Car Charger - HELP PLEASE

I own a Dell D620 Latitude Laptop and I am trying to buy a power cable that will allow me to use it in the car. I have come across the following items so far:
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=310-4804
http://www.pricegrabber.com/user_sales_getprod.php?masterid=33898244&lot_id=6450459#ship

I have no idea which of these is the best option. They seem very expensive...am I looking at the wrong items or all car chargers for laptops this expensive? I already own a power cord for home, is there a cable i can attach to that to power it in the car? Sorry if this seems like a stupid question but I don't want to make the wrong choice. Any input is greatly appreciated, thank you.

 

Just go to your local walmart, buy a transformer that goes from your car to 120 Volt AC and your set. Should only cost like $15

 

Most of them are expensive and no you can't use the power cord for home.

Electricity 101: Home power is 120 Volts AC (Alternating Curent), Car power is 12 Volts DC (Direct Current)(Actually 13.8 Volts DC).

According to one of your links above, the required power for your notebook is 19.5 Volts DC.

Since your Car electrical systems can only supply 12 Volts DC, it needs a circuit to bring the voltage up to 19.5 Volts DC @ 3.5 Amps. and the output of this power supply needs to be regulated.

Your other alternatives is to buy an small inverter that you plug in your car's cigarette lighter socket and it transform your car's 12 Volts DC to 120 Volts AC.

Check out the following:
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.pro...2&JRSource=googlebase.datafeed.AMN+PNOTEAC150

With this device, you will be able to use your AC power adapter that you use inside your home and it's only $30.00USD

You can also buy smaller ones from other manufacturer (100 Watts units would be just fine for your needs)

Here is one from Walmart for $20USD
http://walmart.scosche-cars.com/products2/?sfID1=21&productID=1675&walmartProductID=4891078

Best regards

Frenchnew

 

I bought one of these on eBay. $35 shipped, but if you buy you need to tell them what laptop you have so you get the right tip. It is a Kensington 120W adapter that has the airplane and car adapters. Been using it for almost a month w/ no problems.

 

I also recommend just getting a power inverter for that amount of money. I believe the most wattage you can get from a cigarette adapter powered one is 400 watts. Anything greater requires you to either clamp into or attach via the car's battery. Besides, you have greater flexibility with a power inverter because you can add other 120V items, depending on the one you get (such as a small TV, power tools, printer, or maybe even walkie-talkie/phone chargers).

 

I second that. Not only your laptop, but it's nice for other devices, such as a DVD player for the kids, etc. It's not quite as efficient as a simple step-up transformer would be, though, and will make a bit more heat in the car than the car adapter would. It's nothing to worry about, just be aware that you will not want to stuff the inverter under a seat where it won't get any airflow past it.

 

Most car cigarette lighter socket will be able to supply 15 to 20 Amps max.

Taking into account that no power conversion circuit is 100% efficient, I would venture on to reccomend no more then a 150 Watts Inverter for use in the cigarette lighter socket.

Also, a warning to all about recent models cars and light duty trucks, the sockets provided have a lower limit and were not intended for a cigarette lighter but for electronic accessories like cellphone chargers, mp3 chargers.

Read your owner's manual carefully and check the covers on those outlets for maximum current output ratings.

On most of the recent cars, the cigarette lighter is an option that provides more then the cigarette lighter. They actually supply a custom wire harness (with bigger gauge wires)and a replacement cigarette lighter socket that is able to provide more current.

Best regards

frenchnew