i have a faulty lead in a power pack for a laptop. I need to replace it. im looking at generic ones but the voltages are 4amp 4.5amp max for the generic and the laptop needs 3.42amps. does this matter? the voltages are right..19v.
any thoughts?

So long as the max amps of the new one are the same or higher and the voltage is the same go for it. You could also repair the lead if it's not too badly damaged, I recently re-soldered a mates laptop power supply plug.

should be okay ShOdDy

depending on the laptop - if there's too much juice it'll refuse to boot up

sweet thanks guys

sounds like a ShOdDy power pack imo

just make sure its got enough wattage as well. I got a generic adapter from a mate, but its only 65 watts, it powers the laptop alright, but it cant charge the battery. i tested it on a 90 watt adapter and suddenly it started charging.

If the amps is higher, make sure the volts are correct and that its regulated, an unregulated power supply will supply more volts if u draw less current than what its rated for.

bit of odd advice up in this thread
what whoop said is correct
amperage doesn't matter so long as it matches or exceeds what is required
voltage must be the same
wattage is largely irrellevant as it's just amps x volts and if you don't know the voltage it's pretty useless