Laptop to run off 12volt

[Sadruddin]

My sister lives on a narrow boat.
She needs a laptop she can charge off a 12 volt system based on car type batteries.
She doesn't need an all singing all dancing machine, just office and web, but I don't know where to start thinking about this.

Any ideas?

Ta.

 

[biglebowski]

just google 12v laptop there's plenty of products out there

When I was born I was so suprised I didn't talk for 18 months

 

[Sympology]

Does it have to be MS office? Otherwise you could look at an Asus Eee. Pick them up for about £150

Only the truly stupid believe they know everything.
Stu.. 2004

 

[Sympology]

Forogt to add. You will still need a power inverter of sorts...

Only the truly stupid believe they know everything.
Stu.. 2004

 

[xwb]

What sort of plugs/sockets does the narrowboat have? If it has the cigar style 12v supply, you can get power inverters from Maplins/Halfords.

 

[paparazi]

Indeed
All your sister needs is an 'IN CAR CHARGER' for her laptop.
Motor boat charging systems are more or less the same as motor cars, they often use the same alternator types with large leisure batteries for power storage.
The DC voltages are the same as a car, all you need is a cigarette type female socket and a universal in car charger of the correct wattage rating.
Just carry out a google on laptop in car chargers like this one:

http://www.b2cshop24.com/en/univers...p-power-charger-adapter-80w.html?currency=GBP

(just set to the same output voltage as your mains adaptor)
And if you havn't got the cigarette socket something like this:

http://www.revealcable.co.uk/acatalog/info_AA3092.html

Martin

On wings like angels whispers sweet
my heart it feels a broken beat
Touched soul and hurt lay wounded deep
Brown eyes are lost afar and sleep

 

[pete1427]

You can buy an inverter power supply from most automotive
supply stores that will charge and/or run almost any
notebook computer. Determine the input Wattage required
for the notebook power supply (usually noted on the"brick"
power supply)and buy an inverter that meets those specs.
Technically an inverters' output is a square wave,
but the transformer in the notebook power supply makes the
wave round out a bit while the regulator circuits make the
necessary adjustments to the output voltage.
Automotive inverters utilize 12 volts(13.6 volts)DC to
give you 115 VAC out---the same voltage as you would get
at a plug in your home(in the USA).
Again--it allows almost any notebook to charge/run from
12V automobile or marine battery via a cigarette lighter
plug.

Pete/Technician-now retired
Nicknamed "Einstein" by former co-workers

 

[paparazi]

Yes but............taking battery 12volts up to 115/230volts and then back down to laptop voltage with the mains adapter is VERY inefficient and will flatten your auxilary battery much quicker than using a straight in car adapter. These adapters are much more efficient because they don't have to step up very much (typically from 12v to 19volts)
However, an invertor has other uses so may be a useful purchase long term.
Martin

On wings like angels whispers sweet
my heart it feels a broken beat
Touched soul and hurt lay wounded deep
Brown eyes are lost afar and sleep