Re: Alternate supply for PowerBook

[Anne Judge]

On Apr 14, 2004, at 9:42 AM, Michael Levin wrote:

...I would like to use my
Power Book G4 in the car... Are there any
cables or plugs that would allow me to use the auxiliary power supply 
(AKA
cigarette lighters) in the car?

The cheapest is probably an inverter - takes the car's 12V DC to 120V 
AC so you can just plug in your usual power adapter.  I did this last 
week on an 1600-mile RT drive to Indiana.  I had 2 inverters - one that 
just handled 75W & had one plug (T-shaped body, no cord) got too hot in 
my opinion. My (I *think*) 300W brick (with a cord that plugs into the 
outlet, and 2 outlets in the body to plug whatever into) worked much 
better. But note my car outlets are labeled as handling 120W max 
combined load, fine for my 65W 17" PB & my husband's GPS, but you 
wouldn't be able to take advantage of the full capacity of the 
inverter!

Obviously there are losses this way, compared to getting a DC power 
supply for your powerbook (which DOES exist) but if it's a short-term, 
occasional use this seems fine.  Plus it's so flexible - you can use it 
for any low- to medium-power item that would plug in - charging other 
electronics, whatever.

I got each of my inverters from Costco, in their auto aisle - they 
carried the 2 types at different times.  I know other places carry 
them.

(BTW, off topic, but if anyone cares - the Prius loved the flat country 
in IN way better than hilly CT - 54 MPG on a cruise into Indianapolis.)

Anne

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