Why ALL automobiles don’t come equipped with at least one, built-in 3-prong outlet is beyond me. And why more drivers don’t keep an inverter like this one from Belkin in their cars is also a mystery. Emergencies alone make a simple inverter a super worthwhile item (we also keep a tub filled with spare clothes, shoes, MRIs, water, etc. in the trunk, you know, “just in case.”). But apart from the once-in-a-blue-moon, doom-and-gloom scenarios where we’ll be stranded in our car and need to tap the battery to charge a phone or radio, having an inverter available for daily use is a true no-brainer. Since last April, I’ve stashed this 300-watt DC-AC inverter in one of the rear seat pockets. I’ve used it to charge my cell phone and replenish my GoBe battery overnight while car camping. In addition, I’ve charged up a range of devices en route on car trips — long and short — way too many times to count. Here’s the short of it: Easy to Use : Just pull out the thing, plug the business end into the cigarette lighter, flip the switch on the device, and plug in up to two devices. (Dr. Obvious says: There’s no need to have the car turned on.) Easy to Carry : The whole thing weighs just 2 lbs.; it’s not as if you’ll ever need to take the device backpacking, but my point is that it’s never a hassle to pull out, put back, ad nauseam. No Outside Juice Required : Requires no batteries, no charging, no sunlight because, you know, it runs off the car battery (Dr. Obvious says: Triple duh). One Caveat : The inverter’s internal fan hums rather loudly when in use. Not enough to disturb phone calls or music too much, but it’s noticeably audible. Verdict : Get one. If not this particular device, then be sure to pick one up that’s got at least two 3-prong outlets… and, perhaps, even a USB . You’ll rely on your inverter more than you’d expect. ~$40 from Amazon . Previously: Review: A month with Belkin's Mini Surge Behold! A styrofoam coffee cup power inverter Review: GoBe Solar Briefcase & Power-Hub Porta-Jump: Tiny Cube Jump Starts Your Car - Boing Boing Gadgets Review: A year with Monster Cables' Outlets to Go BoltBus fleet has free Wi-Fi, power in every seat

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Review: 16 Months w/Belkin’s 300W DC/AC Inverter

Pluggage is a prototype for a carry-on suitcase featuring a built-in battery/inverter and solar panel. Thus, it charges both as it rolls and picks up direct sunlight. The bag was created by ITP student Ohad Folman, who spent 3 months tricking out a Burton Wheelie Flight Deck rolling suitcase with a Duracell PowerSource Mobile 100 external battery pack, a stepper motor , multimeter to display battery life, and a Burton SolarRolls panel capable of generating 4.5 watts. The battery, says, Ohad, will charge within ~2 hours of walk time assuming an average walking speed between 2-5 kilometers/hour. A full charge should power a laptop for about 1.5 hours, depending on the make/model. Unfortunately, Ohad has had a heck of a time getting manufacturers like Samsonite to even check out his invention. Hence, he’s hoping to license the tech to a smaller luggage/travel company: I would envision this piece to retail for $400 to $550 depending on the model (with flexible solar capability or without). The kids model would probably be cheaper (around $250) and the bare-bones (for those who already have a carry-on case) and are interested in the kinetic capabilities would be around $300. I’m working on making the kinetic mechanism removable (like a tape cassette) so it can go through air port security easily (the kinetic mechanism can be scanned separately). I’m also working on hand release switch that will enable the user to remove the friction between the motor and the wheels in situations where the user needs to rush somewhere and does not want to have to deal with any level of friction. I’d buy one. Previously: Review: GoBe Solar Briefcase & Power-Hub The Chairman: a cellphone - Boing Boing Gadgets Rocking Horse cellphone charger Power Pump cellphone charger ready for glastonbury Brando Multi Solar Charger review (Verdict: Avoid) - Boing Boing … Suitcase full of bacon triggers airport bomb detectors Continental Baggage Handlers Stealing Gadgets from Luggage - Boing …

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Kinetic, Solar-Charing Suitcase