DC to DC Laptop & Phone Chargers

[fiddypal]

Any idea where i can get a reputable laptop charger that is DC to DC? Phones should be pretty easy since i can easily get the little cig outlet plugs, but what about laptops?

Seems pretty stupid to convert to AC then back to DC just to charge the laptop battery, i bet it charges alot faster off straight DC too....

Laptop is the biggest power drain i can think that i need to deal with in my setup.

Thanks!

 

[hudsonhawk]

Check prodctodc.com.
The commercially available dc to dc power supply I bought for my notebook was very noisy electrically. As a HAM that was unacceptable. I bought a converter from the site above and made my own PS using the cable ends from the bad unit I bought. It is very quiet and adjustable so it can be used for multiple applications.

 

[WUzombies]

I hard wired USB power ports on their own circuit for charging, very good solution and leaves the accessory port/cigarette lighter open for random things. Laptop dc to dc converters exist and aren't expensive, you'll need to do a little homework on what your laptop needs. Some are 18vdc some 15 or 20. All of those emergency vehicles with mounted MDCs aren't running inverters.

 

[fiddypal]

The main reason i do not want to use a cig plug is that type connection is terrible IMO and should not be used in a proper setup for a semi permanent installation. If you are throwing the fridge in the back of the jeep for a weekend at the beach, then yeah the cig plug is fine for that but having a mounted fridge in a truck/van i would feel safer with better connections.

 

[4x4junkie]

This little doohickey might be able to satisfy your needs if you're good with building stuff (should be fully adjustable to whatever your laptop needs). I've used these with great success for a number of projects.

http://www.amazon.com/Geeetech-Converter-10-32V-Voltage-Charger/dp/B00NK4LOBC

 

[1leglance]

I have been using the I-GO brand for years and work great.
Targus also has 12v-19v chargers.

 

[Dan Grec]

I'm in the same boat as you, I really don't want to go DC->AC->DC for charging, so I have 12v chargers for everything (cameras, laptop, batteries, etc.)

For my mac book air, I got this GPK Car Charger for Laptops and I'm very happy with it.

The power brick is kind of large, but it's also stepping up to 14.85v at ~3A so it makes sense.

The magsafe connector works great, though the LED doesn't change color when the battery is full, like the Apple one does.

-Dan