what would be best inverter for a lap top ..I know jaycars have a few so do dick smith .. and what would be most suitable watts in one
ozjohn said
01:02 PM Oct 13, 2011
It's probably a lot easier and cheaper to purchase a 12V lead from Jaycar. They have selective voltage output. i.e. my laptop requires 19V. Cheers, Ozjohn
03_troopy said
02:12 PM Oct 13, 2011
ozjohn wrote:
It's probably a lot easier and cheaper to purchase a 12V lead from Jaycar. They have selective voltage output. i.e. my laptop requires 19V. Cheers, Ozjohn
That's a DC-DC converter. Which may be fine however, some laptops draw a bit of current and the converter may only be enough to extend the battery life while the computer is in use. It would charge while not being used though.
Happywanderer said
03:00 PM Oct 13, 2011
If you get an inverter, make sure it is a Pure Sine Wave and NOT a Modified. Mine is 300wt but haven't had a chance to try it out yet. You can also get the 12 vlt conversion kit from Jaycar as the others suggest. They have them on special at the moment, only about 20 -30 dollars. Was going to get one but flat broke after getting new alternator. Good idea to perhaps have two options, my plan when I can.
lilly31 said
03:19 PM Oct 13, 2011
So i dont need a inverter then ..I can just use a 12 volt lead then is that what you are saying ozjohn ??
ozjohn said
03:50 PM Oct 13, 2011
03 Troopy, You're right Mate. My knowledge of most things electrical is limited to changing light globes. LOL.
Its a 'Power Tech Plus' Step Up DC/DC converter. Adjsutable out put from 15V through to 24V DC @ 3500mA It's about the side if a TV remote and from memory the price was surprisingly low from Jaycar. They're probably available at loads of other electrical appliance places as well.
I've been using mine when bush camping for about a year and find the power supplied is enough to run the Laptop and charge it's battery at the same time.
The Toshiba power supply for the Laptop I use when mains power is available is 240V AC to 19VDC @ 3.42A.
Cheers, Ozjohn.
jimricho said
05:56 PM Oct 13, 2011
These are the 12v laptop power supplies from Jaycar referred to above:
I use the 90 watt one with my laptop and find that it is satisfactory in my case and think it would be for most laptops. Check the power requirements of your computer by looking at the label on your existing 240v power supply.
They come with a range of plugs to fit most laptops and will automatically select the correct voltage according to the plug used. This is dispayed on the unit so you can check it is correct before plugging it into the computer. I consider this to be a better and less costly option than using an inverter.
Note also Happywander's remarks about the need for a Pure sine wave if using an inverter with a laptop (or any electronic device). Unless the label on any inverter specifically states Pure sine wave assume that it is not.
I believe in only using inverters when there is no other option as they do waste power, even allegedly high efficiency ones.
-- Edited by jimricho on Thursday 13th of October 2011 06:06:40 PM
Happywanderer said
06:09 PM Oct 13, 2011
I'm presuming this is similiar. This is in the latest Jaycar catalogue.
All Powered Up: Power your laptop from the 12 v cigarette lighter socket in your car. Choose from either automatic or manual voltage adjustment. Check our website for compatibility with your laptop. 50 W Automatic 12 - 24 VDC Includes USB 1.OA output to charge an ipod or iphone 7 plugs size 93 (L) x 30 (W) x 30(H) MP 3479 $34.95
Comes in two bigger sizes at prices of $59.95(Automatic) and $74.95(Manual)
The first one I typed out sounds ok to me, my laptop is 18v
Happywanderer said
06:13 PM Oct 13, 2011
Whoops, Was writing mine out while you were putting yours up Jimricho.
So do you think the 90W would be better than the 50 W???
jimricho said
06:13 PM Oct 13, 2011
May not be powerful enough for some (many?) laptops as alluded to in Troopy's post. I'd go for the 90 watt unit. My link above will give info on both units plus a 150 watt unit if one really needs some "grunt".
I think we're playing "tag" Marj! We'll have to stop meeting this way!
-- Edited by jimricho on Thursday 13th of October 2011 06:15:34 PM
Happywanderer said
06:14 PM Oct 13, 2011
Just had another look at mine. Its 19 V.
jimricho said
06:16 PM Oct 13, 2011
Happywanderer wrote:
Just had another look at mine. Its 19 V.
same as mine
Jim
Happywanderer said
06:17 PM Oct 13, 2011
Thanks for that. I have the actual catalogue here, came in the letter box today. Better to get the bigger one then!
jimricho said
06:35 PM Oct 13, 2011
ozjohn wrote:The Toshiba power supply for the Laptop I use when mains power is available is 240V AC to 19VDC @ 3.42A.
Cheers, Ozjohn.
That's 65 watts so 90 watts would "cover" it. That's probably fairly typical of most laptops.
PS: Another advantage is you can plug it into the car's cig lighter and recharge the laptop while on the move. No need to draw down on the house battery unless using the computer for an extended period.
-- Edited by jimricho on Thursday 13th of October 2011 06:39:31 PM
jimricho said
06:41 PM Oct 13, 2011
Happywanderer wrote:
Thanks for that. I have the actual catalogue here, came in the letter box today. Better to get the bigger one then!
page 443 Marj.
Dave83 said
12:43 AM Oct 14, 2011
The 12V cable for use with the laptop definitely sounds like the best bet. I would avoid using an inverter for any "sensitive" electrical equipment if possible.
jimricho said
07:22 AM Oct 14, 2011
Dave83 wrote:
The 12V cable for use with the laptop definitely sounds like the best bet. I would avoid using an inverter for any "sensitive" electrical equipment if possible.
At the risk of sounding pedantic and for the benefit of members and visitors to this topic who are not familiar with laptop power supplies I should point out that the device we're talking about is more than just a "cable" but is in a special "box" (with its own input and output cables) designed specifically for powering a laptop from a car's cig lighter (or other 12v source). This takes the place of the "box" that's in the lead that normally connects the laptop to the (240v) power point.
I make this distinction to avoid confusion with the many 12v cables that are available for connecting to various devices.
This is the gizmo we're talking about....(it comes with a supply of different plugs so that it can be attached to almost all laptops)
(use of Jaycar image is acknowledged)
-- Edited by jimricho on Friday 14th of October 2011 07:32:29 AM
Jacko said
09:08 AM Oct 14, 2011
Dave83 wrote:
The 12V cable for use with the laptop definitely sounds like the best bet. I would avoid using an inverter for any "sensitive" electrical equipment if possible.
Darling Dave there is no issue running sensitive electronic or electrical equipment from a quality inverter. Darling a quality inverter will be more stable and superior to mains supply.
Darling Jim is on the money dear as these 12V laptop power supplies charge and maintain your battery no different to been plugged into mains power with your mains power supply
Dave83 said
10:32 AM Oct 14, 2011
Jacko - I couldn't agree more. But for those who aren't aware of how to assess a "quality" inverter, or for those who believe a salesperson who talk about quality when they really shouldn't, I would be erring on the side of caution.
Dave83 said
10:32 AM Oct 14, 2011
Besides, if all you will ever need is to charge a laptop, one of Jacko's suggestions will save a few dollars as well. A win win
Happywanderer said
02:05 PM Oct 14, 2011
Went in to buy the 90 w today, they didn't have one in stock so have ordered one in for me.
lilly, I am going to have both so I have maximum power for laptop, tv, phone and camera charger. This converter would only be suitable while the car is running (I am assuming)
lilly31 said
03:06 PM Oct 14, 2011
Yes i will go to jaycars next week check them out ... planing on doing short trip in few weeks so i neet to get my act together .... Thanks for all the information people but any more ideas keep them coming .......
I was planing on geting a T antenna or a disk something i can put up and down as it can not be fitted permanently ..any sugestions ...
Happywanderer said
04:39 PM Oct 14, 2011
I have on I have to take out and attach to some hooks on the side of the van with the cable coming in through the zip in the pop top. Haven't used it yet so not sure how it will go. Came with the van. Folds down into a cylinder for storing.
jimricho said
05:55 PM Oct 14, 2011
lilly31 wrote:
Yes i will go to jaycars next week check them out ... planing on doing short trip in few weeks so i neet to get my act together .... Thanks for all the information people but any more ideas keep them coming .......
I was planing on geting a T antenna or a disk something i can put up and down as it can not be fitted permanently ..any sugestions ...
Just a suggestion for what it's worth but perhaps if you open a new topic it may attract more responses as this one's just about "run its race" (so to speak)
Jim
03_troopy said
02:20 AM Oct 15, 2011
Looks like the 90W job Jimricho mentioned is the goods. Should handle most modern Lappys. There is a PDF file that gives some info on it too. Use the view image link below the pic to see it better.
-- Edited by 03_troopy on Saturday 15th of October 2011 02:22:00 AM
Went in to buy the 90 w today, they didn't have one in stock so have ordered one in for me.
lilly, I am going to have both so I have maximum power for laptop, tv, phone and camera charger. This converter would only be suitable while the car is running (I am assuming)
It's fine to use it from any 12v source ("house" or main battery) but keep in mind that its drawdown on the battery is similar to a 12v TV. If using it from the car's cig lighter most likely you would need the engine running as these are usually wired via the ignition switch "aux" circuit.
By charging the laptop's battery while on the move you can save your house battery's limited capacity for other uses. In other words connect it to the house battery only if you really need to, especially if planning to stopover at the one spot for a few days or more.
Also the life of a house battery (or any lead-acid battery, including AGMs and gels) is determined by the number of discharges and the depth of discharge so any saving is beneficial in the long term.
On the subject of running a TV via an inverter take into account that an inverter/240v TV combination may (depending on the TV) drawdown significantly more than an equivalant 12v TV. Another reason to use devices that will connect to 12v without the need for an inverter.
PS: I use a 12v charger for my phone and charge it from the car's cig lighter when out and about. I take advantage of 240v mains power whenever available to recharge the camera. I do own an inverter that I bought many years ago. It's sitting up the back of a cupboard somewhere here at home.
-- Edited by jimricho on Saturday 15th of October 2011 08:13:11 AM
ozi2 said
08:55 AM Oct 15, 2011
lilly31 wrote:
Hi guys and girls
what would be best inverter for a lap top ..I know jaycars have a few so do dick smith .. and what would be most suitable watts in one
Thank you all for such informative posts, its not just Lilly who would like to know
cheers,
ozi2
-- Edited by ozi2 on Saturday 15th of October 2011 08:56:06 AM
03_troopy said
09:06 AM Oct 16, 2011
jimricho wrote:
Happywanderer wrote:
Went in to buy the 90 w today, they didn't have one in stock so have ordered one in for me.
lilly, I am going to have both so I have maximum power for laptop, tv, phone and camera charger. This converter would only be suitable while the car is running (I am assuming)
It's fine to use it from any 12v source ("house" or main battery) but keep in mind that its drawdown on the battery is similar to a 12v TV. If using it from the car's cig lighter most likely you would need the engine running as these are usually wired via the ignition switch "aux" circuit.
By charging the laptop's battery while on the move you can save your house battery's limited capacity for other uses. In other words connect it to the house battery only if you really need to, especially if planning to stopover at the one spot for a few days or more.
Also the life of a house battery (or any lead-acid battery, including AGMs and gels) is determined by the number of discharges and the depth of discharge so any saving is beneficial in the long term.
On the subject of running a TV via an inverter take into account that an inverter/240v TV combination may (depending on the TV) drawdown significantly more than an equivalant 12v TV. Another reason to use devices that will connect to 12v without the need for an inverter.
PS: I use a 12v charger for my phone and charge it from the car's cig lighter when out and about. I take advantage of 240v mains power whenever available to recharge the camera. I do own an inverter that I bought many years ago. It's sitting up the back of a cupboard somewhere here at home.
-- Edited by jimricho on Saturday 15th of October 2011 08:13:11 AM
When travelling around, we have 4 different camera batteries and 2 phone batteries to charge, as well as occasional laptop use, so I ended up fitting a 600W Pure sinewave inverter into the Troopy to cater for this. But I also fitted a deep cycle battery to the Troopy as well that charges via a battery manager, so this isn't a problem. There is a separate battery in the campertrailer as well, combined with a 110W solar panel for power when camping. Fitting an inverter to motor vehicle brings its own set of worries as well of course, but we never leave it switched on or equipment connected to it when not close by the vehicle. And of course, extra caution with 240V power leads to make sure they don't jammed anywhere and damaged. It's amazing how many people don't realise that the 240V from the inverter will kill you just as dead as the power from your household 240V outlets.
lilly31 said
06:20 PM Oct 16, 2011
jimricho wrote:
These are the 12v laptop power supplies from Jaycar referred to above:
I use the 90 watt one with my laptop and find that it is satisfactory in my case and think it would be for most laptops. Check the power requirements of your computer by looking at the label on your existing 240v power supply.
They come with a range of plugs to fit most laptops and will automatically select the correct voltage according to the plug used. This is dispayed on the unit so you can check it is correct before plugging it into the computer. I consider this to be a better and less costly option than using an inverter.
Note also Happywander's remarks about the need for a Pure sine wave if using an inverter with a laptop (or any electronic device). Unless the label on any inverter specifically states Pure sine wave assume that it is not.
I believe in only using inverters when there is no other option as they do waste power, even allegedly high efficiency ones.
-- Edited by jimricho on Thursday 13th of October 2011 06:06:40 PM
My laptop is 19 v so the 90 watt one will be ample or would it be better to get the 150 watt one ????
Happywanderer said
06:37 PM Oct 16, 2011
My laptop is 19v lilly and I'm going for the 90 watt. The 150 is not automatic, it is a manual, could be quite different to run.
Hi guys and girls
what would be best inverter for a lap top ..I know jaycars have a few so do dick smith .. and what would be most suitable watts in one
It's probably a lot easier and cheaper to purchase a 12V lead from Jaycar.
They have selective voltage output. i.e. my laptop requires 19V.
Cheers, Ozjohn
That's a DC-DC converter. Which may be fine however, some laptops draw a bit of current and the converter may only be enough to extend the battery life while the computer is in use. It would charge while not being used though.
You can also get the 12 vlt conversion kit from Jaycar as the others suggest. They have them on special at the moment, only about 20 -30 dollars. Was going to get one but flat broke after getting new alternator. Good idea to perhaps have two options, my plan when I can.
03 Troopy, You're right Mate.
My knowledge of most things electrical is limited to changing light globes. LOL.
Its a 'Power Tech Plus' Step Up DC/DC converter. Adjsutable out put from 15V through to 24V DC @ 3500mA
It's about the side if a TV remote and from memory the price was surprisingly low from Jaycar. They're probably available at loads of other electrical appliance places as well.
I've been using mine when bush camping for about a year and find the power supplied is enough to run the Laptop and charge it's battery at the same time.
The Toshiba power supply for the Laptop I use when mains power is available is 240V AC to 19VDC @ 3.42A.
Cheers, Ozjohn.
These are the 12v laptop power supplies from Jaycar referred to above:
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productResults.asp?keywords=mp3324&keyform=KEYWORD&SUBMIT.x=33&SUBMIT.y=10
I use the 90 watt one with my laptop and find that it is satisfactory in my case and think it would be for most laptops. Check the power requirements of your computer by looking at the label on your existing 240v power supply.
They come with a range of plugs to fit most laptops and will automatically select the correct voltage according to the plug used. This is dispayed on the unit so you can check it is correct before plugging it into the computer. I consider this to be a better and less costly option than using an inverter.
Note also Happywander's remarks about the need for a Pure sine wave if using an inverter with a laptop (or any electronic device). Unless the label on any inverter specifically states Pure sine wave assume that it is not.
I believe in only using inverters when there is no other option as they do waste power, even allegedly high efficiency ones.
-- Edited by jimricho on Thursday 13th of October 2011 06:06:40 PM
All Powered Up: Power your laptop from the 12 v cigarette lighter socket in your car. Choose from either automatic or manual voltage adjustment. Check our website for compatibility with your laptop.
50 W Automatic 12 - 24 VDC
Includes USB 1.OA output to charge an ipod or iphone
7 plugs
size 93 (L) x 30 (W) x 30(H)
MP 3479 $34.95
Comes in two bigger sizes at prices of $59.95(Automatic) and $74.95(Manual)
The first one I typed out sounds ok to me, my laptop is 18v
So do you think the 90W would be better than the 50 W???
May not be powerful enough for some (many?) laptops as alluded to in Troopy's post. I'd go for the 90 watt unit. My link above will give info on both units plus a 150 watt unit if one really needs some "grunt".
I think we're playing "tag" Marj! We'll have to stop meeting this way!
-- Edited by jimricho on Thursday 13th of October 2011 06:15:34 PM
same as mine
Jim
That's 65 watts so 90 watts would "cover" it. That's probably fairly typical of most laptops.
PS: Another advantage is you can plug it into the car's cig lighter and recharge the laptop while on the move. No need to draw down on the house battery unless using the computer for an extended period.
-- Edited by jimricho on Thursday 13th of October 2011 06:39:31 PM
page 443 Marj.
At the risk of sounding pedantic and for the benefit of members and visitors to this topic who are not familiar with laptop power supplies I should point out that the device we're talking about is more than just a "cable" but is in a special "box" (with its own input and output cables) designed specifically for powering a laptop from a car's cig lighter (or other 12v source). This takes the place of the "box" that's in the lead that normally connects the laptop to the (240v) power point.
I make this distinction to avoid confusion with the many 12v cables that are available for connecting to various devices.
This is the gizmo we're talking about....(it comes with a supply of different plugs so that it can be attached to almost all laptops)
(use of Jaycar image is acknowledged)
-- Edited by jimricho on Friday 14th of October 2011 07:32:29 AM
Darling Dave there is no issue running sensitive electronic or electrical equipment from a quality inverter. Darling a quality inverter will be more stable and superior to mains supply.
Darling Dave you can get heaps of 12v laptop power supplies from Deal Extreme http://s.dealextreme.com/search/laptop+power+supply+12V.html?show=grid&PageSize=60
Darling Jim is on the money dear as these 12V laptop power supplies charge and maintain your battery no different to been plugged into mains power with your mains power supply
lilly, I am going to have both so I have maximum power for laptop, tv, phone and camera charger. This converter would only be suitable while the car is running (I am assuming)
I was planing on geting a T antenna or a disk something i can put up and down as it can not be fitted permanently ..any sugestions ...
Just a suggestion for what it's worth but perhaps if you open a new topic it may attract more responses as this one's just about "run its race" (so to speak)
Jim
Looks like the 90W job Jimricho mentioned is the goods. Should handle most modern Lappys. There is a PDF file that gives some info on it too. Use the view image link below the pic to see it better.
-- Edited by 03_troopy on Saturday 15th of October 2011 02:22:00 AM
It's fine to use it from any 12v source ("house" or main battery) but keep in mind that its drawdown on the battery is similar to a 12v TV. If using it from the car's cig lighter most likely you would need the engine running as these are usually wired via the ignition switch "aux" circuit.
By charging the laptop's battery while on the move you can save your house battery's limited capacity for other uses. In other words connect it to the house battery only if you really need to, especially if planning to stopover at the one spot for a few days or more.
Also the life of a house battery (or any lead-acid battery, including AGMs and gels) is determined by the number of discharges and the depth of discharge so any saving is beneficial in the long term.
On the subject of running a TV via an inverter take into account that an inverter/240v TV combination may (depending on the TV) drawdown significantly more than an equivalant 12v TV. Another reason to use devices that will connect to 12v without the need for an inverter.
PS: I use a 12v charger for my phone and charge it from the car's cig lighter when out and about. I take advantage of 240v mains power whenever available to recharge the camera. I do own an inverter that I bought many years ago. It's sitting up the back of a cupboard somewhere here at home.
-- Edited by jimricho on Saturday 15th of October 2011 08:13:11 AM
Thank you all for such informative posts, its not just Lilly who would like to know
cheers,
ozi2
-- Edited by ozi2 on Saturday 15th of October 2011 08:56:06 AM
When travelling around, we have 4 different camera batteries and 2 phone batteries to charge, as well as occasional laptop use, so I ended up fitting a 600W Pure sinewave inverter into the Troopy to cater for this. But I also fitted a deep cycle battery to the Troopy as well that charges via a battery manager, so this isn't a problem. There is a separate battery in the campertrailer as well, combined with a 110W solar panel for power when camping. Fitting an inverter to motor vehicle brings its own set of worries as well of course, but we never leave it switched on or equipment connected to it when not close by the vehicle. And of course, extra caution with 240V power leads to make sure they don't jammed anywhere and damaged. It's amazing how many people don't realise that the 240V from the inverter will kill you just as dead as the power from your household 240V outlets.
My laptop is 19 v so the 90 watt one will be ample or would it be better to get the 150 watt one ????