compaq presario 2100

[jojo79]

i have bought a universal dc/dc converter which plugs in to the cigar lighter in the car and enables me to use the laptop in the car . I need to know the polarity (+ or -) and the tension (1.5 to 12v) in order to set it up, can somebody hep me

[Gyn_Paul]

I'm not sure you can do that: I think a laptop requires a fixed current device, suitable for charging batteries. Rather than the fixed voltage you'd get from a universal dc/dc converter.  Anyway,  many laptops run on 14v and draw around 70w which equates to 5 amps. Does this adaptor look like it would deliver 5 amps?

What does it say in your laptop instructions? Try taking the battery out and see what voltage it says on that.

p

[Dick Smith]

Or contact Compaq and see if they offer a purpose-built car charger - I know some manufacturers do.

>Edit<  I've had a look and they don't - perhaps a third party supplier might.

[Ecossais]

Hi JoJo79,

Is it something like this you have (although your laptop is not listed as being compatible with this particular this item)?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Laptop-DC-Car-Adapter-for-Compaq-Presario-M2000-V2000_W0QQitemZ160048200150QQihZ006QQcategoryZ60252QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

According to what this seller is offering, the Presario 2100 mains adapter is 18.5V DC @ 4.9 amps, however I would strongly recommend you look at the label on your mains charger which will show the output level.  The label might indicate which way the polarity is on the plug. 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AC-Power-Adapter-for-Compaq-Presario-2100-2500-90W-UO_W0QQitemZ250047555064QQihZ015QQcategoryZ31511QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

An alternative way to charge your laptop in your car would be with a mains inverter which would allow you to use your existing mains adapter.  If you’re not familiar with these, type “mains inverter” into the search box on eBay and you will get an idea of what they’re like and what they cost.