Im new to this stuff. Im going on a road trip and I need help to know how I can power up my laptop while driving. Well so the passenger can use it not the driver. Is there an adapter that goes directly from cig lighter to computer? or do I need a converter first? Please help and simple language if possible. Im not a techy. Thanks
What kinda computer to you have? I know Apple makes 12v DC cigarette lighter adapters to power their MacBooks. I would think other manufacturers would also make 12v DC cigarette lighter power supply adapters.
I have a PC (acer) so the adapter would go from cig lighter directly to the computer. No need for a converter???
Check out this link: Merax Universal Car Power Supply for Laptop, Up to 24V 100W and One USB Charging Port (Car Power Adapter) Most laptops require voltage levels higher than 12V, some of them as high as 24 volts. This is a universal laptop charger that will allow you to plug into the car through the cigarette lighter to charge and also operate the laptop. Also has different style plugs to match the plug-in on your laptop. This link also includes other chargers as well. Do some homework to find out the power input required and the polarity of the plug. If you need more help, shoot me a email at mrcuiserATcomcast.net. I will need the make and model of the laptop. Also, DO NOT RUN YOUR LAPTOP THROUGH THE CAR WITHOUT POWERING ON THE CAR! The 12V battery for the Prius is very small and you will go through it pretty quick. You don't need the 12V battery to turn the starter/generator (MG1), but you will need it to turn on the electronics for the Prius. Of course if you have a 2010 or 2011 Prius, you should have a regular AC plug in to just plug in your laptop and go with that...
I don't think that the OP needs to worry about this as (at least on 2nd Gen) the cigarette outlet is off when the car is off.
I would just go get a power inverter so you can plug the laptop (and most other items) into it. I've had one for about 10 years, and it worked great every time I've used it.
I have a Targus universal replacement power brick that came with a car plug. It was about $90 at Staples. You could also buy an inverter - just be sure to get one that is big enough to handle your needs - your computer's power brick should have its requirements listed on the sticker. These you can buy at a Target or Radio Shack - they start at about $20.
Take a look at your current power supply for your computer and there shall be either a sticker or molded writing on it somewhere describing it's specifications, what is the output voltage listed? The output voltage is what it takes to power your computer and also what size plug you would need. By determining the output voltage you can see what type of transformer you would need to get. The recommendations others have listed above look good.
Most laptops require well under 100 watts, so a very inexpensive 100 watt inverter plus the laptops 110 volt supply will work. Your laptop maximum required power is: watts = volts times amps as shown on the AC supply which you already have. This has the advantage that 110 volts is also available for other small wattage devices. Additionally you don't have to look for a 12 volt cord with the proper connector for your particular laptop. Some laptops use very uncommon connectors. If you change computers the 110 volt solution will work with any brand.
