Whilst staying in my van during the week I would like to use my laptop. Basically the battery has had its day so cannot run off the battery and a new one does not last very long. What setup do I need to run a laptop in the van off my leisure batteries. My understanding is if I am not using power to charge a battery my requirements are less? I assume the 12v coming from the battery is not a constant therefore do I need some equipment to ensure I don't blow the thing?
gary3029
Ok first things first. What DC voltage does it run on?
It will say on it.
Or make model and year so we can look it up.
Next, what do you want to be using it for? Is it the best and only option for what you want to do? Would not something else for the job better for less power?
It will say on it.
Or make model and year so we can look it up.
Next, what do you want to be using it for? Is it the best and only option for what you want to do? Would not something else for the job better for less power?
If you put "laptop car charger" into Ebay search you will get plenty of choice, from around £4 upward.
The generic ones will come with a range of different connectors, so all you need to check is that it can produce the voltage that yours needs (most are 18V), has enough power output and has the right connector included. Most of the generic ones have an application chart anyway, though if your laptop is an unusual one then that may not help.
The generic ones will come with a range of different connectors, so all you need to check is that it can produce the voltage that yours needs (most are 18V), has enough power output and has the right connector included. Most of the generic ones have an application chart anyway, though if your laptop is an unusual one then that may not help.
Maybe an inverter, I got mine from Lidl @ £20 (german make), runs other items as well.
See here also http://www.sunshinesolar.co.uk/khxc/gbu0-catshow/12VMSW.html
See here also http://www.sunshinesolar.co.uk/khxc/gbu0-catshow/12VMSW.html
Battery life can be extended by setting it to optimise battery life, batteries arn't that expensive on ebay either.
http://www.wikihow.com/Extend-Laptop-Battery-Life
in addition if you had a working laptop battery it could charge from your solar during the day.
http://www.wikihow.com/Extend-Laptop-Battery-Life
in addition if you had a working laptop battery it could charge from your solar during the day.
One of these then not ebay its via Tesco, but also try Maplin and they can also advise .
http://www.tesco.com/direct/72w-12v...kpid=650-9499&sc_cmp=tp1_ppc_g__&kpid=650-9499&gclid=CO6Pl6XI4MACFYzHtAodRkAA8Q
ps Also not very efficient
http://www.tesco.com/direct/72w-12v...kpid=650-9499&sc_cmp=tp1_ppc_g__&kpid=650-9499&gclid=CO6Pl6XI4MACFYzHtAodRkAA8Q
ps Also not very efficient
Try and buy one specific to your laptop. It will perform much better. All these gizmos with loads of adaptors are bound to loose you power and give you grief at some point.
Some laptops will run off the power input with the battery removed, that way you will not be wasting power trying to charge up a knackered battery.
Take a good look at the power saving profiles, most default settings will be maxed out when running off power rather than battery, you need to enable power saving while plugged in.
Check how many watts your laptop needs, most of the big brands have standardised connectors but differ in their power requirements depending on the laptop.
Take a good look at the power saving profiles, most default settings will be maxed out when running off power rather than battery, you need to enable power saving while plugged in.
Check how many watts your laptop needs, most of the big brands have standardised connectors but differ in their power requirements depending on the laptop.
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