ASUS TF300 Charger Magic

So here’s something. I realize that no one really cares, but I’m posting this as a public service to some intrepid internet traveler facing the same problem.

Yesterday I discovered that the charger for my ASUS tablet had suddenly quit working. It’s a typical liitle black block with a USB outlet, but when connected to the tablet (or its dock) it puts out 15V @ 1.2A (as opposed to the USB spec of 5V @ 500-900mA). I have all sorts of USB power adapters, but none that put out the voltage/current the tablet requires.

Soo… panic-stricken, I go online and order a replacement. A bit of Googling reveals that this is a fairly common issue which a number of people claim has a novel solution: Put the charger in the freezer. This supposedly resets some sort of thermal-overload breaker, returning the charger to working condition. (The charger in question is for the SL101 Series, TF101 Series, TF201 Series, TF300 Series, TF700 Series, and their docks.)

Dubious, but having nothing to lose, I put the charger in a Ziploc bag and place it in the freezer. Much to my surprise and delight…
It worked! Thanks interwebs!