's a ruddy minefield.

[siasl]

Maybe they'll do something similar with laptop power supplies as they've recently done with mobile phones - they've agreed to use a standard input voltage compatible with USB (not that this would be sufficient for a laptop, but the same principle applies)

[Wumpus]

You probably got the right power unit, but it turned out to be faulty.
That's not complication, that's Ebay!

It's not at all complicated to get the correct power unit for a Toshiba.  Just ring your Toshiba salesman up.

But it's even better if you don't break the power supply in the first place.    =o)

[Hiheels]

Hehehe, yeah, as I mentioned the breakage is my fault entirely.

Thing is, going direct to the manufacturer/dealer means you pay three times (literally) as much 

[spryte]

kludge it 

[Hiheels]

I had already, but the gaffer tape's a bit wibbly now, but too sticky to get off any sense without completely ripping the remaining wires it's hanging by to shreds!