Q. We’re leaving Friday for our trip and I have a question for you. My car has an auxiliary power area in the console. It’s a small round hole almost like an earphone jack. Of course, our laptop computer doesn’t have anything like that on the power plug. Is there some kind of adapter I should buy?
A. That wouldn't supply DC power, would it? Isn't that an audio output? What you would need is a cigarette lighter transformer to 120 Hz AC power- a transformer. Plug your computer power plug into that. I think they are pretty expensive. Google to see. Around here, Best Buy and maybe a larger Radio Shack would have them.
On the back or side of your computer you can read the power requirements for a DC power source. It is usually about 19 v and a few amps. That spec can be violated somewhat if you leave your battery in the laptop. Err on the low side and don't err by much.
To use your computer effectively, you should sit in the back on the side opposite the sun. Get a couple of those plastic sun shades that have suction cups to place on the back windows. That will keep the light low enough that you can use a lower screen brightness.
When you purchase your next car, consider the AC 120 plug accessory. I have an old Toyota (2004) and it came with that plug. It is great for all kinds of things, like a small cooler or a laptop.
