Hi all,

I'm a little tech naive, so sorry if question is rather obvious.

I have a Sony vaio laptop (SZ650N). I chose it for relatively light weight and ease of use -- it's my only computer, but I take it from/ to work every day, as well as travel reasonably frequently.

I've had it for a couple of years, and even purchase 3 year extended warranty etc. Anyway, last week or so, after a trip, I noticed that I need to 'jiggle' the power cord to charge the laptop. I figured it's either a loose connection or bent wire or something, but managed to just about live with it. A couple of days ago, however, I noticed that the insulation of the wire coming out of the 'brick' (to pc) is compromised, and in fact, can see bare wire which starts sparking when I move it about. OK, that's worrying. I call to see if this is covered -- sadly not -- warranty only covers the computer itself, not battery (which I knew) or power supply.

So I traipse to the sony store to buy a new power supply today. They didn't have the exact same one I have (VGP-AC19V25) -- in fact, that appears out of stock/ no longer made. But they said any 19.5V supply is fine, and sell me one (VGP-AC19V15). I pay the money, get home and open the box.

So, I'm dismayed to discover this GIANT brick -- about twice the size of my current one. It will be a real pain to travel with. In addition, my old supply stated output as 19.5V and 4.7A, this one says 19.5V and 6.2A.

I look at the vaio website, and there seems to be another supply, VGP-AC19V31, same price, that's lighter. And in fact, it states that it's compatible with sz, unlike the 19V15, which is apparently for the AR models.

So my questions are:
a) Will the different current output damage my computer?
b) For vaio users/experts, which power supply would be best for me, with size/ weight in particular an issue?
c) Can I return the current supply? I had to use it to write check FT today! So it's not unused, but it is barely used. I'm obviously going to call the store tomorrow, but I wanted to check here for my rights first...

FTers help, as always, appreciated,

tb