12V outlet - charging a laptop

[jcal0820]

There are threads in the Model S/X forums about this, but anyone using the 12v socket on the Model 3 to charge a notebook computer, via an inverter? I've got a Surface Pro, and the power brick shows output rated at 5.8 amps. Also ordered a 12v portable inverter on Amazon for like $15.

 

[run-the-joules]

I charge my 15” MBP from mine a fair bit over USB-C PD

 

[bradhs]

I use this for my 15" MBP: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0711BK418/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[jcal0820]

That draw enough amps to fully power up a MBP?

 

[Derek Kessler]

That draw enough amps to fully power up a MBP?

Yep! Though somewhat slower than the 85W AC-to-USB-C PD charger included with the 15" MBP.

 

[mswlogo]

I charge my 15” MBP from mine a fair bit over USB-C PD

And folks gripe about USB-C on MBP. I love how you can charge in the car with no inverter (via USB port). It’s just a big phone

 

[ewoodrick]

There are threads in the Model S/X forums about this, but anyone using the 12v socket on the Model 3 to charge a notebook computer, via an inverter? I've got a Surface Pro, and the power brick shows output rated at 5.8 amps. Also ordered a 12v portable inverter on Amazon for like $15.

It's not the output of the Surface adapter that you need to look at, it's the Input (How much current it will need from the inverter). And then you determine how much it will pull from the inverter and then use that percentage to figure out how much the inverter will pull from the car.

It should be sufficient, I'm doing a very educated guess that it may need about 10A from the car. But then again, that's only when the Surface is pulling max current, which would be when the batter is its lowest.

IF, for some reason, it feels that you blow the fuse, unplug, wait a few minutes and plug in again. There are no fuses, it is a computer controlled MOSFET that will reset when you remove the load.

 

[lozza]

I bought this inverter that seems to work well

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07DNXHZY6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_S7UwCb33RHBJS

 

[bradhs]

I have a MBP 15” fully loaded and it handles it. But it won’t charge it if I’m running it hard, it will maintain.

 

[jcal0820]

Think this should do the job ....

Foval 150W Power Inverter DC 12V to 110V AC Converter with 3.1A Dual USB Car Charger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KT26D68/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_CK0wCb78P9B47

 

[Glamisduner]

I think you want a full sine wave converter to power a computer without damaging it.

Something like this:
150W 12VDC to 230VAC Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter | PST-15S-12E

https://www.amazon.com/Samlex-15S-1...6&sr=8-3&keywords=pure+sine+inverter+150+watt

Not sure the cig adapter can power this thing though.

My Lenovo X1 Extreme uses a 135 watt power brick.

 

[rolefox]

just go buy a DC to DC car power adapter for laptop

 

[Nopantz]

just go buy a DC to DC car power adapter for laptop

This works great for my 13” Nekteck USB C Car Charger with 45W PD Power Delivery and 12W USB-A Port for Ipad pro, MacBook Pro/Air 2018, iPhone Xs/Max/XR/X/8, Galaxy S10/S9/S8, 3.3ft USB-C Cable Included https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075WQQG7C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.bnvDb6236R84

 

[Knightshade]

FWIW the 12v in the console is rated up to 12A continuous draw (16A peak).... 12v@12 amps being 144 watts, 12v@16A being 192W.

 

[Whateverdude]

Or just Get this....
https://www.amazon.com/Surface-Charger-Microsoft-Including-Carrying/dp/B06Y57HD7Z