Best Bang For The Buck 450'ish Watt Inverter?

[LFD2037]

I searched but most of the 'which inverter' threads are pretty old & I'm sure a TON has changed since 2008! I'm looking for about 450W inverter. Mostly only used when were camping & needs will be:
LED rope light
air mattress pump
charge laptop
portable radio
small fan
In the future I'll hard wire it to a 2nd battery
I've read Xantrex quality & CS has gone down but not the price so really not wanting to go there even though their Xpower 450 seemed perfect for me. Do I really need pure sine or is modified sine fine for what I'm using it for? Trying to spend <$85. Thanks!

 

[LFD2037]

anybody use this one? If so, good or bad? Price is right @ <$40 but I don't want to throw $40 away if it's crap.
http://www.samlexamerica.com/products/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=144

 

[Dazrin]

I have been looking at this Cobra model and this Whistler model. I haven't used either, but they both have decent reviews and features. I don't see anything there that needs a pure sine wave. The laptop will have its own "conditioner" in the power brick. The radio might like cleaner power, but that would be the only thing that might be effected.

 

[LFD2037]

I have been looking at this Cobra model and this Whistler model. I haven't used either, but they both have decent reviews and features. I don't see anything there that needs a pure sine wave. The laptop will have its own "conditioner" in the power brick. The radio might like cleaner power, but that would be the only thing that might be effected.

I wanted bang for buck & I think I succeeded. Just ordered a Samlex 450W inverter, MSRP $59, got it for $28 w/free shipping & no tax! Maybe I should order 2 @ that price.

 

[JCruse]

I bought a 750w from a newish company called Thor two years ago, and even though it's been subjected to it's second summer on the beach in a steady salt air breeze/wind with the tailgate always open it's still going strong. I got it on Amazon for a mere $44.