Laptop & USB PSU query

[Stefvan]

After a horrific 7.5 hour journey back from Cornwall on Sunday I vowed to sort the kids entertainment out. I am prolly going to get them a small handheld mp3/mp4 player each (probably this one http://www.ebuyer.com/product/159433" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; or this one http://www.ebuyer.com/product/153204" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ) and was looking at ways of powering them, it seems the best thing would be to have a small USB hub under the r+r and have 2 usb charge cables running up between the seats to the players. But then getting 5V USB power seems to be another issue in itself. One cheap option seems to be one of these universal laptop car adapters which also supplies USB, and just plugging the hub into that.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0373787290" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; the only problem I can see is the requirements for my laptop, an HP Pavilion.. which is 90W, 18.5V and 4.9Amps. This PSU either supplies 18 or 19V at 4 amps. Any idea if it will work ?
If it would, would it be best to try to run it off the small Westy fusebox behind the drivers seat, (I would like to secure the PSU probably also under the r+r) or could I jump out of the connector that is in the hidden compartment behind the circuit breaker.
many thanks in advance

Stefvan

[grumpyoldgit]

This is not really my area of expertise but having just come back from Halfords they have an entire row of devices for doing this sort of thing. Every sort of shape and size, multiple attachments, choice of voltage output, etc etc.
They have pictures of laptops, MP3 players, MP4 players, three bar electric fires, and every whichway you could possibly want to power.

[Red Westie]

I'm slightly confused.....which is it you want? to charge two MP3/4 players or to charge your laptop? or both?

Anyway...all you need for the players is a 12v to USB adapter, like the type used by a TomTom...See here:
http://www.okobe.co.uk/ws/product/TomTo ... ?ref=1q4bs" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
And then one of those trailing cigarette sockets going to the leasure battery (could be permenantly fixed)
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=97951" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Martin

[Stefvan]

Thanks for your replies, I was aware of those existing options, I need to charge two mini usb units on the back seat. I need something neat and out of the way, (ie not wires trailing from front to back) and I don't want to drill holes in the kitchen. Powering the laptop would be a nice bonus, if this PSU will drive it. I don't really need a full 220 Inverter system.

Stefvan

[Stefvan]

[duplicate message deleted]

[JamesT25]

finally something i know about on here.

Personally that "cheap" ebay power adaptor is a load of carp and i wouldnt power a hand fan with it. It still needs an invertor anyways just a 110 volt one which still draws the same power as a 240 volt unit anyway!!
Dont damage your nice laptop with "dirty" power, laptops are more resilient to power spikes/brown outs but simple answer from me would be no.....

as for charging/powering the mp4 player i would suggest as mentioned above a 12v to 5v usb plug in jobby, No matter how you eventually go about it i would treat them as two seperate tasks as you wont always be using them both at the same time therefore would be better to keep them seperate

just my oar being stuck in

[Stefvan]

I am pretty sure it takes a 12V input, why else would they show the cigarette lighter adapter ? There are other identical items on ebay with more pictures, if you look at item 390043347928 you can see the input side and the specs on the base. I agree its prolly cack, but as id be using it mostly for the USB side, I am mostly concerned that its max output is 4A at 19V whereas my AC adapter is 4.9A. Will it power it/charge it, anyone know ?
cheers

Stefvan

[Stefvan]

I went ahead and got a slightly more powerful PSU from Maplins http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?Mod ... &U=strat15" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; which is 120W and supplies 6 amps at my voltage, 19V (close enough it seems) and has a USB socket. All works so far on the laptop side, charges fine. The thing to watch out for is to make sure that the adapter can supply as much, or more, amps than the laptop draws, at close to the required voltage. If it can only supply less amps it will overheat and/or burn out. I am going to wire a cigarette socket onto a flylead into the hidden cupboard and run the wires up under the bed to a cheapo passive USB hub. Fingers crossed that this passive hub will power/charge the mp4 players.
I did come across another workable solution, which is the Igo Everywherepower http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/iGo-EverywherePow ... 7C294%3A50" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and http://the-gadgeteer.com/2005/01/10/igo ... er_review/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
but thought id go for a solution where i could power my lappy too.

Stefvan