AC/DC inverter for laptop...........

[Dooin' it]

I've done just a little reading on inverters for laptops (as opposed to Cig-lighter direct adapters which apparently cost more). It looks like a good way to go even though you have the inverter to the adapter, to the powercord to the laptop, but using the mfgr's oem adapters is probably the best idea, I guess.........well, that and I'm cheap.

Can anybody recommend a small/easy/cheap inverter (aka WalMart/Target/RadioShack, etc.) where I can get one that somebody here's used with confidence?? (Looks like some are one-piece & therefore a bit bulky & not sure it'll fit in my Camry's power-socket next to the ashtray.)

TIA

[digby0668]

Wal-mart and Sam's C;ub both carry a decent inverter for less than $30.00. They are not small(won't fit into your ashtray), but they are powerful enough to power your laptop and a few other devices. My wife used one on our recent trip to Florida. It had no problem powering her IBM thinkpad.

[digby0668]

Con't

The cord is plenty long enough and should fit any plug. On our trip she used the outlet in the cargo area of the Suburban while she was in the middle seat.

[Dooin' it]

OK, here's what I mean by "won't fit"............

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html...sin=B00006RK5I
What I mean to infer is that my power socket is right below the actual cig-socket next to the ashtray (I'm not up on the stuff but I guess the power sockets are better to use for whatever reason if you have a choice between the cigsocket & power socket) I might not be able to get this big sucker pushed all the way in 'cuz the body flares out to that huge bulbous area!

And is this the one you got from WalMart???............(if so, I'm guessin' I could just stuff the big red box under the seat or something to make a little less conspicous............?......

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...3A3947%3A96391

[MadMan2k]

I got one at Wal-mart for about $25, it had a power outlet connector, a 2' cord, then the box that was like a heatsink on the outside, that had a house power outlet on one end.

It powered my laptop, or battery charger, or etc, for at least a combined 50 hrs, but it ended up dieing.

[Dooin' it]

Thanks Mad.

Ya, I actually strolled thru Costco for no particular reason today & decided to see if they might have an inverter & they do!! It's a Coleman PMP400 (?) or some such # and is a 400W unit (800W peak) w/ 2 outlets and the option to have a cig-lighter adapter ***or*** switch to jumper-type cables & run off the battery on the ground in front of your car..........(I guess if the power goes out in the middle of weed whackin' your lawn with your electric weed whacker) LOL!!!

Anyway, it's only $24.99 and has a 2 year warranty plus Costco's unbeatable....."I don't like this can I have my money back".........."Sure no problem".....1-year warranty!

[RamonGTP]

Thanks Mad.

Ya, I actually strolled thru Costco for no particular reason today & decided to see if they might have an inverter & they do!! It's a Coleman PMP400 (?) or some such # and is a 400W unit (800W peak) w/ 2 outlets and the option to have a cig-lighter adapter ***or*** switch to jumper-type cables & run off the battery on the ground in front of your car..........(I guess if the power goes out in the middle of weed whackin' your lawn with your electric weed whacker) LOL!!!

Anyway, it's only $24.99 and has a 2 year warranty plus Costco's unbeatable....."I don't like this can I have my money back".........."Sure no problem".....1-year warranty!

That should be a good one, I've got the 200watt (400 peak) version of it and it powers up my P4 2.8/512/FX5600/16.1" laptop nicely. The only thing I don't like about it is that the fan can be a bit loud.

[Dooin' it]

Doh!! Ya, I'm glad you mentioned that 'cuz that'd be just the thing to bug me. I like it quiet inside. May have to go for a Wagan unit (fanless). They have a 150 & 350w unit. Might just spend the extra & get the 350w unit to avoid possible thermal shutdowns & enjoy the peace & quiet!!

Linky........(scroll down to the model '2002' to see the one I'm lookin' at)........

http://www.wagan.com/htmls/powerinv-slim.html

[Dooin' it]

Anybody else w/ inverter experience to share??

[Dooin' it]

OK......besides being impatient (gonna buy an inverter tonite)........I have a couple questions.........

#1.).......... I've Googled but can't get good answers on difference between a regular Cigarette Lighter socket and one of the Accessory Power sockets . Anybody have hard details??

#2.).......Anybody know (circa) what kind of Wattage/Amperage, etc. a typical Laptop would pull?? Maybe compared to a 13" TV?? I'm debating 150W unit vs. the 300W unit. Although the 150W unit looks to be 150 continuous *and* peak while the 300W seems to be 300W continuous and 600W peak.

Come on you electrical/electronic junkies......I know you're out there!!!!