Gateway AC adapters connect laptops to AC power, allowing them to charge the battery and operate using AC power instead of battery power. The battery of even the best laptops is five hours or less and some older laptops may have a battery life of less than one hour. If one of your business' Gateway power adapters has stopped working, get any important data off of the laptop immediately and use the laptop only as absolutely needed to conserve power.

The other type of Gateway adapters your business might need are Gateway USB adapters. These are used to connect old peripherals, such as mice and keyboards, with PS/2 connections to new laptops or desktops with USB inputs. Consider these factors when replacing Gateway electronic adapters:

1. Get the right power adapter for your business' specific laptop model.

2. Look for special features when you shop for Gateway battery adapters.

3. Determine if you need a Gateway USB adapter for peripherals.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase replacement Gateway power adapters for a laptop

Not all Gateway power adapters are compatible with all Gateway laptops. Over the years, Gateway has used many different adapters for many different models, so be sure you get the right one for your model. Make sure the connector on the end of the Gateway adapter plugs into the input on your laptop and make sure the adapter is the correct voltage for the laptop.

I recommend: Laptops for Less offers several different Gateway AC adapters for different Gateway models. They provide a list of models each adapter works with and close-up pictures of the connectors so you are sure to get the right one. SimpleMicro.com allows you to search by model number so you can pick out the Gateway AC adapter for an exact model.

Find a Gateway AC adapter which best suits your business needs

In addition to varying voltages and different input connections, Gateway adapters can differ in several other ways. Some have extra long 6-foot cords and some fold up for easy storage in a laptop bag. Look for an adapter which not only powers your business' laptop, but also provides a special feature.

I recommend: MobilePowerSupply.com and Priority Electronics offer a wide selection of Gateway AC adapters, some with extra long cords and some compact models for traveling.

Get old peripherals to work with newer laptops and desktops with Gateway USB adapters

The standard connection for mice and keyboards used to be a round plug with small pins, called a PS/2 connection. This has been replaced by USB connectors and many new laptops and desktops do not have PS/2 inputs. To make these old peripherals work with modern Gateway computers, you must use a USB adapter.

I recommend: If your business' Gateway desktop or laptop does not have a PS/2 input, get an USB adapter from CDW. If you need to connect multiple PS/2 devices, USBGear.com offers USB adapters that allow you to connect two PS/2 devices to one USB port.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Plan ahead and purchase one backup Gateway adapter for each laptop your business owns. AC adapters often do not last as long as the laptops they power, so having backups ensures you can keep a laptop in service even if an AC adapter quits working.