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Best way to charge a laptop in the car?

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Old 11-20-2006, 09:34 AM
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Best way to charge a laptop in the car?

Working as an account manager, I spend the better part of my day in my 4runner. I would love to be able to access the internet from my laptop (without driving around in search of hotspots), without having to get into a contractual agreement (like Verizon, hate the contract), and naturally, not break the bank. I also need to find a way to charge my Dell Latitude. Does anyone here currently do this and what do I need?
Old 11-20-2006, 09:36 AM
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I might be missing the point, but I just plug my laptop into a inverter plugged into the dash.
Old 11-20-2006, 09:36 AM
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Use an inverter. I use a 300watt, and can run a portable printer too! WE are currently equipping 50 service trucks with laptops and Verizon cards and printers!
Old 11-20-2006, 09:43 AM
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Originally Posted by gregbreakseverything
I might be missing the point, but I just plug my laptop into a inverter plugged into the dash.
You're not missing the point... I'm just a newbie. Inverter was the answer I was looking for.
Old 11-20-2006, 09:45 AM
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Originally Posted by pilot1
Use an inverter. I use a 300watt, and can run a portable printer too! WE are currently equipping 50 service trucks with laptops and Verizon cards and printers!
Can you point me in the direction of a dependable, economical inverter? What length of contract is Verizon requiring?
Old 11-20-2006, 09:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Jeff_M
Can you point me in the direction of a dependable, economical inverter? What length of contract is Verizon requiring?
I got my 400 watt power inverter from Checker Auto for $35 on sale. I havent had any problems with it. Its a Coleman, heres the link

http://www.powerthis.com/power_inver...ts_pmp400.html
Old 11-20-2006, 10:01 AM
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i think that the contract for the verizon card is 69 a month for
Old 11-20-2006, 10:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Stevo3
I got my 400 watt power inverter from Checker Auto for $35 on sale. I havent had any problems with it. Its a Coleman, heres the link

http://www.powerthis.com/power_inver...ts_pmp400.html
Damn. I went to the link and it says $70.
Old 11-20-2006, 10:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Jeff_M
Damn. I went to the link and it says $70.
I was just showing you what i had. Go to checker/autozone/pepboys, what ever auto stores you have around and see if they have any deals on theirs. I didnt purchase mine from there, i got it From Checker 2 years ago right before christmas. Original price was 80. got it for 35
Old 11-20-2006, 10:53 AM
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just get a solid inverter, dont go cheap, dont want to fry the computer
Old 11-20-2006, 11:01 AM
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Originally Posted by HUTCHSTACO
just get a solid inverter, dont go cheap, dont want to fry the computer
The Coleman power inverter is not cheap... It was on sale for a christmas special

Ive put my laptop and ps2 on it at the same time on road trips. Handled it just fine
Old 11-20-2006, 11:24 AM
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You can also get a DC adapter for the laptop, any good electronics store or Dell's web site should list one. May cost a little more than an inverter, but it'll use a lot less current. I can charge my Gateway laptop off my 300W inverter, but it pulls a fair amount of current at low loads.
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