I’ve been looking for a ready supply of eMate Power Supplies.  Being that I’m familiar with DC electricity, the requirements of Positive Tip, 7.5VDC @ 1.2Amp don’t seem that out of reach.  RadioShack sells an adapter that’s been reported to work perfectly, the Digital Camera Power Adapter (Model 273-1696).  It runs at 2 full Amps.  Some reports on the web indicate that running it at 7VDC works better than the 7.5VDC setting.  The only issue is that you need the AdaptaPlug C, which does not come with the Digital Camera Power Adapter.  For the record, the AdaptaPlug C size measurement is 4.75mm OD and 1.7mm ID.  No biggie until you see that the 273-1696 is $29, and the AdaptaPlug is $5.  $34 to power something that doesn’t even cost $50 to buy on eBay.  That’ll never do.  For now, I’ve decided to substitute the 273-1763 for $24.  It’s a 1.8 Amp 6VDC supply.  Nice part is, this one comes with one AdaptaPlug for free.

Now, I’ve substituted power supplies before.  This stuff isn’t rocket science.  Match the voltage and polarity and select a regulated power supply that can push more than the required amperage, and you should be golden.  Apparently, the Apple eMate (and other Newtons) are very finicky with their power supplies.  It seems that this supply is not only working properly to power the unit, but also appears to be charging the eMate battery.  The latter is where issue usually strikes from what I’ve read.

So far so good, no magic blue smoke has been released.  You know, the magic blue smoke is what makes all electronics work.  Releasing it is a bad thing.

(I know the correct eMate power supplies are available on eBay as well, prices vary from $5 to $25+, but sometimes instant gratification is important, too.)