So I want to run my little IBM thinkpad off of the cigarette lighter in a car for a road trip. Can I get away with using just a simple power inverter like this

http://maorun.manufacturer.globalsources.com/si/6008821165886/pdtl/Power-inverter/1002899398/Power-Inverter.htm
or this

http://cgi.ebay.com/Use-Power-Adapters-In-The-Car-150W-DC-to-AC-Inverter_W0QQitemZ140100157742QQcmdZViewItem


or do i have to buy something bigger?


It's not my car, so i dont want to fuck up and kill his alternator/battery and shit.

[Edited on June 5, 2007 at 12:33 PM. Reason : more]

6/5/2007 12:31:22 PM

what's the power output of your brick

6/5/2007 12:33:59 PM

input 100-240V~1.6A-0.8A 50/60Hz
output 16V -- 4.5A


?

6/5/2007 12:36:45 PM

that's maximum 72W from your brick. So the adapter w/ 75W normal output up to 100W peak output should be fine, i guess

6/5/2007 12:55:43 PM

I'm no EE, but I thought W=VxI? How did you get 72?

[Edited on June 5, 2007 at 1:01 PM. Reason : not discrediting your answer, just curious as to the method]

6/5/2007 1:00:23 PM

^umm... 4.5A times 16V , just like you said...

6/5/2007 1:02:18 PM

i knew i should've paid more attention in that EE class.

6/5/2007 1:02:58 PM

umm...I assumed the calculation was based on the input figures.

My B, IANAEE

^Shared pity for us CSC majors who do not know these things.

6/5/2007 1:05:36 PM

you could always get the travel adapter from ibm

it will take anything from 10-240 volts in ac or dc and output the correct voltage and amperage

6/5/2007 1:08:24 PM