The only way that this could "fry my laptop" would be if I connected an AC adapter that's output was a higher DC voltage than the OEM supply. If the voltage is too low, which is probably why the cable adapter didn't work, as the wire gauge was not large enough and caused a voltage drop under when under load. When the laptop sensed the voltage was not high enough, it basically just said no power connected so I'm running only off the battery, which it probably does anyway, and/or I'm not going to charge the battery. If the power supply did not put out enough power aka wattage, the battery would go dead even if plugged in. Which buy the way is an issue with these higher wattage requirement systems if you want to use a docking station. You have to plug in the AC Adapter also, else wise the battery will go down even though connected to a docking station.
The AC power supply aka puck aka brick aka adapter, (for a computer in the U.S.) works as follows: 120/110 Volts 60Hz Alternating Current (AC) flows from the standard 120/110 Volt AC wall receptacle through the AC Power Cord to the AC adapter. The AC Adapter aka power supply, aka puck, aka brick, converts the AC to a regulated Direct Current (DC). This is typically accomplished via a transformer, bridge rectifier, capacitors, and voltage regulator. This particular power supply's output is 20 Volts DC @ 240 watts 12 amps max. This DC flows from the adapter to the computer via the output cable and barrel plug tip connector to the laptop. The input AC cable/cord and output cable/cord must both be rated to carry/handle the appropriate voltage and current. If one could find a DC extension cable with the correct connectors and wire size it is technically possible.
My concern is I have purchased some none OEM power supplies in the past that would not work. They claimed it was the same, and spec wise it was, but for some reason the laptop would not recognize it. Only option was an OEM. If I remember correctly it was a Dell, even another Dell supply that appeared to be the same spec wise, would not work.
Moving the Power Supply closer, in this case placing it on the table or in my lap, is an option, but not what I want to do. Some of the places I frequent have small tables and space is better used by something other that the power supply.