Power Inverters

[dirtygertie]

I need to get a power inverter that will run my laptop in the van so the little'un can watch dvd's on it - we currently have a 150w one but it won't work with our laptop.

what's the best output to get so that it'll run the laptop straight from the battery (i am thinking of getting a spare battery for this use)

thanks

[andisnewsyncro]

What laptop have you got?
You might be better off getting a power supply from Maplins, rather than "wasting power" inverting back to AC
Have a look at this little lot http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?cri ... &source=15

Andi

[dirtygertie]

Thanks Andi,

I've got a Toshiba L300-1CU. I've looked on the back & the sticker says 'DC 19v_______3.9A'

how do I know which one will run it? sorry not very good at all this technical stuff

[andisnewsyncro]

As long as the voltage is correct and the amperage is equal to or greater than that quoted on your power supply you should be OK (Italics purely from a public liability point of view )

This one should be fine for what you want and will be more power efficient than an inverter.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=44736

If you have a Maplins nearby, you could always take the 'puter in and double check with the staff, but I can't see why it shouldn't be up to the job.

[jed the spread]

A 300w one from maplin charges my Mac from the vehicle battery in the syncro. I have a 600w one in the camper that runs off 2 leisure batteries and that will do most things without a heater element really.

jed

[kevtherev]

Like Jed..I use a 600w too Karen.

never for heat either

[1664]

I have a 500W inverter and it runs the laptop no problem. Theoretically a 150W should supply a laptop no problem too but it may not be a power issue. 'Cheap' inverters supply mains voltage but do not give out a 'true' sinewave, the 'sinewave' they supply is built up of squarewaves in a rough representation of a sinewave shape. While this is fine for a variety of loads, inductive loads such as fluorescent lights and transformers can (not going to go into why) cause problems. An ac adaptor for laptops, TV's etc are inductive by nature and that may be your problem.

Incidentally is it 150W CONTINUOUS power output? If that's it's peak output it'll be nowhere near that continuously rated.

[Tatty Chap]

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