Laptop car charger
11-21-2009, 11:54 AM
#1
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Join Date: 01-20-2006
Location: Centralia, Missouri
Posts: 1,707
Laptop car charger
Hey everyone! I just bought a Dell Studio 17 Laptop and I'm looking for a car adapter for it. Dell does not sell one, and the research I've done on the Internet has produced more questions than answers. Does anyone have any experience with powering/charging a laptop in your car? I've thought about a power inverter and going that way, but not sure if that would work. A lot of what I've read is Dell Laptops won't charge if the computer doesn't recognise the power adapter. I guess that's OK as long as it still powers it, but I would rather it charge also. And I don't have a lot of money right now and power inverters run around $20, where many plug adapters are over $100. Thank you for any help that can be provided.
11-21-2009, 12:23 PM
#3
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Join Date: 06-18-2006
Location: Hillcrest, San Diego, CA
Posts: 839
found this, http://www.apexbattery.com/dell-stud...-druc130d.html but not sure if its right for you... if your not gonna use it in car that much, a power inverter will work too, get one at least 250 watt rated.
11-21-2009, 11:44 PM
#6
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Join Date: 11-15-2008
Location: Newburgh, NY
Posts: 1,599
I use a universal unit by American Power Conversion (APC). The P/N is UPA9. It was just discontinued, but can still be found from distributors.
What sets this apart is that it has switchable voltage outputs. But the really handy part is at the plug end (the plug that goes into the wall outlet). It is detachable. It comes with 2 interfaces. A 120V and a 12V. The unit is autosensing for input voltage, so when you move it from your car to your house, you simply change the cord end and plug it in.
It also has a USB output. I use this on trips when my wife is driving. I can use my laptop via 12V plug while simultaneosly charging my Blackberry through the USB. Very versatile.
The compatibility guide is listed below.
http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/A...7VD5_R1_EN.pdf
What sets this apart is that it has switchable voltage outputs. But the really handy part is at the plug end (the plug that goes into the wall outlet). It is detachable. It comes with 2 interfaces. A 120V and a 12V. The unit is autosensing for input voltage, so when you move it from your car to your house, you simply change the cord end and plug it in.
It also has a USB output. I use this on trips when my wife is driving. I can use my laptop via 12V plug while simultaneosly charging my Blackberry through the USB. Very versatile.
The compatibility guide is listed below.
http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/A...7VD5_R1_EN.pdf
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