[JazzCatDRP]

Hi, I just purchased a used Powerbook that's a few years old. My question regards purchasing a car cigarette lighter adaptor. I've seen some online that cost $100+, and I've seen some on eBay that run from the $10-25 range. I've seen some that directly connect to the AC plugin in the back of the Powerbook, and some that merely convert the cigarette lighter to a standard wall-plugin. (Forgive my lack of technical terms). I'm very wary on buying a cheap one, as I'm worried that I'll get what I pay for, and my Powerbook will be the one to pay for it. Do I have to worry about blowing anything in my laptop if I get a cheap car adaptor? Or is buying a cheapie merely risking not having a quality adaptor itself? Also, is there an advantage to having one that's designed to fit directly into the powerbook over one that I would just plug the standard AC adaptor into? Thanks for anything you can tell me!

[naknek]

I picked up a power inverter from an auto parts store for about $25 a couple years ago. It's a Coleman model, and I think the quality is fine; it seems durable enough, has a fan and a replaceable fuse. The power inverters just give you 1 or more standard AC outlets, and usually you pay more for more power output/more outlets. (I just got the smallest model - 200 watts and 1 outlet).

Anyway, I've had no problem with that setup. I guess one advantage is that with the regular outlet, I can use it for all kinds of different things, not just the computer.

[bbales]

I usually try to go middle-of-the-road for stuff like this. I have a Rev. A 12-in PB, and this summer got a Kensington car adaptor. I think that normally retails for about $80. BUT -- I searched on the Cnet site and found it at, I believe, ebuyer, for maybe $55, which was a lot less. It might depend on exactly which powerbook you have as to what kind of accessories you can use. One of the older ones might have more options, simply b/c it's been around longer. I know for a much older laptop I once purchased a Lind battery and had absololtely no problems.

You might want to go slightly more expensive, but look for a bargain online. I've had some good luck that way -- start with cnet and do some price comparisons.

[JazzCatDRP]

Thanks for the response guys. On the power inverter, what would be an acceptable wattage?

[naknek]

Judging by the tech specs for the current models, 100 watts would be more than enough.