Harvey Chao writes:
> 
> Actually, instead of the second alternative, go buy what is called an
> Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS).  Normally, this plugs into the wall and
> your computer plugs into it.  What it does is pass 120VAC through (usually
> filtering out spikes as well) and also keeps an internal 12VDC sealed lead
> acid backup battery charged.  When the power goes out (120VAC power failure),
> the UPS senses this and immediately draws power from it's internal battery,
> converts it to 120VAC and feeds your computer.  Usually the battery is
> relatively small, because it only is supposed to give you a short time to
> quickly stop what you are doing and implement an orderly shut-down of your
> computer.  If you get a UPS that  you can verify accepts 12VDC as an input
> from it's internal battery, and choose one that is rated to support a full up
> desk top configuration, (big power loads like monitor, hard drives etc) it
> should be able to run a lap top for an extended time without overtaxing the
> 12VDC => 120VAC electronics if you replace the 12VDC internal battery with
> power from your car battery. 

I have heard that mt UPS's are 24 volts inside.  I was thinking about
this option as well, before I bought the one from Damark
(1-800-827-6767, Al).  With the price of the 600 watter ($200) there was
no need to figger out the UPS.  The "Power Anywhere" 600 watt inverter I
have (says 1kw surge, yar right) is adequate for most things.  It can
run a good sized power drill, jigsaw, trouble light, coffee warmer, and
lots of small things.  Not all at the same time.  If you want to run a
hair dryer (but why?), microwave, or anything that uses lots of heat,
definately get the 1500/3000 watt model, if your batteries can handle
it.

-David

============================================================================
David Schwarze                     '73 VW Safare Custom Camper  (Da Boat)
San Diego  (Actually La Mesa)      '72 VW Westfalia Camper      (Da Project)
California, USA                    '73 Capri GT 2800            (Da Beast)
e-mail: des@teleport.com           '87 Mustang Lx 5.0           (14.17@99.34)
http://www.teleport.com/~des       '93 Weber WG-50              (Da Piano)
============================================================================

-David

============================================================================
David Schwarze                     '73 VW Safare Custom Camper  (Da Boat)
San Diego  (Actually La Mesa)      '72 VW Westfalia Camper      (Da Project)
California, USA                    '73 Capri GT 2800            (Da Beast)
e-mail: des@teleport.com           '87 Mustang Lx 5.0           (14.17@99.34)
http://www.teleport.com/~des       '93 Weber WG-50              (Da Piano)
============================================================================