We bought a more expensive 150W "sine wave" Inverter that puts out
smoother AC power similar to (if not better than) that from the
mains. Cheap inverters put out a square wave (or "modified sine-wave"
or PWM (pulse width modulation)) which only vaguely mimics the
waveform of the alternating current from Western Power.
Modern switched-mode power supplies for laptops can have problems with
square waves so we decided to spend more to get a cleaner power
supply. I think we got ours from the 12volt Shop in Welshpool. http://www.12volt.com.au/
I know some people who have used the cheaper option successfully, but
I personally didn't want to risk an expensive laptop.
Here's some info on the subject from
http://www.thesolarguide.com/solar-energy-systems/stand-alone-inverters.aspx
Stand-alone inverter types
For the purest, best form of power, you will require a pure sine wave
inverter.
A modified or square sine wave inverter is cheaper but some loads will
be damaged by it (e.g. laser printers or some cordless power tools).
Other loads will not be as powerful (e.g. a microwave)
What's a sine wave?
Pure sine waves have much more "flow" to them. You could say their
power has been "smoothed out" much more effectively. This is the same
sine wave form delivered in conventional electricity, and you will
need a (more expensive) pure sine wave inverter, if you hope to
effectively power large appliances or power tools.
If you do not require such a strong and consistent source of energy,
then a modified or square sine wave inverter will do. The form of the
wave is "choppier," and the power provided might also be choppy. The
modified or square sine wave inverter is also called amulti-step or
stepped inverter.
-Mart
On 19/03/2008, at 8:11 AM, malcolm Tate wrote:
My husband has an inverter for his work laptop, not sure on the
stats to it, but it was just picked up from Dick Smith. I know you
are able to get inverters that are able to have up to 4 appliances
plugged into it, but I would be wary of getting that personally
unless I had a dual battery in my car. Off the top of my head I
think they are about $40, but Dad (Reg) could answer this with a bit
more clarity as he has just been out pricing them for my brother. We
use it constantly in our car too usually for camera, mobile or DS
charging, depending on what we have forgotten to charge before we
left! Its well worth investing in one I think, especially if you do
alot of driving.
Sam
On 19/03/2008, at 7:31 AM, Rod Blitvich wrote:
Dear WAMUGers
Please can you give advice on a car cigarette lighter laptop charger.
Would also like to be able to plug my camera battery charger in
(not at same
time).
Is an "inverter" what I'm after?
How much?
Where to buy?
What "capacity" to be able to charge my macbook pro?
Ta
Blitto
--
Rod Blitvich - Amy & Sam¹s Dad
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0409 681 256
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://web.mac.com/blitto
The day Microsoft makes something that doesn't suck
is probably the day they start making vacuum cleaners
-- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List --
Archives - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml>
Guidelines - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml>
Unsubscribe - <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
-- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List --
Archives - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml>
Guidelines - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml>
Unsubscribe - <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
-- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List --
Archives - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml>
Guidelines - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml>
Unsubscribe - <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
