Laptop; inverter or?

:)

If you don't need 240V then go the 12V to 19V.

Do a search - there are a few threads on this site regarding this question and many pious and serious people who lack humour who will "advise" you :)

Mike Harding

Kerio is the name. Input 11 to 15 vdc output 15 to 24 vdc. Output power of mine is 75 w, I think there is a 90 w model too. Output voltage can be set to suit your laptop. Just check that the power plug fits your computer, they come with several different interchangable ones in the box. I have used on on my Compaq for 8 months no worries. Sounds too simple doesn't it.

Forgot to say that yes, Dick Smith sells them!!!

G'day 93 Navara,

The system your mate is referring to is probably a DC-DC adapter. I use a Kerio which I bought from Dick Smiths a couple of years ago for about $80 and it serves me well; possibly cheaper now.

Like you, I only needed it for my laptop so an inverter would use considerably more power than required by stepping from DC -AC then plugging into the laptop transformer to convert back to DC.

The adapter I have can switch to a number of DC voltages, just in case I change my laptop and require a different voltage input.

My laptop is a vital tool when touring as I use it for navigation by linking it to my GPS. Also, I have NextG Wireless which allows me to surf the net on the move and make phone calls through SKYPE to anywhere in the western world for $0.027 cents per minute. Beats getting ripped-off by mobile phone rates.

Cheers,
Shep

An Inverter would also be handy for re-charging Camera and Torch batteries, also could run 5w mozzie repellants, fluero lights, and if you went up to a 600w or 800w then your into running drills, angle grinders, could be handy out in the desert . here on the forum is a great site for Inverters

Site Link

Doug

DC fom DC makes good sense to me - a timely query here - I have an inverter 240 gennie and was about to employ that for my puta, on an upcoming trip - might get the dc-dc option (and choose between the two) ! My Asus laptop requires 19V up to 4.8A

This is just one of few different 12 laptop power supplies that Jaycar sell:

Site Link
I will be getting the 5 amp model.

93 Narvara
I use a "Targus" adaptor on my Acer laptop (came with it, supplied by the store), made in the US for a change, not that other country. It is 11-16v DC input and 3-24v DC output, not user switchable. Most if not all laptops are self regulating on their input nowdays. It came with a variety of adaptors for various laptops as well as a plug for airline seats. Being a 6amp output it charges the laptop in quick time, about 2 hrs. Draws up to 11 amps out of your battery though.
CliveG (NZ)

The 19volt converter is fine for your laptop, but do you want to run anything else? Like Doug, I run battery chargers for camera, and other stuff so prefer to use a 300 watt inverter - I've used a 300watt Jaycar (not sine wave) without any probs - cost $80.

Just remember that the output from a 240V inverter can kill you. In a vehicle there is a greater likelihood of chaffed cords and hence an increased risk of shock. I'd stick with a DC-DC converter if I only needed to power a laptop.

Hi Ben,
Jaycar were selling two types of DC-DC conveters, but they only seem to currently selling the 3.5A version on their online catalogue for less than $35.
Jaycar Link
Perhaps I've missed it, but the other one they were selling had a higher output, along the lines of the Kerio version, and for a good price; about $10 dearer than the one above. Might pay to check the shop personally.
I use the one above on a Compaq Presario V2000 series, and it works fine. Comes with a range of DC adaptors to fit your lappie.
Even if you own an AC inverter, the DC-DC converter is the better way to go with a lappie, as the overall conversion is more efficient (only one conversion instead of two)
Gerry