When it's plugged into a/c outlet, it must go thru a d/c converter right?
How many volts d/c does it actually run on?

Looking at my netbook power supply, says 19.5V output, 2.05A

3.3V, 5V, and 12V roughly

It varies from power supply to power supply, however the aforementioned will put you in the right area. Let me guess a replacement for the coffee pot?
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The power supply will be labeled with the exact output voltage - mine runs at 20V output. If you're thinking about the boat, best bet is to get a small 100W converter and plug any laptop into that.

it wont be long before solar collectors in our clothes power
the recharging of batteries in the hand helds...

the technology is already here just not mainstream yet.

Mike if u need a gps adaptor for ur laptop i have a usb one
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Thinking of a cheapo computer for the boat. I have a 2000W inverter, but whats the point if I can just pump 12-14V strait into it.

Measure the voltage outputs of the pc power supply with no load.
If there are multiple voltages then you'll need to provide those exact voltages via DIY electronic circuit or step down power supply unit. Don't forget the fuses.
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I saw the Fish Bucket coming into the harbor last night at sunset. I was the guy on the rocks that waved to you. Hope you did well.

Mike

Yes over by legal seafoods.
I was just out cruising the inner harbor but we did hit the schoolie blitz on airport flats.
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Yeah, I affectionately call the spot skunks. They are on the land and in the water. We had a nice blitz of random harbor debris. Its a nice spot to go after work though. Just wanted to say Hi. I'll let you get back to your PC thread.

Mike

Use the inverter.

Use the inverter I agree

All the micro pcs I've built for race boats have all been run off either the house inverter or wiring in a compact inverter just for the pc/monitor off the panel.