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………..
Most of the time, when the electrical power gets interrupted due to a heavy downpour or a severe storm or any other reason, the reliable source of power when you require it the most is the power inverter. Power inverter is designed to answer these power outages and pose as a reliable and economic alternate source of electricity. That is why, the power inverters have enjoyed great popularity since their introduction in the market.
Power inverters are designed to convert direct current to alternating current. Most of the power inverters work by converting 12 Volt DC power into 110 volts AC. With the use of power Inverters you can run household appliances from a car or any other DC source in areas where there is no electricity. Power inverters are available in two categories – The True Sine Wave Power Inverters and the Modified Sine Wave Power inverters.
Of these the True sine wave power inverters provide utility grade power but are expensive and can power almost anything including laser printers and fax machines. The sine wave power inverter is most suitable to operate higher-end electronic equipment which can be damaged by other inverters. On the other hand, the Modified sine waves are the most common types of power inverters available today. Like its counterpart, this inverter can sufficiently power most household appliances and power tools. It is more economical compared to the true sine wave inverter, but may ask for certain compromises with some loads such as microwave ovens, laser printers, clocks and cordless tool chargers.
Power inverters are widely used for large assortment of applications, from small power supplies for a computer to large industrial applications to transport bulk power. One of the most widely used applications of Power Inverters include running television sets, microwaves and other household appliances and charging cell phones, laptops from a car’s cigarette lighter outlet and running power tools from a 12 volt battery on jobsites where electricity is not available.
If you are looking forward to buy a power inverter, remember that most of your household electrical devices will run perfectly on both the type of wave form. Most of the users who are using a power inverter to run a laptop, a/c cell phone charger, fan, or camera agree that a modified-sine wave power inverter that operates through the cigarette lighter socket is the easiest to use. While you buy a power inverter it is suggested to choose an inverter that is rated under 300 watts when using the 12-volt cigarette lighter socket found in most vehicles. This is because after reaching 300 watts of draw on the inverter, the fuses in your car might blow off. Such power inverters are a great choice for dashboarders who would like an easy solution to power their devices. It has only one outlet, but since plugging it into a 12 volt socket is all that is required for operation. This little inverter can supply 140 watts of continuous operation and has a built-in surge protector.
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.
