Cobra CPI 480 400 Watt 12 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC Power Inverter with 5 Volt USB output Review.
"Extra info for potential buyers" 2009-12-17
By G. Meloy (Allen, TX United States)
I just opened the package and haven't used this thing yet - so I can't comment on functionality - but I wanted to let others know that this unit DOES come with a cigarette lighter plug (as well as a set of alligator clips) that you can attach to the screw posts.
I wasted a couple bucks on a separate cigarette lighter plug when I ordered because the product information says nothing about coming with the cigarette lighter plug.
Oh - There is also a sticker on the cigarette lighter cable warning not to draw more than 150 watts when using it plugged into a lighter socket (use the alligator clips or your own custom wires to connect straight to the battery for full power)
"Great Power Inverter!" 2009-09-12
By Benjamin D. Hann (Austin, TX)
The power inverter works great. I used it on a 5000 mile road trip powering a PS3 and iPhone and another cell phone along the way, in addition to other small electronics. To get the most power out of the unit, you need to hard wire it directly to the battery. I mounted it under the passenger seat and ran some 8 gauge wire. Very easy installation. I looked at several inverters before purchasing this one. The usb connection was what sold me on the unit. I now have an easy way to charge my iPhone without having to buy a car charger or taking up one of the regular power outlet slots. Well worth the money. The only thing to note for Amazon is that the product listing advertises that it comes with a carry case. It does not. No problem for me because I don't really care, but it may matter to you. I believe the CPI 475 does include the case.
"Does it's job with no complaints." 2010-01-17
By M. Garske (Indianapolis, IN)
I has been on ever since I put it in my semi. I have a laptop, a printer, and four chargers for cordless devices hooked to it on a power strip. The fan will come on if I'm watching a movie on the laptop but that is the only time I have ever heard the fan come on. It is exposed to temps from below 0 to 80+ and hasn't complained yet.
"Cobra 400 Watt Power Inverter" 2009-11-09
By Vick H (Madison, TN United States)
Had been using a Black & Decker 100 Watt power inverter for my laptop on the road. It is really slow and makes a LOT of NOISE. Researched 400 Watt power inverters and chose the Cobra! LOVE IT!! Makes almost no noise and has given great power for my laptop. No problems very happy with this choice.
"A Great little AC inverter!" 2009-11-02
By Crackadawn (Maryland, USA)
This is an excellent product. I used it to power an Asus netbook and a GPS receiver on a recent trip from Florida to Philly and back. It stayed cool to the touch and was completely silent, in fact the fan never even came on that I could tell. I don't know why people are saying it doesn't come with a carrying case, because the one I received did. It has a very handy 5 volt USB outlet and it packs neatly into it's own sturdy plastic case. And Amazon sells this model (the CPI 480) for about twenty bucks less than the model without a five volt USB jack (the CPI 475).
By G. Meloy (Allen, TX United States)
I just opened the package and haven't used this thing yet - so I can't comment on functionality - but I wanted to let others know that this unit DOES come with a cigarette lighter plug (as well as a set of alligator clips) that you can attach to the screw posts.
I wasted a couple bucks on a separate cigarette lighter plug when I ordered because the product information says nothing about coming with the cigarette lighter plug.
Oh - There is also a sticker on the cigarette lighter cable warning not to draw more than 150 watts when using it plugged into a lighter socket (use the alligator clips or your own custom wires to connect straight to the battery for full power)
By Benjamin D. Hann (Austin, TX)
The power inverter works great. I used it on a 5000 mile road trip powering a PS3 and iPhone and another cell phone along the way, in addition to other small electronics. To get the most power out of the unit, you need to hard wire it directly to the battery. I mounted it under the passenger seat and ran some 8 gauge wire. Very easy installation. I looked at several inverters before purchasing this one. The usb connection was what sold me on the unit. I now have an easy way to charge my iPhone without having to buy a car charger or taking up one of the regular power outlet slots. Well worth the money. The only thing to note for Amazon is that the product listing advertises that it comes with a carry case. It does not. No problem for me because I don't really care, but it may matter to you. I believe the CPI 475 does include the case.
By M. Garske (Indianapolis, IN)
I has been on ever since I put it in my semi. I have a laptop, a printer, and four chargers for cordless devices hooked to it on a power strip. The fan will come on if I'm watching a movie on the laptop but that is the only time I have ever heard the fan come on. It is exposed to temps from below 0 to 80+ and hasn't complained yet.
By Vick H (Madison, TN United States)
Had been using a Black & Decker 100 Watt power inverter for my laptop on the road. It is really slow and makes a LOT of NOISE. Researched 400 Watt power inverters and chose the Cobra! LOVE IT!! Makes almost no noise and has given great power for my laptop. No problems very happy with this choice.
By Crackadawn (Maryland, USA)
This is an excellent product. I used it to power an Asus netbook and a GPS receiver on a recent trip from Florida to Philly and back. It stayed cool to the touch and was completely silent, in fact the fan never even came on that I could tell. I don't know why people are saying it doesn't come with a carrying case, because the one I received did. It has a very handy 5 volt USB outlet and it packs neatly into it's own sturdy plastic case. And Amazon sells this model (the CPI 480) for about twenty bucks less than the model without a five volt USB jack (the CPI 475).
