Many struggle when choosing a power inverter, as prices range from $40 to thousands of dollars. There are two types of inverters that convert the car's DC power to the AC power needed for laptops or other devices: true-sine wave and modified-sine wave. Modified-sine inverters are the most common and practical. However, people with deeper pockets may opt for the true-sine inverter and its heftier price tag. Aim for an inverter that uses less than 300 watts if you will be plugging it into a standard 12-volt cigarette lighter socket. More than 300 watts can cause your vehicle's fuses to blow.
The Targus PAPWR005U Mobile Power Inverter is designed for high functionality in automobiles. The 90-watt inverter fits easily in cup holders or can lie flat on any solid surface. It can charge laptops, cell phones, DVD players and game consoles. It includes surge protection and auto-shut off to prevent damage to your car's battery. The cost on average for this product is $30 as of October 2010.
The Belkin Anywhere Power Inverter has a 300-watt powering capacity. It charges car TVs, DVD players, cell phones and laptops. The inverter comes with an alarm system to let the driver know when the battery power of the car is getting low. It also features fuse protection. This inverter has an average cost of $40 as of October 2010.
The Tripp Lite Powerverter Ultra-Compact PV3000HF supplies up to 3000 watts of 120-volt AC power. It is ideal for workers who need to power heavy-duty equipment on the road. It comes with a PV remote and 25 feet of cable. This is one of the most compact inverters that can supply such a high quantity of power. The average cost of this inverter is $400 as of October 2010.
The Black & Decker Vector PI100AB Power Inverter supplies 200 watts of power to electronics and appliances. It was engineered with the safety of the driver in mind and is durable and reliable. It can power laptops, cell phones, DVD players, mobile television sets, household appliances and tools. It can be directly connected to the car battery or plugged in to a DC accessory outlet. The average cost of this inverter is $40 as of October 2010.
