Running a laptop on the move - Page 2

johnsandywhite · 03-08-2008, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotrod91

Presume just about everything negative earth ie the + and the tip join yes?

The 230v adaptor for your Laptop should have the tip terminal connections marked positive centre (+) or negative centre (-).

Just like an Inverter converts 12 volts into 230 volts. A Laptop converter works the same way. It converts (transfomer) from 12 volts to 19 volts. Which is the opposite to what a Laptop Transformer does in that the tranformer converts 230 volts to 19 volts.

In actual fact. They are BOTH Transformers. One steps UP the other steps DOWN in voltage.

GJH · 03-08-2008, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thepips

Hi Graham,
If you bought one similar to these be very, very careful with the tip as you can swap the polarity by simply turning the tip through 180 degrees. We saw a number of laptop motherboards blown up this way. We used to sell 120 watts adapters that used these tips but we'd superglue them on so they couldn't be reversed.

Regards
Doug

Thanks Doug, I can imagine how pleased people would be if that happened

On the model I have the two pins on the adapter and the two socket holes are of different sizes so the adapters can only be plugged into the socket one way. I assume that is a refinement the manufacturers came up with after receiving complaints

Graham

nearlyretired · 03-08-2008, 10:04 PM

I have a laptop converter from Maplin that was about £25, it is rated up to 120watts and voltage selectable up to 24v. The multitude of adaptors supplied with it are not reversible. I am actually using it now to send this message and it even comes with the funny 3 pin adaptor for this elderly Dell laptop. I have an inverter but don't use it with the laptop because it draws a relatively large current from the battery.
I use a vodaphone mobile broadband USB dongle, available from £0 to £69 according to contract which seems to work pretty well everywhere, though not always at high speed.

aynishamansbus · 03-08-2008, 10:29 PM

we have just signed up with orange internet anywhere it has good coverage having tried it in the derbyshire dales and dorset rural so far it works fine slower than home internet, but a great asset for our rv. £15.99 a month!
good hunting

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotrod91

I have just last week bought a motorhome and nowadays with mobile internet i presume i can easily run my laptop for the kids while we are on the move...............or can we?
What would be the best dongle to use, we generally will be at stock car track locations which vary from city centres to a few out in the sticks ie Smeatharpe and whilst on the move it will almost always be motorways and main roads so who or what do i choose.?
Also my laptop says it runs off of 19v so bearing in mind we will almost always be running off the vehicle itself how on earth do i produce 19v to run it?
All thoughts appreciated!

hotrod91 · 05-09-2008, 06:50 AM

Just an update to say all is well.....eventually.
Have signed up with O2, £20 per month but get my home bb free so in effect it costs me £12.50 per month so that seems good to me. Had dongle problems and major customer service problems but got there eventually. O2 have been one of the best companies i have ever dealt with in recent years but their knowledge regarding this product is sparce to say the least. I sent mine back when it didnt work and, as instructed, i wrote in about 5 different places THIS IS NOT A RETURN IT IS FAULTY yet the dunces still managed to cancel my account, then eventually i got sent out another dongle but no sim card!!! Luckily i got a great customer services guy and got it all sorted out so whilst i generally rave about O2 i would exercise caution if you choose to go with them.
Thanks for all your input everybody.

bsb2000 · 05-09-2008, 09:12 AM

I've used Vodafone for several years now and manage to get 3G in most places which is certainly a lot better than the 9600 connection I used to get when that was all there was.

Tip: Carry a USB extension lead, if you can only manage to get 2G then use the lead so you can stick the dongle out of a roof vent. Can often make the differance between 2 & 3G.

Ian

nearlyretired · 05-09-2008, 11:02 AM

Whenyou're close to the edge of 3G reception then even a few inches makes a difference. I can get 3g on the left hand side of my desk 9just) but not in the middle