From Leo's mailbag:
> From: A Computer User
> Sent: August 20, 2007
> To: Ask Leo!
> Subject: laptop in the RV
>
> Leo,
> Thinking of purchasing a RV and want to know what I need to be aware of
> when using a laptop computer. If I'm hooked up to a power source
> that's fine--I can recharge the battery etc., but, if no hooks up to
> power are available, and I'm running on 12v battery power, is this
> adequate enough without draining the battery. Thank you so much!
It kinda depends on how long you plan to run that way. I've done
this for an hour or two, but I start to get nervous at that point,
and bail (or fire up the generator :-). But I'm definitely paranoid
that way.
One thing that can help, is to get an actual 12v adapter for your
laptop. Typically you have to search the manufacturer's site for one,
but they're often available.
What most folks do is use the standard 120v AC adapter that comes with
the laptop, and plug that into an inverter. That's more power wasteful
and likely to drain the house battery faster.
Good luck!
Thanks for asking,
Leo Notenboom