Which Inverter?

Synergex 500W Pure Sinewave
is what I use in my truck
I also have a 2000W in the slide-on.
pure sine wave all the way .. some cheap charges burn up with
modified sine wave ...
good luck
gmd

Pheonix,

For the majority of uses, including those you have specified, a modified sine wave inverter of around 300 watts will be sufficient for your needs.

Your laptop may, or may not, operate on a modified sine wave inverter. Most do but some don't.

If you can justify the initial cost, a pure sine wave inverter will be a very good investment. A 300 watt unit will power most things you are likely to need it for.

There is nothing wrong with the Jaycar units.
To give you an idea of cost, a 300w pure sine wave inverter is listed at $199. A 600w pure sine wave unit is $349.

Bill.

The prices of inverters have come down a lot so its worth considering the pure sine wave for your laptop, Most appliances are designed for 240ac supply (sine waveform) not a chopped imitation of one---so better to use that.
Perhaps 300Watt sine would meet your stated requirements rather than a bigger Modified SW
I started with a 140w MSW but will move up to 300W sine next.

Hi Phoenix,
Obviously pure sine wave is always going to supply "cleaner" power, however, I have only ever used MSW for everything you have mentioned and have never had a problem (touch wood!). I reckon you'd have to be unlucky, but it's always possible that Murphy may stick his nose in.
Cheers
Gerry

Pheonix,
Do it once and do it right

PURE sinewave offers the safest performance for ALL items

All other systems are just a cheaper compromise !
(ie, they have no technical advantage, other than a cheaper price)

** Make sure it uses an internal FAN cooling system **

Mainey . . .

Hi Pheonix

A Jaycar MI-5108 600W MSW will suit you requirements quite nicely , they are compact and currently about $160 retail.

You can buy this size cheaper from ebay but I would buy from a place where you can check its operation and return if not happy.

I always think 600w is a great size as you can run a small angle grinder or drill off them and I find these are powerful and useful tools when out and about.

We use an power adaptor which plugs into the cig socket. Its main function is to run our laptop and recharge its battery, so the normal transformer which comes with the laptop is not used. With this system you are not going from DC to AC and then back to DC. Much less power used and cost around $70 a couple of years back from Dick Smith.
Cheers,
Paul