Can I run/charge my laptop on 12V DC?

Factual Questions
1

I’m going on a camping trip this weekend where AC power will not be available, but I would like to take my laptop along. FWIW it’s a Compal HE81 made in Taiwan, and the AC power supply lists the output voltage as 19 VDC 3.95 Amps.

I know the 12V from my trailer battery is less than 19V, but I was wondering if anyone knows whether it would be sufficient to power the laptop. I have an inverter that I could use, and probably will unless someone assures me that it’s OK, but it seems very inefficient to convert from DC to AC and then back to DC again.

2

Very unlikely. Many batteries output to the motherboard at higher voltages than 12V, so you certainly couldn’t charge them with 12.

3

What you need is a “car” power supply. They exist, but not cheaply. The first one I found available for sale in the US goes for nearly $80. The same model power adapter will work with many models of Compal laptops, but that doesn’t seem to help make them cheaper.

4

Thanks for the prompt replies. Looks like I’ll be using the inverter.

5

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