Customer Reviews

Duracell 813-0281-07 100 Watt DC to AC Pocket Power Inverter

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I bought this unit because it has a cord on the 12 volt end so that it can be plugged into our tightly quartered cigarette lighter outlet. It also meets my power needs. Be aware, this is really only an 80 watt unit that handles 100 watts for no more than a couple of minutes. At 80 watts it will draw about 6 to 7 amps from the lighter, or accessory outlet so be sure the outlet can handle it. Our new car has three such outlets but only the lighter outlet is really up to the task (15 amps or about 15A * 14V = 210 watts). The others are fine for devices that draw only a little power like a GPS, cell phone, MP3 player, etc.

The unit has a small fan inside that comes on when the electronics inside get too warm. Be sure not to block the vent slots in the case, especially the circular ones on the bottom since this is the only intake for the fan. I don't find the fan too loud, being just barely perceptible when it comes on while I'm driving. Mine feels solid, well made, is simple to use and does what it's suppose to.

It is 100 W 0.8 A for 5 minutes only, all the rest of the time is 80W 0.65 A. Consider this when buying it.
It is made by a company called XANTREX in china for DURACELL.
On the picture is looking better than actual.

The unit is well made and the long cord adds to its flexibility. The cord is actually 35" long.
It powered my Dell Studio Laptop with Earthmate GPS unit flawlessly on a recent 1000 mile trip. It didn't get overly warm and it is quiet.
The laptop is rated at 75 watts.
On/off button means you don't have to unplug when you stop.
With this unit you only need an AC charger for your cell phone.

I am very happy with this unit.

Great product. I used it with my laptop (dell inspiron 1420), my blackjack charger and my ipod in the USB plug.

Explanation: This product is not 100Watt is 80watt according to the manual.

Duracell's power inverter is a durable buy. I have used it a couple times in the last 2 yrs. It still works perfectly and is very useful as it can charge my laptop and my USB device at the same time. Highly recommended

Here's what I've found in the 36 hours I've owned this device. It has a decently long and appropriately thick power cable. It required a very firm push to get it in the lighter socket of my 2004 Honda Accord but that also means it won't be popping out on its own. There is an on-off switch that turns blue when pressed. My iPhone 3G does NOT work when just using the USB port of the inverter. Instead, I need to use the USB to A/C adapter that comes with the iPhone and plug that into the inverter, which works just fine. The inverter makes a very slight noise due, I assume, to a small cooling fan inside. The unit also has four small rubber feet for those who happen be able to lay the thing flat on a console or other similar area of the car.

All in all I took away one star for the inability to use just the USB cable of my iPhone. Otherwise, I think you'll find this will meet, if not exceed, your needs.

The only fault I can find is, you have to push a button to turn it on. It does not automatically come on when you plug it into your car. so if your cars aux port turns off with the key, you have to turn it back on each time.

Does its job fine but I dislike the need to turn it on for each use, especially since there is a fuse in the plug.
It has a fan or something that makes it very, very noisy when in use.
I am not typically annoyed by hummms or fans, but this is way past even my limit.
My two previous inveters did not have either of the above issues.

This inverter has maximum 100 watt output. It may sound not to have enough power. But I found out my car's adapter's maximum output is only 120W. It is good to use this one unless you want to blow your car's fuse.
Cons: Too much heat.
The web description should indicate 100W is the peak value. It is stated on the package though.

I bought the Duracell inverter a couple of weeks ago. I used it once on a sales trip and it worked great. I liked the small compact form and it worked for charging my laptop and my USB phone at the same time.

I went to use it again for the second time on my most recent sales trip two weeks later and the unit shows no signs of life. It won't power on and doesn't work. I tried it in multiple vehicles and it seems to be a lemon. Unfortunately, you have to give one star, otherwise I would give it zero stars!