Accessories

Power to the people: How to keep mobile devices juiced

By the time you plug in your cell phone and MP3 player most vehicles have run out of places to power other accessories. Drivers lack a convenient way to power up myriad devices so often brought along for the ride—passenger cell phone, game console, portable TV set, PDA, laptop computer, satellite radio receiver and GPS navigational device.

There's a convenient answer, however.

Power inverters can turn your Toyota into convenient and safe docking station. They allow you to add multiple devices into a single power strip without causing the vehicle's battery to go dead.

"Every device manufacturer has developed their own battery types and chargers," said Lawrence Neill, director of product management for Xantrex. "A power strip is a universal solution and you can plug in any device with a two-prong plug."

Power Inverter Xantrex is an international supplier of energy management products for companies such as Duracell. According to Neill, demand for mobile power supply has grown in parallel with the proliferation of mobile devices, especially cell phones and laptops.

Power strips for your vehicle come in a variety of shapes and sizes. All of them plug into the ubiquitous cigarette lighter found in the front and rear seats of most vehicles.

"They're not called cigarette lighters anymore," Neill said. "They're known as 'power ports.'"

Inverters supply a constant stream of power to recharge mobile devices while your Toyota is running and even when it isn't. Sensors built into most inverters keep them from draining a vehicle battery and leaving you stranded.

"There's no chance of damaging your electrical system and inverters don't affect the lifetime of a vehicle's battery," Neill said.

Not all power inverters are created equal, however. Neill had the following suggestions and safety advice when looking for power strips for your Toyota:

Get an inverter that meets the power needs of your devices. A 75 watt inverter is plenty for most small devices such as cell phones and IPODs or MP3 players. A 400 watt inverter may be needed if you intend to operate larger appliances such as a color TV set or portable refrigerator.
Use inverters with an auto shutdown feature. This keeps it from draining all of the vehicle's battery power and prevents overheating.
Look for inverters that offer standard plug outlets and USB ports. According to Neill, USB power plugs are becoming a standard feature for mobile devices.
Consider length of power cord. Do you want to use the device in the passenger seat, back seat or outside your Toyota. You may need a six foot cord rather than the typical three foot length.
Do not use power inverters in a glove compartment or other confined area. They generate heat and need breathing space.
Never cover a power inverter with clothes or other items. A good rule of thumb: Treat an inverter with the same precautions you use for power outlets in your home.

"The beauty of these devices is their simplicity," Neill said. "Just get one sufficiently powerful enough to operate your mobile equipment needs."

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