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AIR-Quarius · 06-30-2009, 11:01 AM

I was wondering if they make an adapter for laptop computers that would run off the cigarette lighter in the tow vehicle...is there such a thing?

CanoeStream · 06-30-2009, 11:08 AM

Hey red -- see http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449...ing-52010.html

It sounds like the best dry camping solution should be obtained thru your computer maker. Relying on an inverter to take it to 120V so your laptops brick can take you back down to DC is pretty wasteful of the coach batteries.

AIR-Quarius · 06-30-2009, 11:23 AM

Thanks, cam

73Overlander · 06-30-2009, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhawkerII

I was wondering if they make an adapter for laptop computers that would run off the cigarette lighter in the tow vehicle...is there such a thing?

In the TV we use an inverter. Works great and the Mrs. answers email while traveling down the highway via a wireless card.

AIR-Quarius · 06-30-2009, 12:14 PM

I will call Radio shack and see what they've got Thanks!

uluwene · 06-30-2009, 12:34 PM

I use an Automobile Adapter designed for use with my Dell laptop. I would suggest you be sure that the adapter you purchase is specifically compatible with your brand and model lap top. It works in the trailer as well. Just be warned a lap top pulls a lot of juice from a battery that is not being recharged as you use it

newroswell · 06-30-2009, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhawkerII

I will call Radio shack and see what they've got Thanks!

Radio Shack will sell you an "inverter". An inverter takes your 12v DC from the cigarette lighter and makes 110V AC (making a little heat and wasting a little 12v in the process). Your laptop wall-plug then converts it back to DC (making a little more heat and wasting a little 110V AC) which is what your laptop will need internally.

Contact your laptop manufacture and buy the "car adapter" cable for it so all this unnecessary converting isn't wasting power and cluttering the floor around your feet.

Kevin

**Kevin245** · 06-30-2009, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhawkerII

I was wondering if they make an adapter for laptop computers that would run off the cigarette lighter in the tow vehicle...is there such a thing?

I've used an iGo unit for the past five years. It works on 120 volt, 240 volt, and 12 volt systems. The 12 volt plug also converts to the airline seat plug on most commercial aircraft. Never have used it in the AS or Avion, but have traveled worldwide with it with great sucess.

I really have enjoyed mine.

www.igo.com

AirsDream · 06-30-2009, 02:07 PM

IF your laptop runs on 12v or thereabouts, Radio Shack has a "cigarette lighter" plug adapter that has a variety of power tips that fit common 12v electrical products and will power them from a Airstream or tow vehicle 12 volt power point. I use one for e.g. my portable computer printer, portable discman, etc. ... and have my eye on a Sharp tv / DVD combo unit that runs on 12volt, that will also power off of this adapter. I saw no need to conver 12 v.d.c. to 125 v.a.c. and then back to 12 v.d.c. again.

FreshAir · 06-30-2009, 04:17 PM

I bought the appropiate adapter at Best Buy for about fifty bucks.
Neil.

nick6930 · 06-30-2009, 06:02 PM

I use both a cheapo cigarette light inverter and use the iGO. Both work the best thing about iGO is you can use it for any electronic device just buy extra tips. This saves a lot of money in the end if you are like me and buy a new electronic toy every month.

SilverRanger · 06-30-2009, 08:16 PM

My laptop requires 19 VDC, so I have been using a 120 watt inverter in my TV and Airstream with good success.

overlander63 · 06-30-2009, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhawkerII

I was wondering if they make an adapter for laptop computers that would run off the cigarette lighter in the tow vehicle...is there such a thing?

Maybe. Depends on what make and model notebook you have.

Mikethefixit · 06-30-2009, 10:32 PM

I purchased a mobile adaptor for my ACER . I think I bout it on ebay ,along with a cool pad .It has a small box in the cord I assume is a step-up transformer.It also came with a 110v adapter.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 06-30-2009, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73Overlander

In the TV we use an inverter. Works great and the Mrs. answers email while traveling down the highway via a wireless card.

Hi, I would not let my wife have a lap top or anything else between her and the dash board, passenger air bag, while I'm driving; And my wife understands why. Something to think about. [my opinion]

purman · 06-30-2009, 11:00 PM

I have a yellow converter that fits in the cup holder. It is round and is suppose too. it's kind of cool.... It charges that lap top while I drive..

Thats a good point Robert, If that airbag goes off that laptop is part of you...

overlander63 · 06-30-2009, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, I would not let my wife have a lap top or anything else between her and the dash board, passenger air bag, while I'm driving; And my wife understands why. Something to think about. [my opinion]

Once upon a time, I had a mount that went between the two front seats for a laptop. it would swivel toward either the passenger or driver, and would not be in the path of a deploying airbag.
There is, however the decision to be made of how far we want to go to have a laptop with us at all times.

purman · 06-30-2009, 11:22 PM

Yeah, I don't use mine while I drive it's kinda distracting

clicknathan · 08-06-2009, 09:42 PM

You can get a plug for your cigarette lighter which has a normal outlet on the other end, sometimes as many as 3 outlets, at any Best Buy. I've used them on shorter road trips for my laptop / cell phone charger / etc. without any issue.