Laptop AC Power Cord

My laptop just decided it wasnt going to charge anymore the other day. I checked all the connections in the cord and checked the outlet. Normally when my laptop is charging the area where the plug is inserted glows blue. However, it is no longer doing that leading me to believe that the power cord is broken.
After further examining he cord i saw that there is a rip in the plastic near the head of the plug which is inserted into the box on the power cord. I guess this has happened from frequently winding up the cord to put it in my backpack. I'm assuming that a wire inside must be disconnected or broken or something along those lines.

Anyways, that was probably more detail then you needed. My quick question:

I initially searched on ebay and found that the power cords were relatively expensive. However, i have also found that there are many "3 prong AC Power Cord" for sale for under $5. My question is... is the plug size (side that goes to the box on the cord) a standard size? from the picture it looks like identical plug. But it is impossible to tell if it is the same size.

My computer:
HP Pavilion dv6500
Offical Plug Replacement Number: 402018-001

here is a link to one of them:
http://cgi.ebay.com/3-Prong-AC-Pow [...] 240%3A1318

I really appreciate your help.