Best way to charge a laptop in the car?

Jeff_M · 11-20-2006, 10:34 AM

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?

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gregbreakseverything · 11-20-2006, 10:36 AM

I might be missing the point, but I just plug my laptop into a inverter plugged into the dash.

pilot1 · 11-20-2006, 10:36 AM

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!

Jeff_M · 11-20-2006, 10:43 AM

Quote:

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.

Jeff_M · 11-20-2006, 10:45 AM

Quote:

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?

Stevo3 · 11-20-2006, 10:57 AM

Quote:

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

91TPU · 11-20-2006, 11:01 AM

i think that the contract for the verizon card is 69 a month for

Jeff_M · 11-20-2006, 11:22 AM

Quote:

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.

Stevo3 · 11-20-2006, 11:34 AM

Quote:

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

HUTCHSTACO · 11-20-2006, 11:53 AM

just get a solid inverter, dont go cheap, dont want to fry the computer

Stevo3 · 11-20-2006, 12:01 PM

Quote:

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

4Crawler · 11-20-2006, 12:24 PM

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.

11-20-2006, 10:36 AM	#2 (permalink)
gregbreakseverything Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Smithers, BC Posts: 696	I might be missing the point, but I just plug my laptop into a inverter plugged into the dash. __________________ -Greg Sold- 85 4wd toyota pickup. Stock and sweet! '99 SR5 - Deckplate, ISR, Sweet stereo, all synthetic, KC day lighters, headlight wiring harness, Sonoran Steel #7, 285/75's.

11-20-2006, 10:36 AM	#3 (permalink)
pilot1 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Omaha, Ne Posts: 1	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! __________________ Go here to see my fun!! http://keithmarx.com/Toyota%2022RE.htm

11-20-2006, 11:53 AM	#10 (permalink)
HUTCHSTACO Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bellevue, Washington Posts: 1,044	just get a solid inverter, dont go cheap, dont want to fry the computer __________________ 2006 Tacoma 4x4 TRD Sport with 20's and 285 Goodyear Furtura's and 2 inch cornfed lift 2002 Tacoma Extra Cab V6 (SOLD)

11-20-2006, 12:24 PM	#12 (permalink)
4Crawler Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 7,836	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. __________________ 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR-5, 22REC engine, dual t-cases, 4.88 gears, dual ARBs, 33x10.50 BFGs or 35x12.50 MTRs r.c.brown@ieee.org TruckEditor@tlca.org Project: 4Crawler 4Crawler OffRoad Gettin'Off 4WD Club

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