12V DC Converter for Laptop
Submitted: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 22:38
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Browncoat
I am looking for a power solution for my Laptop whilst camping. I was thinking of an inverter but after researching the subject it seems more efficient to just use a converter from 12V to 19V.
I have found many devices that will convert from 12V to 19V but my laptop powerpack supplies 19V - 4.74 A (90W Max) to the laptop. The converters i've looked at supply 19V - 3.5A. Is the amp diference going to be an issue? How close to the 4.74A do I need to be?
Reply By: Member - Oldplodder (QLD) - Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 07:57
Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 07:57
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.
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Reply By: Member - Chris & Debbie (QLD) - Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 11:31
Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 11:31
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
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