Charging laptop from 12-volt battery

Thanks, all. I've decided to go with what most of you suggested, an inverter. I didn't know they were that inexpensive. So, now I have another question.
I ordered through Amazon a 400w inverter. Instead of trying to figure where to position it for easy plug access, can I just plug my shore power cord to it? Thereby activating all the outlets? The inverter will be used with an extra deep cycle battery I have for my boat. So it's separate and apart from the main TT battery. Of course, I won't use there micro, and the fridge will be on propane.
Why does this sound like a terrific idea? Hoping someone can provide me with a reality check, please. Thanks again.

likey no need for an inverter. most laptops etc. have 12V chargers available either as a OEM or from amazon etc. plug them into a cig lighter outlet in the trailer.

used them for years on my laptops w/o any issues. HP sells a charger that can either connect to 12V or 120V for some models.

I had a DC-DC converter for my old Dell. (19 volts BTW) Worked fine with one item to plug into one spot.

Now I have a 300 watt inverter where we can plug into any outlet any small device, tv, dvd, phone, ipad, all of it. Much better IMO.

+1 on an inexpensive inverter. Been using one for many, many years for exactly this purpose.

Plug it into the cigarette lighter port on your car and you're good to go.

They can draw quite a bit of power, however, so make sure your vehicle's battery is in good condition and don't keep the inverter running longer than you need to.

-Speak

donn0128 wrote:
Look at laptops input power. Likely 12 volts. If so, cut an old power cord add a cigarette adapter and plug in

I'm not a Mac guy, but nothing PC made this century is 12 V. Get a cheap inverter and plug in. Depending on the vintage of your machine, you might need to go as high as 75 Watts.

an ebay listing
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-Adapter-for-APPLE-MacBook-Pro-15-A1150-A1260-A1286-A1151-A1297-MC024TA-A-/351725729108?

I use a 400 watt inverter ... from Harbor Fright... charges 2 laptops... will run 32 inch flat screen TV and directv receiver box.

If you don't want any problems, I'd suggest to buy a pure sine inverter, a minimum of 300W for durability.
An alternative is to implement a regulated voltage converter but your post indicates that you want something simpler.

We purchased one similar to These. We use it in our truck while traveling down the road.