Netbook that will run on 12v Source

Forums › Laptops and mobile computers › Netbook that will run on 12v Source

Aaroona

3196 posts

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#76037 27-Jan-2011 21:40

Title says it all.

I DONT WANT TO RUN AN INVERTER before people start suggesting that.

I know it's an option, but it's one I wish to avoid. I want to be able to run said netbook in my car, and use it as a cheap car PC. Other options I've found are around the $1000 mark. I would much prefer to pay ~500.

So is there a netbook that would support this supply? and if so.. which?? And what else would I need?

johnr

19282 posts

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Inactive user

#431972 27-Jan-2011 21:43

What Voltage comes out the power pack?

kyhwana2

2566 posts

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#431976 27-Jan-2011 21:54

Run an inv.. oh wait. ;)

You'll have to find a netbook that takes ~12V in..

mattwnz

20182 posts

Uber Geek

#431977 27-Jan-2011 21:56

Aaroona: Title says it all.

I DONT WANT TO RUN AN INVERTER before people start suggesting that.

I know it's an option, but it's one I wish to avoid. I want to be able to run said netbook in my car, and use it as a cheap car PC. Other options I've found are around the $1000 mark. I would much prefer to pay ~500.

So is there a netbook that would support this supply? and if so.. which?? And what else would I need?

Most I have seen are low voltage anyway, so all you should need is a cigerette lighter connector/adapter. Look at the output on the transformer, I thin they output at 12 v but would depend on the netbook

michaelt

425 posts

Ultimate Geek

#431983 27-Jan-2011 22:00

When you say you don't want an inverter, I assume you're talking about one that outputs 240V AC?

There are also some 3rd party laptop power supplies available that take a 12V input and can output slightly higher voltages. I have one that I've used a number of times with 12V input and 16V output, and it came with a suitable plug for my laptop as well. You can usually find them on trademe.

Aaroona

3196 posts

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#431995 27-Jan-2011 22:21

johnr: What Voltage comes out the power pack?

Dont own one yet, hence my question! :P Don't want to buy the wrong one.

kyhwana2:
Run an inv.. oh wait. ;)
You'll have to find a netbook that takes ~12V in..

That was actually less than helpful.. THAT is my question. Did you read it per chance?

mattwnz:

Most I have seen are low voltage anyway, so all you should need is a cigerette lighter connector/adapter. Look at the output on the transformer, I thin they output at 12 v but would depend on the netbook

Yeah, thats what I thought.. I found an interesting link to someone who was running an Acer Aspire One running on a 12v source.. But they didnt mention whether it would handle being used as a GPS/Sound/Email/something device.. They just said it would start up and "run fine" whatever that means.

michaelt:

When you say you don't want an inverter, I assume you're talking about one that outputs 240V AC?

There are also some 3rd party laptop power supplies available that take a 12V input and can output slightly higher voltages. I have one that I've used a number of times with 12V input and 16V output, and it came with a suitable plug for my laptop as well. You can usually find them on trademe.

Absolutely what I'm saying. I want to use the least amount of space as possible.

Might sending me a link to one you're talking about? so I don't go buying the wrong thing... Would be much appreciated!

WOO long reply.

michaelt

425 posts

Ultimate Geek

#431999 27-Jan-2011 22:30

Aaroona:Might sending me a link to one you're talking about? so I don't go buying the wrong thing... Would be much appreciated!

There's one at http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Laptops/Power-adaptors/Universal/auction-349880091.htm

Personally I bought a slightly more expensive one with a 100W output and both 240V AC and cigarette lighter input, but this should be fine for you.

Of course, I don't know how clean the output is, but it'll probably be better than plugging the laptop directly into the cigarette lighter.

Aaroona

3196 posts

Uber Geek

#432002 27-Jan-2011 22:40

michaelt:
Aaroona:Might sending me a link to one you're talking about? so I don't go buying the wrong thing... Would be much appreciated!

There's one at http://www.trademe.co.nz/Computers/Laptops/Power-adaptors/Universal/auction-349880091.htm

Personally I bought a slightly more expensive one with a 100W output and both 240V AC and cigarette lighter input, but this should be fine for you.

Of course, I don't know how clean the output is, but it'll probably be better than plugging the laptop directly into the cigarette lighter.

Hmm thats interesting. So you went for a 100W one? Probably best I do the same. Now, can you use your netbook with CPU intensive programs/tasks and it still handle okay with this adapter?

Sharesies

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michaelt

425 posts

Ultimate Geek

#432007 27-Jan-2011 22:47

Aaroona:
Hmm thats interesting. So you went for a 100W one? Probably best I do the same. Now, can you use your netbook with CPU intensive programs/tasks and it still handle okay with this adapter?

To be honest, I never really tested it with that, on the DC input. I ran some GPS software on the laptop that was connected to it, didn't really use it for anything else. Used the adaptor extensively on AC input though, and it worked fine in NZ. It didn't work on 110V AC input in the US, even though it was rated to.

I can sell it to you if you're interested, I no longer use it.

Michael

knoydart

904 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#432008 27-Jan-2011 22:48

Hi,

remember that the 12V supply from your car might not be particularly regulated and possibly be noisy depending on the age of the car and bear in mind how robust the power supply in the computer is?

Would something like this from DSE be of use? This would remove a 240V connection and potenialy improve the effiency of the supply as well. Then you could use a laptop / netbook of choice

cheers

knoydart

Regs

4066 posts

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Trusted

Snowflake

#432016 27-Jan-2011 23:07

you can use virtually any laptop with one of these:
it takes 12v input and delivers 16-20v output.

http://www.dse.co.nz/dse.shop/4d4142a2009e9afa273fc0a87f3b06f5/Product/View/M9700

tons of cheaper and more expensive options around, maybe get one from a place you can return it to if you're not happy.

Sales Engineer
Snowflake
www.snowflake.com

about.me/nzregs
Twitter: @nzregs

gzt

17168 posts

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Lifetime subscriber

#432034 27-Jan-2011 23:51

Most, if not all of the major notebook manufacturers provide 'genuine' accessory car adaptors for their machines. With a new machine, for warranty purposes you might want to consider this.

'Genuine' can be overpriced, esp in NZ. Not sure if they sell many. If you purchase the laptop from a negotiable source, you might add the adaptor for only a little more than 'non-genuine'.

Skolink

1081 posts

Uber Geek

#432695 29-Jan-2011 21:51

Most laptops will run off a 12V supply, but just won't charge the batteries (eg Dell laptops).
If you want to power it from the car while it is running, use a 12V filter for audio amplifiers like Jaycar sell for $20 (and a 5A fuse).

Aaroona

3196 posts

Uber Geek

#432704 29-Jan-2011 22:10

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the replies. After careful consideration, I have since decided that I will be abandoning this project, mainly out of cost.

My idea was to build a car PC, but I have thought about it and would much rather buy a headdeck that supports bluetooth/USB with external microphone, and buy an ipad (2 when its out) and use that for GPS navigation and GPS Live Tracking.

A. Because at least with an ipad I can use it in other places other than my car, and B, because I would much rather I finished product instead of a hack job I was thinking about doing. - oh and because I hate resistive touch screens. Lets face it, they're a bi*ch.

But thanks for all the replies, I will keep it in mind in case I ever want to charge my other laptops in the car.