Powering-Up a Dell

[billwa]

I have a dell laptop I wish to power up and use for navigation... What is my best option for powering it off the house batteries. What solution do others use?

I can 12v->240vac , but really want to cut down on as many transformation as possible.

[Sweet As]

I use a car transformer kit that plugs into a cigarette lighter socket and delivers the 9V required to run my Dell. I bought mine for around AUD30 from Jaycar Electronics. Must be simpler than using an inverter then a transformer.

[billwa]

My dell needs 19.5 Vdc - according to the transformer that came with it. Anyways, same principle I suppose.

How sensitive to voltage and current spikes are laptops?

[edsailing]

I use a car power supply DCC converter, 12 volt to any value selected between 15-24v - cost me about £15 sterling from Maplins, and rated at 70w

[marc2012]

I use an inverter,works fine.Think car adapter would be better though.marc

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by marc2012

I use an inverter,works fine.Think car adapter would be better though.marc

Depending on the Dell, mine works well with a 100w "coke can" 12 > 240v inverter. However it over heats when the kids plug their Dell laptops in. the difference is mine is a simple Vosto 1000 only requires 65w whilst the kids Dells require 90w. the normal Dell mains chargers are different too, which is why the kids get told off if they use mine.

Dell and lots of other retailers offer 12 > 19.5v as already suggested so I picked up one off Amazon and now use this on the boat.

Pete

[Sunspot Baby]

Check your electronics store or contact Dell. They will have a Dell compatible 12 volt DC power supply for it.

[JohnT]

Bullwa, Dell make an "Auto-Air AC Adapter" that I have that works brilliantly on my Dell laptop. It does 100 to 240 VAC and 11 to 16 VDC. Comes with a cigarette lighter plug and a bunch of others. It is half the size of the normal charger that comes with Dell laptops.
Model: DA65NS3-00

John

[svHyLyte]

We power our Dell Insperion with the $99.00 Auto/Air Adapter for daze at a time. See DELL 65 Watt Auto/Air AC Adapter with Power Cord for Select Dell Inspiron / Latitude / Studio / Vostro / XPS Laptops / Precision Mobile WorkStations : Laptop Accessories | Dell

[matauwhi]

G'day, mates. FYI, typically these transformers generate radio frequency noise. It's a good idea to disconnect the units from your 12 volts supply when you want to use your VHF, SSB's or Pactor modems. Cheers.