cheap roadtrip laptop and inverter questions

[FJ40_owner]

many recent laptops run on more than 12V so if you buy a "12"V direct connection it is really an inverter...

Or is that converter?

12 VDC to 18 VDC

Not 120 VAC to XYZ DC

 

[mobi-arc]

Or is that converter?

12 VDC to 18 VDC

Not 120 VAC to XYZ DC

Converter.

DC to DC= converter
DC to AC= inverter

 

[e9999]

you can't go from DC to a higher DC without going through AC first, using the usual technology...

 

[semlin]

so then it is ac from the alternator, then converted to dc by the regulator, then converted to ac by the inverter, then converted to dc by the computer or you can use a converter to convertthe truck dc to ac and then dc and then in the computer?

 

[Mark W]

The regulator doesn't convert AC to DC. All it does is... regulate the voltage level. The alternator *could* put out AC, but it is configured not to. DC only out of the alternator and everywhere else in the wiring of the vehicle.

Mark...

 

[WES1977]

for computer speed I would only go with AMD or Pentium with 800 or above processor speed.

 

[mobi-arc]

Alternator generates AC, is rectified to DC and voltage regulated before it leaves the alternator so the battery and electrical system will see 12 to 14 volts.

 

[baloo]

SO what is the best not too much $$$ lap top? I am going back to school for a new MS and hopefully a PhD. Money is tight so I can only buy once for the next three years, then I can up grade. Oh at home we have a real fast powerful Dell. so big projects go there. Thanks

 

[Rich]

My trips offroad include a lot of rough, rocky trails, lots of very fine dust, and often very high heat. Kind of a torture test for laptops. If your laptop has to last 3 years, better get one with a 3 year warranty.

 

[baloo]

Good point If it is in a water tight case when not in use that will help. ANy other ideas? Any one pushing a brand?

 

[Riley]

I'd use an inverter. At work we use them all over the place when doing laptop/drive tests in the field. Very useful and I don't see any drawbacks (who cares about how efficient they are but I bet much better than 20%).

Regarding the laptop, that's a tougher question. I'd get at least 1GHz, DVD player, USB ports, PC card slot (be careful some of the new Dells don't have PC card slots anymore, they have ExpressCard slot instead) & WiFi. If you are buying used, make sure the battery still holds a decent charge. They tend to crap out after a few years and they are very expensive to replace.