Sony vaio power cord/battery questions

[wellstone_democrat]

I recently bought a Sony Vaio S460 laptop and would like to have another power cord (so one can travel and the other be permanently threaded through the back of the desk! ) and an extra battery. Looking at the prices---since I spent ALL my available cash on the laptop I wondered if I *must* use the Sony products or if other brands can be used? I have several old power cords from deceased laptops over the years (or from mysterious sources...who knows? Socks disappear, computer cables and cords seem to multiply...)

Anyway, is there a way that someone can tell if it is safe to use another computer power cord that fits? (or battery) is it the voltage rating or....?

thanks

[RC]

1. Too many variables...

Voltages, polarities, power draw, different size/type connectors.
I'd play it safe here. Get the same type replacement.

[democracyindanger]

2. here

http://www.kensington.com/html/5406.html