Invertor - advice/reassurance

 I see from Rings own site the constant output rating is 120 watts so you certainly will not be able to use it on even a travel kettle or a hairdryer. It should be ok to power you laptop but it depends on the laptop. The output is a modified sine wave, ideally it should be a pure sine wave for use on electronic equipment like computers. They are more expensive. You could consider >this one< I have never had one like this so cannot tell you anymore about it but I would rate it a better buy for the purpose you require but it will still not power a kettle or hair dryer. You will need at least 1000 watt inverter for that preferably larger.

peedee

The fact that it has a USB would indicate that it’s primary use is for recharging phones etc.  Fine for a laptop but not for any power consumers like kettles, hair driers etc.

my laptop mains adapter is only 65w so I assume yours is ok as mine is approaching 10 years old. As Peedee states a pure sine wave inverter would be safer for electronic equipment.  

I have never experienced any problems, or had any failures, using basic modified-sine-wave inverters with computer power supplies/chargers........or anything else within rating for that matter. 

The one exception is electric tooth brush chargers which are notorious for failing on such supplies  (as well as fairly commonly on standard household supply) 

Thanks for all your advice folks.  I know there is always someone out there willing to take the time to offer help and advice.

There are loads of generic 12V laptop chargers about which would save all this inverter business. I've even got one for my MacBook, and you know how insular Apple are on third party gizmos.

Thanks cyberyacht.  That was my first choice.  I ordered one of Ebay which said it would fit my HP laptop but, despite having 7 ends, it didn't,  I needed something urgently last weekend so went with the inverter but may keep trying for a 12v charger.  It will definitely have to be Ebay or Amazon as there is nothing in the shops.

I got one from Maplins a long time ago but had the same problem as you. While it provided a multitude of ends none fitted! Have you tried Farnell or R S Components

peedee

HP do seem to have a habit of using 'unusual' power connectors. Mine has a large round 7.5mm connector with a thin recessed centre pin. I used a connector off an old dud mains charger to connect to the output of the universal DC-DC converter.

HOWEVER my HP wants to see a 'signal voltage' on the centre pin in addition to the actual DC on the inner+outer of the plug.  This requires a 180k resistor connected from the DC+ to the centre pin. (Probably all done to try to encourage people to buy their proprietary items )

Tracey- Advice? Yes, go for an inverter that will easily handle the task you are going to ask of it- ie- if you are wanting to draw 150 Watts then buy an inverter of 300 Watts. The other bit of advice is Buy a good and reputable make- the no name inverters may appear good value but they are not built to the standards you would expect and fall short in efficiency. Road Pro is a company who deal with inverters all the time and they will give you the makes that will “do the business“ I run several high amp age accessories through mine and although it’s a 2000w capacity- it’s not!! My Lithium battery has found flaws in the system- I will be changing mine soon.