In fairness to Apple, first party adapters for most laptops are about the same price. The catch is that Apple's patented MagSafe prevents you from buying a uni

In fairness to Apple, first party adapters for most laptops are about the same price. The catch is that Apple's patented MagSafe prevents you from buying a universal adapter from a reputable brand. You can buy a knockoff (I have) from China (i.e., dealextreme), but you have to be very trusting. I stopped using my knockoffs after they started getting really hot. I only use them in a pinch for short periods of time now.