Re: Power Inverters
Andrew F. wrote: For the same price, its much safer to get an auto adapter for your laptop. Why is it safer ? Where do you get a 70w auto adapter for an iBook for $15? -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
Inverters are also bulky, and still require you to connect the AC adapter, which makes for a mess of cords in a tight environment (car). I used to go the inverter route in my PowerBook 145b days, but I wouldn't go back. Andrew --- Andrew, a Mac Freak [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: For the same price, its much safer to get an auto adapter for your laptop. Andrew How so? I have had a 150 watt power adaptor, as cheap as could be (found it at a cheap hardware/gift shop store) and it has worked wonderfully to watch movies, play games, etc. in the car. How could an auto adaptor be safer for your laptop, other than be more efficient? The advantage of the inverter is that you can plug different kinds of things in, too, such as a TV, cd player, small sound amp, you name it. I dont see how inverters could be unsafe, especially when they have built in fuse protection and undervolatage protection. Could you be more specific? a different Andrew :P -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com --- -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
On Feb 2, 2005, at 10:50 PM, bobgir2004 wrote: Anyone use these things? Any warnings to pass on? Anything different than simply plugging your iBook into the wall socket at home? I've got one. I liked the fact that it was MUCH less than a car adapter for my Powerbook and would work with any device not just this Powerbook. As for warnings, I've found out that mine works much better if I turn it off and unplug it before I turn the car on/off. That just seems like a good idea as if there was going to be a power surge, that seems like the time when it would happen. Yes, it's bulkier, but I just stuffed it under the seat. No problems thus far. TjL -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
I use a Kensington Universal adapter, which works both on regular household AC, and with the switch of one cord, works in cars and some airplanes (enpower tip). Even better, it works with both my new G4 and my ancient Kanga with a simple tip swap, and with a cheap extra cable, can simultaneously charge my cell phone. Andrew --- Timothy Luoma [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Feb 2, 2005, at 10:50 PM, bobgir2004 wrote: Anyone use these things? Any warnings to pass on? Anything different than simply plugging your iBook into the wall socket at home? I've got one. I liked the fact that it was MUCH less than a car adapter for my Powerbook and would work with any device not just this Powerbook. As for warnings, I've found out that mine works much better if I turn it off and unplug it before I turn the car on/off. That just seems like a good idea as if there was going to be a power surge, that seems like the time when it would happen. Yes, it's bulkier, but I just stuffed it under the seat. No problems thus far. TjL -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com --- -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
Inverters are also bulky, and still require you to connect the AC adapter, which makes for a mess of cords in a tight environment (car). Ok, I know what you're trying to say. But in a couple of years Apple might stop using the current type of power adaptor plug and then you have to sink another 20 bucks to get another auto adaptor, whereas if you get an inverter you can keep it over the years, given it keeps running (it shouldn't die really soon, unless you have a 130 watt power adaptor or something :) To the original author of the thread, I guess it comes down to form vs wallet, whichever is better in your opinion. Andrew -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
it is really easy to make one die just plug in a fluorecent light and it will fail almost immediately. :) On 3 Feb 2005, at 9:30 PM, Andrew, a Mac Freak wrote: it shouldn't die really soon, unless you have a 130 watt power adaptor or something :) Richard Clark http://rec.homedns.org NPDS: http://mawgadogsnewt.homeip.net:8088 ichat:mawgadog33 Yahoo:Ozzy_Wells Skype:mawgadog icq:115390002 -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
Given the lifetime of Apple's adapters; I'd say that is a good reason to buy a AC/Auto/Air unit and use it. -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
I use both. I keep the universal adapter in my bag, but have an Apple adapter permanently at my desk at home, and another permanently at my desk at work. I really dislike setting up adapters all the time, and prefer to just set the computer down and plug it in. Andrew On 2/3/05 2:27 PM, David Lesher [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Given the lifetime of Apple's adapters; I'd say that is a good reason to buy a AC/Auto/Air unit and use it. -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
At 5:27 PM -0500 2/3/05, David Lesher wrote: Given the lifetime of Apple's adapters; I'd say that is a good reason to buy a AC/Auto/Air unit and use it. I kind of like the idea of having the auto adapter as a back up incase the AC adapter gets lost, left somewhere or breaks. -- Clark Martin Redwood City, CA, USA Macintosh / Internet Consulting I'm a designated driver on the Information Super Highway -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
Of for power failures. The car is a nice generator that can power a notebook for many, many hours. On 2/3/05 2:45 PM, Clark Martin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: At 5:27 PM -0500 2/3/05, David Lesher wrote: Given the lifetime of Apple's adapters; I'd say that is a good reason to buy a AC/Auto/Air unit and use it. I kind of like the idea of having the auto adapter as a back up incase the AC adapter gets lost, left somewhere or breaks. -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
I have used one with my PB and also with my Quick Silver (I used it in my travel triler) and its a great thing to have. I use it also to recharge the batteries for my camera while on the road. On Feb 2, 2005, at 9:50 PM, bobgir2004 wrote: f continuous AC power for notebooks, cell phones, PDAs and more. On sale for only $15, it seems too good to be true. Anyone use these things? Any warnings to pass on? Anything different than simply plugging your iBook into the wall socket at home? TIA, bob -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com --- Hector I. Macedo Lord of the Flies Dallas, TX 75248 Piscaro Itaque dicet mendacium Then round his hook the chosen fur he winds, And on the back a speckled feather binds; So just the colours shine through ev'ry part, That nature seems to live again in art. John Gay Rural Sports 1720 -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
On Wed, 02 Feb 2005 19:52:53 -0800, Andrew F. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: For the same price, its much safer to get an auto adapter for your laptop. Where can I find a $15 auto adapter that is 75W and has a plug that fits my laptop? Warning! A power inverter is easily misused. Forget to unplug and you may have to buy a new battery. Plugging in before starting or forgetting to unplug before turning off your engine may cause damage. Devices such as heavy-start draw motors, etc. should not be used. In other words be very aware of the Power demand of what you plug in. Sorry if this is too obvious to most of you. But I have sinned in ignorance. __ Do you Yahoo!? The all-new My Yahoo! - Get yours free! http://my.yahoo.com -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
Looked at power inverters for the first time ever. Seems an economical way to keep your iBook, iPod, and other devices powered on long road trips. For the same price, its much safer to get an auto adapter for your laptop. Andrew Andrew - Thing is, with an inverter I could take along the iPod and charge it and one or the other of the iBooks and charge it too, and any other items I have that require batteries and have a charger. If, however, you are telling me that theses things are unsafe, then I certainly wouldn't purchase one. Could you elucidate a bit, please? TIA, bob -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
I've got one. I liked the fact that it was MUCH less than a car adapter for my Powerbook and would work with any device not just this Powerbook. As for warnings, I've found out that mine works much better if I turn it off and unplug it before I turn the car on/off. That just seems like a good idea as if there was going to be a power surge, that seems like the time when it would happen. Yes, it's bulkier, but I just stuffed it under the seat. No problems thus far. Timothy - Any suggestions on what specs to look for? I saw several today at a computer store and the wattage capacity varied considerably. For the record, I have no plans to power anything the size of a TV, only to charge up my iPod and G3 iBook. E.g., found this at the Belkins site: The unit simply plugs into any standard, 12-volt DC vehicle cigarette lighter socket to convert your vehicle's battery power to 110-volt AC (common household current). Now you can keep laptop computers, PDAs, and AC appliances powered and operational wherever you go. Powers portable devices using a 300-Watt power inverter Features 2 AC Outlets Converts DC Power to AC power from a cigarette lighter socket Fits all standard vehicle cigarette lighter sockets Works well for laptops, portable printers, TV/VCRs, CD players, video cameras, camping equipment, and other portable devices Automatic overheat shut-off at 150F Low-battery alarm at 10.6V and automatic shut-off feature at 10.6V Overload protection Replaceable fuse included Power LED indicator 1-Year Warranty UPC: 7-22868-36532-8 TIA, bob -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
(it shouldn't die really soon, unless you have a 130 watt power adaptor or something :) Uh, why would a 130-watt one die sooner? -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
Note that most of these will put out 110V, not 120V. For PowerBooks, that's not generally a problem as the PowerBook AC adapter is tolerant of 110V to 130V (or so). My portable CD player's AC adapter is not so tolerant... After an hour or two of being plugged in, the CD player overheated (I don't know exactly how, but it seems like the CD player was being fed too much power and the thing got REALLY hot where the power cord plugs in to the device). Mine's a Vector brand inverter, but I don't remember the exact wattage. More than 75W, I think. All things being equal, I'd go for a dedicated DC auto/air adapter instead of a DC-AC inverter - AC adapter. Given the prices of some of the PowerBook auto/air adapters, though, things are hardly ever equal... Peace, Drew -- Author of ClassicStumbler email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] web: http://www.alksoft.com/ Visit the PowerBook 5300 FAQ! http://www.alksoft.com/5300_FAQ/ -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
On Feb 3, 2005, at 10:15 PM, bobgir2004 wrote: Any suggestions on what specs to look for? I'm not an expert... I bought a 150W one at Best Buy, that's all I can tell you. -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
I've been using DCAC inverters for about 15 years, for a wide variety of applications. They've come down quite a bit in price: I have one which originally cost over $20,000! Being able to purchase a creditable unit for less than $20. today, although they don't put out much wattage is amazing to me. For my money, and from my experience, they're one of the most useful electronic inventions ever. And, as Bobgir suggested, they're multifunctional. Many have more than one receptacle built in. One of the things to look for when you buy is to find a unit with a modified sine wave output, and which seems to have few restrictions on its recommended uses, given its wattage output. Most also will put out up to two to three times their rated wattage for short periods of time. Good units can dish out twice their rated wattage for maybe five to fifteen minutes, and three times their rated wattage for perhaps a few seconds, without tripping their circuit breakers. Good units also will shut themselves off when the battery they're drawing power from falls below a pre-determined voltage. Some of these products allow you to custom-set the minimum voltage left in the battery before the unit shuts down to protect the battery. This dramatically reduces the chance that you'll leave your battery with too little juice to re-start your vehicle if you've been using your inverter with the engine off. Incidentally, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can often be used as a combination battery and inverter (that's what it is, after all!) for a limited period of time, and can even be used for such functions as running power tools in the wild, should you ever need to do that, or if you have other portable needs for AC 120 volt (or even 240 volt AC with units with that voltage option) when there's no easy access to ordinary AC current, the type we have in our homes. Seems an economical way to keep your iBook, iPod, and other devices powered on long road trips. For the same price, its much safer to get an auto adapter for your laptop. Andrew Andrew - Thing is, with an inverter I could take along the iPod and charge it and one or the other of the iBooks and charge it too, and any other items I have that require batteries and have a charger. If, however, you are telling me that theses things are unsafe, then I certainly wouldn't purchase one. Could you elucidate a bit, please? TIA, bob -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com --- -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
I mean put a big load on an inverter without protection and you will overheat it and something will blow. That's what happened to a VERY cheap 50 watt inverter I had a long time ago...it didnt even have a heatsink!! The whole case on my new one is made out of heatsink material, and its got a fan in it to prevent this...I wasn't talking about a 130 watt _inverter_ I was speaking about the _load_ :P Andrew Uh, why would a 130-watt one die sooner? -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
I got a 300 watt inverter from WalMart several years ago...paid $40 for it and never had a problem...It will put out up to a total of 150 watts from each ac outlet...Has a built in fan and a low voltage thingy that shuts it off if the car battery is too low...I have run my iMac SE 400 and an Epson 740 printer off of it going down the highway in a van...Works great...Just got a 500 watt unit at WalMart after Christmas for $40 but haven't used it yet...The safest way to use one of these units is to start the car then plug in the inverter...plug in the ac plugs...turn on the inverter then turn on the appliances you are using one at a time...waiting a few seconds in between so the power draw is stabilized and then you are off and running...Shut down is the same...1 appliance at a time then the inverter itself...Took the 300 cross country...powered a 12 color tv and also the computer/printer combo w/out any problem.. HTH.. Mike K Andrew, a Mac Freak wrote: I mean put a big load on an inverter without protection and you will overheat it and something will blow. That's what happened to a VERY cheap 50 watt inverter I had a long time ago...it didnt even have a heatsink!! The whole case on my new one is made out of heatsink material, and its got a fan in it to prevent this...I wasn't talking about a 130 watt _inverter_ I was speaking about the _load_ :P Andrew Uh, why would a 130-watt one die sooner? -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
At 6:12 PM -0800 2/3/05, Don P. wrote: On Wed, 02 Feb 2005 19:52:53 -0800, Andrew F. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: For the same price, its much safer to get an auto adapter for your laptop. Where can I find a $15 auto adapter that is 75W and has a plug that fits my laptop? Warning! A power inverter is easily misused. Forget to unplug and you may have to buy a new battery. Plugging in before starting or forgetting to unplug before turning off your engine may cause damage. Devices such as heavy-start draw motors, etc. should not be used. In other words be very aware of the Power demand of what you plug in. Sorry if this is too obvious to most of you. But I have sinned in ignorance. As far as unplugging that sort of depends on how your car is wired. One of our cars turns off the power outlets with the key. Another turns off one with the key, the other is on continuously. That's the one you have to be careful about. IIRC all three inverters I have have a low voltage alarm. I had it trigger once when I was charging up some gear. I immediately turned the key to start up and the starter had to crank a little longer than usual. It worried me a touch as I wasn't exactly by the side of the road at the time. AM radios don't work well on them because the electrical noise is easily picked up by the radio. TVs can be a problem, depending on what type of power supply they have. An older power supply will pass the electrical noise through to the picture. It doesn't hurt anything but it makes for a bad picture. These devices are designed to be used by just about anybody so they are pretty tolerant. They have overload protection of the inverter, both an electronic kind that protects the inverter and a good old fashioned fuse to protect the wiring. One problem is if the inverter draws too much power from the car outlet and blows the fuse on the car. It won't hurt anything but it can possibly leave you high and dry. I have used the inverter with my laptop during start and shut off without damage. There really isn't much likely to cause damage with start up or shutoff. The power dipping during startup may cause the power to cut out but when powering a laptop it's not a big deal. -- Clark Martin Redwood City, CA, USA Macintosh / Internet Consulting I'm a designated driver on the Information Super Highway -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
At 10:06 PM -0600 2/3/05, Andrew, a Mac Freak wrote: I mean put a big load on an inverter without protection and you will overheat it and something will blow. That's what happened to a VERY cheap 50 watt inverter I had a long time ago...it didnt even have a heatsink!! The whole case on my new one is made out of heatsink material, and its got a fan in it to prevent this...I wasn't talking about a 130 watt _inverter_ I was speaking about the _load_ :P A long time ago is a factor. The models made in the last few years are a lot better. High power electronics including power switching has improved steadily over the last 10-20 years. It's not just in terms of power handling but in protection circuitry. It's gotten hard to burn out power supplies with any significant power output, they are well protected against most scenarios. This includes current, temperature, low input voltage, VI switching (there's a proper term for this but I can't recall it). -- Clark Martin Redwood City, CA, USA Macintosh / Internet Consulting I'm a designated driver on the Information Super Highway -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Power Inverters
Looked at power inverters for the first time ever. Seems an economical way to keep your iBook, iPod, and other devices powered on long road trips. Did a search and, among other hits, found this: The Vector 70 Watt Power Inverter was designed for the person on the go. It's an easy way to power up your portable gadgets while on the road. Converts your car's power adapter into an AC outlet and provides 70 watts of continuous AC power for notebooks, cell phones, PDAs and more. On sale for only $15, it seems too good to be true. Anyone use these things? Any warnings to pass on? Anything different than simply plugging your iBook into the wall socket at home? TIA, bob -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
Re: Power Inverters
For the same price, its much safer to get an auto adapter for your laptop. Andrew On 2/2/05 7:50 PM, bobgir2004 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Looked at power inverters for the first time ever. Seems an economical way to keep your iBook, iPod, and other devices powered on long road trips. Did a search and, among other hits, found this: The Vector 70 Watt Power Inverter was designed for the person on the go. It's an easy way to power up your portable gadgets while on the road. Converts your car's power adapter into an AC outlet and provides 70 watts of continuous AC power for notebooks, cell phones, PDAs and more. On sale for only $15, it seems too good to be true. Anyone use these things? Any warnings to pass on? Anything different than simply plugging your iBook into the wall socket at home? TIA, bob -- G-Books is sponsored by http://lowendmac.com/ and... Small Dog Electronicshttp://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Check our web site for refurbished PowerBooks | CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html G-Books list info: http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-books.html -- AOL users, remove mailto:; Send list messages to: mailto:G-Books@mail.maclaunch.com To unsubscribe, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] For digest mode, email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscription questions: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/g-books%40mail.maclaunch.com/ --- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---
