12V DC Converter for Laptop

Have a good look at the Kerio adapter, available from Dick Smiths stores. They have an adjustable power range via a plug in bridgie.

They will suit most Laptops. Just look up your brand/model to confirm if the Kerio will suit it.

Kerio adapter

Bill.

Hi Browncoat
Have a look at Targus power adaptor I have one everyone on trips that I go on charge up using my charger it has never failed just google Targus this should help

I have the jaycar/dick smith type. Selectable output voltage.
When I picked it up, there were two models. One put out 3.5amps, the other 6 amps. Newer laptops may need the higher output.
I have an Asus laptop about 12 months old, and the 6 amp charger.
Found if the engine is running all is great. If I am running of the cigarette lighter, with no engine running, the charger only just keeps up if the laptop is running hard. Does double the life of of the laptop battery though under those circumstances.
If the laptop is not doing any serious work, such as converting maps of doing a lot of hard disk/CD access, it runs fine.

I'd be very surprised if your laptop actually uses 4.7 amps to run or charge. Have had a look at a few around the office and none even come close to that, although some of the really big "desktop replacement" laptops do use a lot.

If you want a high power job try this one from Jaycar.

Thanks all for the replies.

My Laptop is a newer one (dual cores and a grunting video card) so maybe thats why it seems to use more amps.

One further question about those chargers mentioned that have a max of 6 amps. Does that mean they will supply the amps needed by my laptop upto a maximum of 6 amps? Or will they try pump 6 amps into my laptop regardless of its lesser requirement? I dont really know alot about this stuff so sorry if the questions seem silly.

Hi Browncoat,
Oldplodder is on the right track. We had a Kerio adaptor which would charge the laptop while driving but if we had a long session (watching a DVD or a long photo session) would not supply enough current to run the machine, which would shut down and refuse to start until the battery was charged. We bought the 6 amp one from Jaycar which doesn't have a problem running the Acer desktop replacement. I just checked, the current rating is 4.74 amps.
Doug

Hi Browncoat

There are two common models 3.5amp and 6amp at most places like dick smith as per other posts above.

Also Jaycar/Altronics and many other places.

If you already purchased a 3.5amp unit which is marginal you can just set it to 18v or less, the pc will still work and the convertor will work a little better.

OK Great.

Thanks to all.

Just to add - bought my Power Tech Plus MP-3467 from Dick - 6 selectable voltages including 19 - 4 voltages to 6A and the two higher voltages to 5A. Input requirements are 12-13.8V. Used it on my Asus - been great so far.

If you use a 3.5a then it will get hot and burn out. I followed the advise when I purchased the laptop which turned out to be wrong. Not only did I need a new power source but also a new laptop as it blew that up as well.

Browncoat

I will go different to what others have said. I originally had a converter to run the laptop but had trouble with it running hot. It was probably too small, but by the specs it should have been ok, mainly if the laptop had a flat battery, yes you can take the battery out but then you run the risk of loosing power to the laptop if the lead is pulled out or the ignition is switched off etc.
I now use a 300w pure sinewave inverter, which easily runs the laptop plus has the extra advantage of being able to be used to charge cameras, torches etc.

Chris