Last year for our vacation drive, the better half had gotten a little mini car fridge thing and it did OK but really lacked the space to hold the snacks and drinks required by 2 little ones on a long drive. So, when I saw this cooler I jumped all over it. Turns out, I made the right call!
You've got some options on powering the cooler... either a 12v lighter plug, a regular plug, or the really cool part is the ability to use Dewalt batteries. It came with the adapters to allow for use of 2 of the dewalt batteries. I'm told they also sell a native battery pack, but I've not seen that yet. Having those batteries is great because it really gives you some flexibility on keeping your items cool with the car off.
My best use of this cooler so far... Running to the butcher and getting some meat but having to run other errands on the other side of town before getting home. With this I can easily stack up my expensive meat purchases and keep it nice and cool, even if I have to leave the car off for extended periods. It actually gets cold enough I can go ahead and freeze it if I so choose. You're not going to fit a couple briskets in it, but you could put a pork butt in it on its own. Easily fits a stack of steaks!
The cooling unit is QUIET. It's moving some air but you'd never hear it over the regular road noise in a car. Even in the house it's barely noticeable. Hopefully we get a lot of life out of this one, because we already are in love with it.