where can I find a resonably priced car DC cigarette lighter plug adapter to power my Toshiba M 45 satellite ?
Toshiba M45 Satellite notebook computer,I need a DC to AC power adapter that plugs into 12 volt power source (cigarette lighter)in my truck.I want to stop having to use the AC cord with a converter.Anybody know where I can get one cheap?
Your best bet is to log onto Pricegrabber.com or one of the other price comparison sites and look for the best deal at the various electronics dealers. I’m sure you’ll find a wide range of prices. Look for well known brands rather than generic aftermarket parts makers that make junk………..
Consumer Electronics Association reports that over $172 million is spent on FM transmitter per year. According to the definition given by wikipedia, an FM transmitter is a portable device that plugs into the headphone jack or proprietary output port of a portable audio or video device, such as a portable media player, CD player, or satellite radio system. The sound is then broadcast through the transmitter, and plays through an FM broadcast band frequency. Purposes for an FM transmitter include playing music from a device through a car stereo, or any radio. In 1934, the first FM transmitter was installed at the top of the Empire State Building. Then the evolution takes place naturally in this field. Since nowadays people start to pay more attention to car entertainment system and have learnt how to beam songs from iPod to car stereo through in-car FM transmitter, the manufacturers increase production to meet the demand of market. Market requirements drive the product development. Hence new feature, new functionality, and new design emerge in an endless stream.
China is also a big player in the FM transmitter manufacturing industry. In a survey, it shows that more than 100 companies make car FM transmitters in China. Creativity is hot in this region now. Chinese manufacturers keep moving forward. On papatek.com, an innovative FM transmitter is eye-catching. In the time that everyone rushes to jump into the vanguard of iPod and iPhone, it seems that people pay less attention to accessorize other models. This car FM transmitter deserves a spot on your shopping list if you are not such a huge fan of Apple products. It supports a rich line of units, including BLACKBERRY, ARCHOS, CREATIVE, VISION, DELL, HTC, IRIVER, LG, MICROSOFT Zune, MOTOROLA, NOKIA, PALM, SAMSUNG, SANDISK, and SONY ERICSSON. (For more detail, click here.)
American and European manufactures such as Belkin, Monster, DLO, iRock and others rush to release new models. Different units vary in design, functionality, feature, price, and compatibility. With respect to compatibility, in-car FM transmitters fall into two categories, one cluster exclusively for one family of devices and the other for all MP3 players. In the former group, there are the Belkin TuneBase which works only with the iPod Mini and the Monster iCarPlay only for dock-connecting iPods. Different from these one-dimensional FM transmitters, DLO TransPod, iRock Beamit 440FM, Belkin TuneCast II, and Aerielle AudioBug are not limited to iPod use thanks to an audio-out headphone jack.
When the power supply is concerned, some FM transmitters run on batteries and others have an integrated adapter that we can plug into the car cigarette lighter socket. It’s noteworthy that some units feature the functionality as in-car charger for the audio players. While improving functionality, FM transmitter makers also enhance the cosmetic design, namely shape, color, and cover materials, trying to match the style of the vehicles. The most common shapes are square and cylindrical. Some manufacturers make an innovative design. For example, Aerielle AudioBug looks like a ladybug.http://www.papatek.com/Cell-Phone-Accessories
Its multifunctionality offers you great convenience. Besides broadcasting songs in your phones and music players through car stereo system, the cool gadget also acts as a car charger and you can enjoy hands-free talk. As for the performance, the unit does a decent job. Its support for a wide frequency range assures the unit would not run into any interference with other radio stations. Regarding the external design, this device is also on the edge. The gooseneck design allows you to adjust the position to accommodate in the car. In addition, the sturdy stoppers prevent the clipped device from dropping, which ensures the mobile phone or music player security in the holder.
Many of the car manufacturers have caught on to the trend of MP3 players. They are now starting to create their vehicles with a built-in input so you can connect your iPod or MP3 player to the car’s sound system. The problem arises when a car doesn’t come with those convenient inputs in order to connect an MP3 player. This is where an FM Transmitter comes in. An FM Transmitter connects to the headphone jack of your MP3 Player, and then transmits the music you are playing for your car’s radio to play on a certain station. By doing this, it will allow you to listen to your music of your MP3 player on your own personal “radio station”. If you think an FM Transmitter is not for you, than a tape adapter is recommended. In this article though, we will only talk about FM Transmitters.
Below you’ll find a list of things our product specialists recommend our customers to consider before purchasing an FM Transmitter.
Compatibility: Be sure to see whether or not a certain FM Transmitter is compatible with your MP3 Player. If you’re not sure there are “Universal” FM Transmitters that will work with almost anything with a 3.5mm headphone jack. This can help prevent you from the hassle of buying and returning an incompatible device.
Battery: You might want to consider the type of batteries the FM Transmitter uses. Most FM transmitters are powered off of “AAA” batteries or through your car’s cigarette lighter. If an FM transmitter is specifically designed for your MP3 Player (which connects through another input, not necessarily the headphone jack), the transmitter might be capable to run off the battery the of the MP3 player itself.
Charger: If available, you should consider an FM Transmitter specifically designed for your MP3 Player (which connects through another input, not necessarily the headphone jack), because many of them will charge your MP3 player while connected to your car’s cigarette lighter. With these types of FM Transmitters, you get two great features in one package.
Channels: Check to see how many channels the FM transmitter can transmit to (it may also be a range, if so determine how large the range is). Generally, the more channels it can transmit to, the better of a connection that is possible. The reason for this is sometimes other radio stations can interfere with the FM transmitter’s signal, therefore distorting the sound. With more channels available to transmit to, you are more likely to find a channel that doesn’t interfere with another radio station.
Digital or Analog: Another thing you may want to consider is whether or not the FM transmitter has a digital screen. If it has a digital screen it may make it easier for you to tune through the best stations, but you may just be fine with an analog transmitter. The analog transmitters will just have buttons to switch the station being transmitted, without any screen. The plus side of this is that analog FM transmitters are usually cheaper than those with a digital screen.
Definitions:
AUX (Auxiliary) Generally used as an extra input for a device such as an add-on CD player/changer, MP3 player, or other audio (line level) input.
Headphone Jack: An input to connect headphones to (usually 3.5mm in diameter).
Power Supplies and Power Inverters are something you will be involved with if you do a lot of road travel or even one good summer vacation. Power, of course is the key to everything on the road. There are many 12 Volt appliances and accessories available both online and off.
Power Supplies are units that plug into a 110 ac outlet and deliver 12 Volt dc to a set of positive and negative plugs or a cigarette lighter socket, usually located on the front of the unit. Some deliver only a few amps and the bigger units deliver 35 and more. Amps are only important in as far as having enough. Your unit will only draw what it needs, even if the power supply is rated very high and the device only requires low amps.
Don’t even think about that working the other way around. Too small an amp rating attempting to power a higher rated unit will overheat the power supply and damage it. Most quality power supplies have overload protection and fuses to prevent damage and even fire related to such a situation. Best thing to do is be aware of the required draw of devices you intend to power and the capacity of the power supply unit you have in service. Best match is where the power supply has about 10% larger amp rating than the sum of all the devices it is required to power.
Power Inverters are the other side of the coin, they attach to a battery, 12 Volt for our purposes, and deliver power as 110 ac. Worth mentioning that most units include the convenience of a 12 Volt cigarette lighter type socket or two.
The larger the battery the better the result. Often in larger vehicles or dedicated applications you will find multiple batteries connected in parallel or series parallel configuration. This can provide good power for longer periods of time.
Since power inverter applications often rely on battery power that is not being replenished as it is being used, you will discharge the battery. Two pieces of information should be brought to bear before you even get started down the inverter road.
The first; there is a device commonly referred to as a “battery guard”. The function of the battery guard is to keep track of how discharged the battery power is becoming and shut down the power inverter service while there is still enough battery power to start the engine.
The second, and this one is a little confusing, most batteries in common use in motor vehicles are not meant to be discharged and recharged. They are meant to see heavy use, such as starting the engine under most any condition, then be immediately recharged by the vehicle’s charging system. This type of battery is referred to as SLI (starting, lighting, ignition). Fully discharging and recharging this type will damage the battery and you will find yourself shopping for batteries very soon.
The kind of battery that works well with power inverters, and other applications that require continuous power, that brings the battery into a near fully discharged state is called, “deep cycle” or “motive”. The internal differences in construction and materials are beyond the scope of this article. The difference in functionality is undeniable and important. Plan your power inverter applications carefully so you get longevity and service from your power investments.
I would like to add one last solution to this power profile. The more feature rich “emergency jump start units” have built in inverters and convenient 12 Volt power receptacles. With the desirable motive type battery, they provide extended life for laptop computers and recharging cell phones. Emergency jump start units are rechargeable from AC power where is it available and 12v battery power while you are going down the road. They invariably feature an air compressor for low tires and, of course, if you or a fellow traveler need a jump start, you can always use them for their intended purpose.
Happy traveling. It must be time for a cup of coffee and “more power to ya’”.
Tom Deighton is a writer, webmaster and musician. Writing is a new activity for me, something that is developing out of my work as a webmaster. Creating articles and content is becoming an enjoyable part of my work. The more of it I do the better I like it.
The New Year has recently come, and along with it comes new laws and regulations. In 2009, it is no longer legal to text message while driving your automobile in seven states! Five states have a ban on using handheld cell phones while driving. Not every state has these laws in place, but the trend is in favor of the new cell phone regulations. These new laws are made to increase highway safety. It is both unsafe and distracting to have such devices on while operating a motor vehicle. It is all too easy to lose focus of cars on the road, while fumbling around with your devices.
In recent years, many products have been made to help eliminate these distractions from you while driving. These devices not only can help you avoid a traffic ticket, but more importantly, can save your life. The days of freely speaking on your cell phone or text messaging others while driving are coming swiftly to an end. New laws and regulations have been put in place in a growing number of states and are heavily enforced. All is not lost, however. There are ways around this by using a hands free kit for your cell phone. Essentially, you can speak on your phone while driving as long as you are not holding the phone in your hand.
The most popular method of compliance with the current cell phone laws are wireless headsets. Everyone has seen that person talking to themselves in their car, but upon closer inspection we see them wearing a strange device over their ear. This is called a wireless headset. They are becoming more and more popular, especially with the new law emerging requiring cell phone users to have a hands-free device. Bluetooth headsets are the preferred choice as they are smaller and more compact than a wired headset. Bluetooth allows wireless communication to take place among a cell phone and a hands-free headset. This allows the user full use the cell phone without ever touching it.
There are different versions: Bluetooth 1.1, Bluetooth 1.2, Bluetooth 2.0, and Bluetooth 2.1. Bluetooth 2.1 comes with the latest features and advancements such as: voicemail retrieval, one touch dialing, one touch answering, call mute, voice dialing, last-number redial, fast transaction speeds, low power consumption, and secure networks. They are also quite affordable, ranging from $3 to $100+. It is not a wise investment to go for the top of the line Bluetooth, as they all are very similar when it comes down to functionality.
There is another way to comply with the cell phone laws, using a cell phone cradle. Cell phone cradles are plugged into a car through its cigarette lighter (DC Outlet) to achieve power. Once powered on, the cell phone nicely fits into in the cradle. The cradle projects the phone call out through a loudspeaker or through the car’s speakers. It is clear and easy to hear; this makes for minimal driving distractions. The cradle charges your cell phone when placed in the cradle. It is easy to access the cell phone as it is sticking out of your automobile’s dashboard. It can add style to your car with the correct model and design.
A big problem with electronic devices is running out of battery power, while on the road or away from an electrical outlet. There is an answer to your problems: DC to AC inverters. They save time and energy, while ensuring a safer drive. Simply plug the adapter into a cigarette lighter (DC outlet) for instantaneous use of AC power. These devices fit are compatible with almost all car cigarette lighters. Now you can ensure that your electronics are always charged and ready to use. Some power adaptor companies have two or more AC power adapters, while others have USB ports. It is strictly personal preference, as to which features you want and need. I recommend having at least one AC power slot and one USB port.
There are many varieties when it comes to AC-DC power inverters. They come in an array of shapes, sizes, designs, and features. Some are large and bulky, while others are small and compact in design. Some hold more wattage at a time, allowing for multiple devices to be charged. Most now come with a built-in cooling fan to prevent overheating. There are also special features that automatically shut the device off after the car is turned off. This will save the car’s battery life.
Accessory Power DC to AC power adapters with USB ports have enough power to charge a wide variety of electronics, such as: cameras, cell phones, laptops, music players, video players, VCR’s, DVD Players, GPS, two-way radios, video game consoles, Bluetooth’s, and more. Why let your electronics lose power and battery life while driving, when you can always charge up your electronic devices. There are many different choices out there when deciding on brand. Mobile Power Flex and Power Bright are on the cutting edge of universal DC to AC power adapters.
About the Author:
Continuing our series of giving out a little love to indie games is a focus on a browser based, free-to-play MMO called MagicDuel. Here are a few words from its creator, Manuel Tanase, who slaves tirelessly on the project from his tower in Romania. Sound cool? You can sign up here to play. Games like these are especially fun to mess around with at work, seeing that you can play it in your browser and stuff on an older computer. Not that anyone plays games at the office (ahem). It’s good, clean, nerdy fun
The term GPS is refers to the Global Positioning System. It is a course-plotting or map- reading system which is based on satellite. The GPS system made up of a network of 24 satellites located into orbit by the U.S. Defense Department. GPS was at first featured for military purposes, but in the year of 1980s, the US government made the system obtainable for civilian use. GPS works in any climate conditions, anywhere in the world and for 24 hours a day. There are no contribution fees or setup charges to use GPS.
There are some accessories are used for the GPS systems, they are as follows:
GARMIN 12V ADAPTER CABLE C530 C550 NUVI 660:
Every Garmin product is specially intended to meet the most demanding standard and customer’s satisfaction. This is the reason that he Garmin equipment is feigned to give you consistent service for years to come, with spontaneous features you can grow into over time – all at in affordable price. Charge your GPS while you drive with this 12-volt adapter cable.
GARMIN AUTO MOUNT 276C 376C. (Portable Friction Mount)
Garmin auto mount 276C and 376C can be used with supplementary dash bases for use in vehicles. Or add a Friction Mount for complete portability. If you choose to not use adhesive to protect your GPS base in place, the Portable Friction Mount could be your solution (Automotive Mounting Bracket is necessary as well). The Portable Friction Mount can be used in its place of the Dashboard Mount Base that is abounding with the Automotive Mounting Bracket). A standard Dashboard Mount Base is strongly turned in the centre of a flexible but firm bean-bag manner mount. The mount has four bendy parts that can be independently bent up or down into a diversity of configurations so that it can be best to be found on dashboard or away in your vehicle for optimum performance and safety.
GARMIN AUTOMOTIVE MOUNT F/NUVI 660
The automotive mount for the Garmin F/NUVI 660 comprise provisional and enduring adhesive disks that hold the mount base to the dash. The GPS unit can be simply detached.
GARMIN AUTOMOTIVE MOUNT F/ NUVI 350
The automotive mount Bracket for F/NUVI 350 will revolve and gradient for best location. Approach with provisional and enduring adhesive disks to remain the detach base to the dash.
GARMIN CIGARETTE LIGHTER ADAPTER
Garmin is a leader in Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and an innovator in buyer electronics. It provides together the aviation and consumer markets. Its products are used in airborne, boating, driving, hiking, and many other actions. Garmin is purchaser listening carefully and dedicated to producing excellence products that get better popular daily lives.
GARMIN GXM 30 SMART ANTENNA
Garmin GXM 30 smart antenna bring XM Satellite Radio, NavTraffic and Weather services to your well-matched Garmin.
Approximately 3 inches in diameter, the GXM 30 processes all XM information and propels the finished data to your unit for display. These GXM 30 units need a separate XM Satellite subscription.
About the Author:
Nir G is the author of Best GPS Accessories. For more information www.bestgpsmarket.com
Travel by vehicle poses distinctive problems that you can solve with a little advance groundwork and a few practical gadgets. This article describes several of these gadgets. A search that you can use to locate each item on the Net follows its description.
1. Universal USB Car Charger
Electronic wonders like iPods and MP3 players make it easy to enjoy music and watch videos. However, many devices require recharging via computer USB ports. How can you accomplish this when you are stuck in a vehicle?
A universal USB car charger solves the dilemma. The most versatile of these chargers will plug into AC current as well as a vehicle’s power point or cigarette lighter. Use your device’s USB cable to connect to the charger’s pseudo-USB port, and it will recharge without a computer.
Keywords for searching: USB car charger adapter
If you would like to construct your own adapter, you can splice together a 5-volt car charger and a USB female plug. Many websites publish complete instructions.
Keywords for searching: how to make USB car charger
2. Mobile Rechargeable Battery Charger
You may own a GPS, digital camera, or PIM that uses rechargeable batteries instead of alkalines. Rechargeables are a great environmental alternative – until they run down in the middle of a road trip. Fortunately, there are car chargers available. Carry one in your glove box.
Keywords for searching: vehicle charger rechargeable batteries
3. Solar-Powered Rechargeable Battery Charger
You can use a solar-powered system to recharge your batteries if the sun is shining. The best of these systems will also work with your vehicle’s cigarette lighter as well as household current. If you do your research well, you may even locate one with special adapters for your PDA or cell phone.
Keywords for searching: solar powered battery charger
4. Portable Water Heater
Many automotive and travel shops sell small water heaters that look like household kettles. These plug into your car’s power point, enabling you to enjoy coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or soup – anytime – anywhere.
Keywords for searching: portable kettle car
If you have an infant who requires a warm bottle at feeding time, try to find an immersible heater. These devices have a small heating coil that you can immerse in any liquid. Heat a bit of water in an appropriate container, and then leave the baby bottle in the water until it reaches the proper temperature.
Keywords for searching: portable car immersion beverage heater
5. Portable Hand-Held UV Water Purifier
Tainted drinking water can quickly cause a case of the trots – also known as ‘travelers’ diarrhea’ or ‘Montezuma’s revenge’. The answer? Purchase a portable pen-sized ultraviolet water purifier. UV light effectively kills bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. These sterilizers are so tiny that you can carry them practically anywhere – stowed in the glove compartment, in a purse or shirt pocket, or in the baby’s diaper bag.
Keywords for searching: portable hand-held UV water purifier
6. Multi-Tool
Many different types of multi-tools are available – with combinations of tools that might include nail clippers, screwdrivers, penknives, pliers, scissors, can openers, corkscrews, and other handy gizmos. Hunt around in the stores or online until you find one that contains everything you might need for your next road trip.
Keywords for searching: multi tool camping travel
7. Repair Kit for Eyeglasses
Don’t pass over this tip just because you have perfect vision. Whenever you go outside, you should don a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. Eliminate the nuisance of loose hinge screws or a missing nose pad with a speedy field repair. Eyeglass repair kits are cheap and small. You can find them in most pharmacies, department stores, and grocery outlets. If necessary, try the Internet search below.
Keywords for searching: repair kit for eyeglasses
These are just some of the devices that can make your holiday more enjoyable. Whenever you travel, make a note of any little glitches you encounter. After you return home, get on the Net and look for a solution. If you can’t find anything, maybe you should develop a new invention and become the next Dean Kamen!
(Dean Kamen: inventor of the Segway)
(c)Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author’s note below (with active links) are included.
About the Author:
Try an internet search engine to track down the travel gadgets mentioned in this article. Are you searching for a bed and breakfast to stay in on your next road trip? 111 Travel Directory may be able to help. 1000 Tips 4 Trips has over 1000 travel tips – submitted by travelers just like you.
someone with good electrical knowledge please answer!?
basically i want to put neons in my room however there for a car (12V DC). i was thinking of getting a plug which at the other end has a cigeratte lighter input so i can plug them in but is it safe?
The neons are:- Input voltage: DC 12V, Current draw: 0.5A
The plug – cigarette lighter input:- Input: AC 90v – 240v \ 50\60Hz 80mA, Output: DC 12v \ 450mA
I would up the home adapter current spec. Neons have a tendency to drift and draw more current as they age. A 1 A would not be out of line. As it is you most likely will get a few months before they pop.
AC to DC 12V 450mA Car Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter (90V~240V AC)
