Power inverters aren’t exactly what we consider to be a “sexy” gadget. They’re generally ugly boxes that look duller than Kevin Rudd’s iPod music collection, yet are really something that no gadget fan should go without on long drives. The new 100W Auto Power Inverter from Targus is the first inverter I’ve seen that actually has some kind of function in its design, in that it’s shaped to fit into most cars’ cup holders.
It sounds obvious, but this is a pretty important step forward. Instead of bulky devices that don’t really fit anywhere, you can get one of these, plug it in and leave it in the cup holder while you charge your gadgets via the standard AC outlet on the top.
It’ll set you back $110, but for the ability to always have a charged gadget, no matter where you are, I’d say that’s a price well worth paying.
[Targus]
Clayton Wood
December 3, 2009 at 1:18 PM
Look great, but fairly sure the one I bought from JayCar has been available for a couple of years. fits in most cup holders too. May not look quiet as refined, but does quiet a good job for the price. & its 150w
Can Sized 150W 12VDC to 230VAC Electrically Isolated Inverter
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MI5121&keywords=inverter&form=KEYWORD
Report PermalinkRoss Williams
December 3, 2009 at 2:51 PM
I thought the same thing when i read this post. Been a popular product in the industry for years and we were selling them before Jaycar! I dont know how people have done without them if they only found out about them now.
Report PermalinkMivilicious
December 3, 2009 at 4:04 PM
we had these instore in 07 lol
Report PermalinkTerry Dactyl
December 3, 2009 at 4:09 PM
tHGE JAYCr device is a standard power plug only. From the Targus web site: “Provides one standard grounded AC outlet, USB power outlet and Targus power port for use with the Targus Digital Device Adaptor (APP20AP – sold separately)”
Report PermalinkKalarr
December 3, 2009 at 4:21 PM
And I bought that exact converter last year as a Christmas gift for only $49.95 at Dick Smith.
Report PermalinkRed T-Rex
December 3, 2009 at 4:27 PM
I bought a similar item off Zazz months back (different brand). Unfortunately I never got to use it as the dog got into my collection of camping gear one night and tore it to bits. If the Targus one is dog proof, well then that would be news.
Report PermalinkJack Theck
December 3, 2009 at 9:00 PM
I work at Dick Smith and we’ve sold this inverter for over 18 months. So yeah, great product… but I thought Giz was a bit more up to date than this
Report PermalinkNick Broughall
December 4, 2009 at 7:28 AM
Targus only just told us about it yesterday. What can I say – it’s not a product at the top of the “follow intently” list…
Report PermalinkRyno
December 4, 2009 at 8:24 AM
Speaking of dick smith, i just hit em up for one. there advertising $69.00.
also it has 3 power outlets. one is a USB point, one the standard power plug, and another it targus’s own universal point which only works with one of their sold seperately adapters.
i have a two day trek with the family from melboune to brisbane coming up, this will be just what i need. =)
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