This handy gadget from Dick Smith Electronics will allow you to use your laptop computer when plugged into any 12 volt cigarette lighter socket. Cost is $148.00. Rather oddly we have seen Tandy advertise these as "exclusive" for $98.00. A bit odd as Tandy and Dick Smiths are both owned by Wollies unless we have missed the news! The main competition is the Targus at up to $300.00. There is a cheaper device available for around $85.00. More info on this page. The Dick Smith catalogue number is M9695. Trust us this gadget is a NIGHTMARE to ferret out on their pages! The blurb below is from the Dick Smith Yahoo site - haven't a clue why they use two addresses - very confusing!

Notebook adaptor will start recharging your Notebook after you start the engine.
Plug 'Energy Knight I' into a cigarette socket in vehicles and connect it to a Notebook, using DC to DC power. It will start recharging your Notebook after you start the engine or plug into your house batteries.

Kerio have an excellent site in Taiwan (in English) and it is a shame that no Australian retailers point to it, as it does answer lots of questions. Our only minor moan is no down loadable manual. We find that this can stop you making expensive mistakes! The TW site gives excellent lists of laptops supported and the correct tip and voltage "fuse" to use. No Australian site bothers with this! Be careful using the list if you have a scrolling mouse as it goes bonkers! Oh yes - it is hard to actually find this page and the specs as you need to click on the graphic. The voltage change is very clever. There are four voltage changers included and you just pop the appropriately colour coded blade into the top of the unit. The large picture below shows where it goes. The tips have an alpha code and are also colour coded. One is shown below. You can email Kerio direct at sales@kerio.com.tw. The CEO there is EXTREMELY helpful - Albert Lin. Albert kindly sent us the excellent pictures on this page. By the way these are the only products made by Kerio so they are true specialists. They also have a feedback form, but this asks too many questions! We got next day responses from Dick Smith and you can email their chief computer tech on nfernandes@dse.com.au.

WARNING: Be extremely careful, and triple check that you have the output plug connected with the correct polarity to suit your laptop. Connecting with the polarity the wrong way will damage a laptop computer, If unsure seek professional guidance.

SAFETY: Working with Collyn Rivers has taught us to ALWAYS look at this vital area! This unit only produces extra low voltage DC so if it is on your lap when mobile and you have an accident, you wont get electrocuted. It is a different story if you are using an inverter whilst in motion. The device has several safety features that work in the background and reset automatically. The most important is over voltage. It turns off at <15 volts. This is important as we have come across several motorhomers who DON'T use a regulator on their solar! This is particularly important to those with the newer 16 inch screens as you do need to have power applied or the picture brightness goes into almost "invisible" mode

NOTE: As we specialise in buying gadgets like this and then get into trouble, here's our two bobs worth! Make sure that the amperage of your laptop is LESS than the 3.5 amps available from this unit. This is particularly important if you use USB devices powered from the laptop. If you have a laptop with a nonstandard 12 volt socket such as the very popular Sony Vaio etc. we suggest you ask the supplier if the adaptor will work with your particular brand.