Powering a laptop

[Aquagility]

Can it really be true that a Dell laptop can only work on mains voltage?

I thought half the point of laptops was that they could be used in a car, caravan or boat.

It is possible to buy a 12v to 20v transformer, but (so I'm told) it won't power a Dell. So I've had to buy a 12v to 240v inverter - and been warned to keep the engine running while it's in use.

[gen2]

It may depend on the model of laptop.
12 to 20 V transformers are certainly available for the Dell Inspiron range of laptops.

See Here:
http://www.laptopshop.co.uk/dell-inspiron-lapt op_carcord-ca3.htm

What model are you using?

[Aquagility]

Good to hear from you, Gen2.

My laptop is a Vostro 1710. Is that an Inspiron? (I thought all Dell laptops were called Inspiron).

It seems quite mad to go from 12v to 240v, and then back down to 20v.

Aq.

[gen2]

The Dell Vostro 1710 is aimed at small business users on a budget and is advertised as a desktop replacement.

It would appear that you are correct in stating this only has a mains input.

A cheap inverter to power mains equipment from a car is available through Amazon here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Pro-Inverter-Portab le-Adjustable-positioning/dp/B001FX58SU/ref=sr _1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1242490543&sr=1 -2

[Aquagility]

Thanks, gen2. I have ay last found an auto-air adapter listed as compatible with the Vostro 1710. Quite expensive at nearly �60, but what the hell?
It beats me why any 12-20v transformer would not work with any laptop. But I'm too chicken to try it!