Laptop AC adapter and Power Inverter

[AgentJean]

I have a Compaq Presario laptop and I'm wanting to be able to charge the laptop while in my car. Instead of shelling out money for part that only does one thing I figured I would get more for my money by buying a 400 watt power inverter.

I was reading over the specs for the inveter I got and it says output current 3.5 amps.
The specs for the AC adapter for my laptop say
Input voltage 100-240VAC, 4.9A, 50/60Hz - Output voltage 65-watt, 18.5VDC

Does this mean my inverter will not be able to handle this AC adapter?

 

[corkyg]

It should work OK. When you are just charging your laptop and not running it, it is drawing about 3.5 amps (65 watts/18.5 vdc.)

This one would work just fine also.'

Invert

 

[AgentJean]

Originally posted by: corkyg
It should work OK. When you are just charging your laptop and not running it, it is drawing about 3.5 amps (65 watts/18.5 vdc.)

What about when I'm running the laptop?

This is a bit confusing because I'm taking a DC source, converting it to AC, then back to DC to power the laptop.

I know it would be more effiecnt to get a DC adapter for the laptop but I find spending 70 bucks just to power my laptop on the road crazy. The 400 watt inveter was only 40 and I can power other things if needed.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: AgentJean

What about when I'm running the laptop?[/quote] Your're too quick. I added a link. That would work charging or running. When running, it is not charging very much. BTW - who is driving the car?
🙂