inverter or 12v supply for laptop

Hi,

My preference was to use an inverter, that way I could use the inverter to charge up other devices (Digital Camera etc).

Phil P

Hi GOB,
I use a converter - more efficient than stepping up to 240, then back. Some laptops run directly from the mains; ie, have no external power supply - in this case, you have no choice but to use a 240v inverter. Otherwise,
Jaycar have one which looks like it will fit the bill, including most adaptors (copied from website, apparently putting the very long url in here causes problems):

"STOCK-CODE: MP3462
RRP: $89.50

Laptop Computer Universal Switchmode DC-DC Multi-Voltage Car Power Supply
Run your laptop computer from your car battery. This switchmode regulated 13.8VDC input DC- DC converter power supply will increase the voltage to run a laptop computer from a car. - Input voltage 12 - 15VDC car battery power- Output voltage features 7 different voltages to suit most laptops 15V, 16V, 18V, 19V and 20VDC @ 3.5A regulated and 22V, 24VDC @ 2.9A regulated- Supplied with 5 changeable output plugs: 2.1 x 5.5mm, 2.5 x 5.5mm, 3.0 x 6.3mm, 1.4 x 6.0mm, 1.7 x 4.75mm- Stabilized output, low ripple and low interference- Short circuit and overload protected- High efficiency and low energy consumption- Power LED monitorWARNING: Be extremely careful, and triple check that you have the output plug connected with the correct polarity to suit your laptop. Connecting with the polarity the wrong way will damage a laptop computer, If unsure seek professional guidance."

rgds
Gerry

Hi

I drive a Toyota Landcruiser 100 series (just thought I would get the Toyo/Nissan 'thing' going again) and also have a Toshiba Satellite 3000.

I use this device...it is EXCELLEN T!

http://www.kerio.com.tw/con_products_energy_knightI.html

rgds

Hi GOB,

I also have one of the Energy Knights from Kerio that I use in a 100 Series Landcruiser.(http://www.kerio.com.tw/con_products_energy_knightI.html)

Cost me $98 from Dick Smith Electonics here in Perth. Can power and recharge almost any Notebook (that has an external power supply). Comes with mutilple adaptors (including the one for Dells that I use).

Cannot fault it. Works perfectly.

Regards

Cruiser

Hi Gob

We debated also which way to go and decided on a 12v supply for our laptop. Ordered a Targus Auto/Air adapter from an online supplier in Qld last week which should have been delivered early this week. Phoned the supplier when it hadn't arrived by today and was told they didn't in fact have any in stock.

After seeing the recommendations here for the Kerio Energy Knight1, I phoned our local Dick Smith and had one in my hot little hands within 30 mins for $98 (half the price of the Targus :).

Thanks for the tip, guys.Life's too short to say .. I can't do that