Working as an account manager, I spend the better part of my day in my 4runner. I would love to be able to access the internet from my laptop (without driving around in search of hotspots), without having to get into a contractual agreement (like Verizon, hate the contract), and naturally, not break the bank. I also need to find a way to charge my Dell Latitude. Does anyone here currently do this and what do I need?

 

I might be missing the point, but I just plug my laptop into a inverter plugged into the dash.

 

Use an inverter. I use a 300watt, and can run a portable printer too! WE are currently equipping 50 service trucks with laptops and Verizon cards and printers!

 

You're not missing the point... I'm just a newbie. Inverter was the answer I was looking for.

 

Can you point me in the direction of a dependable, economical inverter? What length of contract is Verizon requiring?

 

I got my 400 watt power inverter from Checker Auto for $35 on sale. I havent had any problems with it. Its a Coleman, heres the link

http://www.powerthis.com/power_inver...ts_pmp400.html

 

i think that the contract for the verizon card is 69 a month for

 

Damn. I went to the link and it says $70.

 

I was just showing you what i had. Go to checker/autozone/pepboys, what ever auto stores you have around and see if they have any deals on theirs. I didnt purchase mine from there, i got it From Checker 2 years ago right before christmas. Original price was 80. got it for 35

 

just get a solid inverter, dont go cheap, dont want to fry the computer

 

The Coleman power inverter is not cheap... It was on sale for a christmas special

Ive put my laptop and ps2 on it at the same time on road trips. Handled it just fine

 

You can also get a DC adapter for the laptop, any good electronics store or Dell's web site should list one. May cost a little more than an inverter, but it'll use a lot less current. I can charge my Gateway laptop off my 300W inverter, but it pulls a fair amount of current at low loads.