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Ok guys I have asked most of the questions at the shop but require reassurance.

I have just purchased a lap top from Curries.

I wanted this for two reasons.

First I wanted to keep the kids happy (include me in that) when on journeys. So i wanted them to be able to watch DVDs listen to music play games etc.  But my lap top only has a battery life of around 2 hours.

The chap in the shop says I can buy an inverter thing from maplins so it can be powered whilst on the move. I have seen them but, How safe are they ie will it blow up me new laptop? can they be used on the move? and who else uses one?

I also purchased a tv card thingy that plugs in to my antenna in the MH and then my lap top can be used to watch TV are these any good? or is there a better way?

If I want to use the internet are there many CC sites these days I can use for access?

Can I get sat nav on it?

and finaly a while a go at work a chap lent me a CD with loads of euro and uk campsites or route planner.

Thankyou

The inverter works fine on the Laptop as it provides 240 volts. You would be better off getting a 12v supply if you can but a lot of new laptops are more than 12v.

TV cards are fine we use a freeview card without any problems.

Don't know how many sites have Internet access.

You can use sat nav but it would meen buying a gps that plugs in to the laptop or a gps engine then you need software, you can use Autoroute but you don't get guidance, voice guidance or off route warnings.

I am not aware of any Caravan Club sites with WiFi connections, mores the pity! Some sites have interest terminals which you can use.

David

Panagah

If your laptop has a PCMCIA slot you might want to consider a 3G/Gprs data card. Ive had a Vodafone card for about five years and its been a very good investment.

You will be able to send emails, text messages(SMS) and browse the web etc and a whole lot more, even visit this wonderful web site. Orange and all the major mobile phone companys supply this item now, so it will pay to shop around.

I also use my laptop in the cab to run the GPS/software. Autoroute and Memorymap.

Also power up with an inverter when mobile(topping up the Laptop bttys) or on a short stay but mainly use a Honda 1Kw gene when the stop is a couple of days or more.

Good luck

Jorneyman

hi

look at maplin electronics ,there is a 12v power supply for laptops there ,does some kind of electric magic to convert it to the right voltage for your laptop and dont get the 3G card ,they are next to rubbish ,the new 3.5 G network will be up and running soon or just go to mcdonalds and use wifi which is a hell of a lot quicker !.

An inverter will work ok on a lap top, as the voltage regulation will still be via the transformer on the lead.

panagah you want one of these.

here is the link http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Freeview-DVB-T-DVB-T-USB-TV-Tuner-with-remote-antenna_W0QQitemZ8784380540QQcategoryZ177QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

or http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=UFNTaG93UmVzdWx0cw%3D%3D

Hi. As you've discovered, you've many options.

I link my laptop to a mobile phone with an Orange simcard acting as a modem. Orange offers various plans to suit your needs - my favourite scheme allows me to purchase £1.00 worth of internet usage valid until midnight on the day of purchase, thus giving me up to 23 hours 59 minutes of internet access. No limits on times or data. And topping up is very easy.

Signal can sometimes be a problem though.

(I'm actually sending this from a camp site now)

A few larger camp sites have wi-fi one way or another (Kelling Heath in Norfolk springs to mind) but it can often be expensive being linked through a web-connected gaming machine.

Hope this adds a little.

Good luck