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    Using Vaio in a car

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by fidobsa, Oct 15, 2009.

  1. fidobsa

    fidobsa Newbie

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    Is there any way to operate the Vaio laptop from a 12 volt car lighter socket? I know the chager is 19 volts ac but the battery is only 11.1 volts. I will be touring New Zealand in a small camper van and would like to be able to use the laptop at sites with no power hook-up.
     
    fidobsa, Oct 15, 2009
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  2. defcon6

    defcon6 Notebook Guru

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    Sony don't make car power adapters, so what you need is a power inverter. It converts your 12v automotive power into 110v AC. You can then plug your VAIO AC adapter into this converter. These can be picked up at Walmart or any automotive store.

    http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4809766

    Just make sure you get one that supplies at least 75 watts, more if you have a larger notebook.
     
    defcon6, Oct 15, 2009
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  3. b|lly

    b|lly Notebook Deity

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    No. I am using universal car charger, that directly transform 12V into 19V, no need for inverters.
     
    b|lly, Oct 15, 2009
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  4. Jim C

    Jim C Notebook Enthusiast

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    I also prefer to not use an inverter. I use a Kensington Auto Adapter which works very well.
     
    Jim C, Oct 15, 2009
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  5. fidobsa

    fidobsa Newbie

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    Thanks for the replies. Machine is a VGN-AR71E. I would probably be better off with a smaller model as the big screen does result in very poor battery life between charges. I inherited the Sony from my late father who had sight problems so needed a big screen. Standard charger output is about 120 watts so I will have to be careful not to flatten the car battery!
     
    fidobsa, Oct 15, 2009
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  6. fidobsa

    fidobsa Newbie

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    I bought an inverter today, about £20 for a 150watt one. I had not realised they were so cheap :eek:
     
    fidobsa, Oct 16, 2009
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