Travel charging

[fstmvr]

Howdy,

I thought I'd take the plunge and start a new topic. Forgive me if it's already been discussed, but i didn't see it when I searched for it. Since many of us carry various electronic devices, I thought it would be interesting to see what we carry with us to keep them fed.

I carry a Palm T-3 and my Razr cell phone for instance. I use a VersaCharger (http://www.boxwave.com/products/versachargerpro/index.htm) from the Boxwave corporation. It allows me to charge either of my devices using AC or DC current. I only need to carry the VersaCharger and the appropriate USB-style cord. Simple and effective. One caveat for those with a Razr V3. The charger cord from Boxwave did NOT work with my Razr due to a propriatary plug design. I got around that by splicing the mini-USB plug from the Motorola charger into a used USB cable. It now works like a charm.

I also carry a Turbo Charger from Harriet Carter, which allows me to charge my phone using a AA battery. Ok, your turn....

Best regards,

Lon ;D

[laurent]

That seems pretty cool. Since I don't like to be overwhelmed by tons of cables, I tend to travel light... and low-tech. Back-up AA and AAA batteries for my flashlight and my Creative mp3 player, and an USB-alimented extern hard drive (LaCie or Western Digital). I can't take the risk to lose my precious MacBook or any of my main hard drives on a trip.

[phatch]

I've got a passel of cords and devices for charging. Too many, but I can't really downsize it very well as i'm supporting other family members' devices too.

I've got a mini AC charger that works for all the cell phones. There's also the car charger. Count:2

My PDA AC and car charger, thankfully they use the same cord to connect to the PDA Count:2

Battery charger AC and car cords for lights, kids devices, wife's PDA, bluetooth keyboard. Cord Count: 2 This only comes along on longer car trips

It's too much really, but it's not worth the battle or cost of getting everyone on the same connectors as then there'd be more devices than charging capacity. Thankfully my vehicle has four electrical ports in different locations.

[Nephiel]

All my electronic gadgets can be charged from a USB port, so I EDC a MintyBoost (http://www.ladyada.net/make/mintyboost/) in my backpack, along with the USB cables and some spare AA batteries.
Nifty little charger. AFAIK it's for sale as a kit only, but it's easy to put together if you know your way with a soldering iron, and an interesting beginner's project if you've never soldered circuit boards before.

edit: I forgot, I also carry a small, 4-port, powered USB hub (which can be powered from mains through a AC adapter) and the adapter itself. No need to carry lots of different chargers on long trips, and I can charge 4 devices at the same time from one AC outlet.

[VinnyP]

I tend to travel with my laptop so like Nephiel I have USB chargers for everything including AA/AAA batteries cuts down on bulk and means I only need one Plug to charge everything. Add a universal adaptor (for the laptop power supply) that also doubles an AC USB PSU if I am without the laptop Here (http://www.swisstravelproducts.com/power/travelusb.html) and an in car USB adaptor and I am good to go. As a backup and for when I travel to remote places I have the Freeloader (http://www.solartechnology.co.uk/products/solar_chargers/freeloader.asp) which is very impressive.

[Peter Atwood]

I've got a hand crank charger, believe it's called the SideWinder. Works great and no batteries or electrical sources needed, just your own muscle power. I bought one for my daughter who was stranded last winter in an airport for many hours. She called me in tears because she had little battery life left and was completely stressed out. While we were talking her phone died and that was it. Now she's all set no matter where she goes and we both feel a whole lot better.

[Minotaur]

All my electronic gadgets can be charged from a USB port, so I EDC a MintyBoost (http://www.ladyada.net/make/mintyboost/) in my backpack, along with the USB cables and some spare AA batteries.
Nifty little charger. AFAIK it's for sale as a kit only, but it's easy to put together if you know your way with a soldering iron, and an interesting beginner's project if you've never soldered circuit boards before.

edit: I forgot, I also carry a small, 4-port, powered USB hub (which can be powered from mains through a AC adapter) and the adapter itself. No need to carry lots of different chargers on long trips, and I can charge 4 devices at the same time from one AC outlet.


I am slowly going all USB, because you can get USB plugs, which are mains plugs, that take USB leads(Most I have seen is three so like the powered hub idea.). You can also get car, and obvously the different types of plug world wide. This also means things like the mintyboost will work.

One thing I cannot recommend enough, is to have a spare battery for any device you depend on, at least one. As Mr. Atwood's daughter found out, when you need a charged battery, you really need a charged battery, so try to charge or waiting for charge is not the best idea. You have to call 911/999, how long do you want to wait to make that call?

I have three spare batteries for my PDA, and two large batteries that have 4 times the charge. One of the things I plan to do is put a collection of information, and I already have fiction, and music on there.

[sewer_rat]

If you're looking for portable USB/AC power, the VPX system from Black and Decker has a product that might satisfy your needs.

VPX AC/USB power (http://www.vpxsystem.com/products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=18377)

It's lithium based, charges my SonyEricsson w810i to full through AC and runs my Bearcat 246t scanner for 6+ hours. It'll supply power through both USB and/or AC.

[johnsoax]

I have a commercial version of the MintyBoost that I bought at Walmart of all places ($10). It takes 4 AA's, and it has a power switch, so it is also my spare AA holder in my gear bag. Then I have USB cords for my phone (Treo), Nintendo DS, Creative Zen xtra, and my bluetooth headset. I carry around a 15 minute battery charger with AC and DC adapters, so I am not ever without power when I need it. If the battery dies in anything I have, I can just plug in the Mintyboost clone and use it like it is plugged into the wall in an emergency.

Now if I could just find a smaller battery charger.

[hofodude]

Look here:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=346324

Several portable battery products reviewed and benchmarked.

[bpa]

I've been using the Igo system http://www.igo.com/default.asp on my travels. It consists of a standard charging unit that plugs into the wall, one or two cables that plug into that, and a small head that plugs into the appliance being charged. The heads have connectors to the appliance, and probably contain resistors that change the voltage to whatever is being charged. You have to get one head for each type of appliance, but they are (sort of) reasonably priced.

When I traveled, I carried two phones, a music player, a bluetooth headset and a PDA. The charging setup for all of those weighed about the same as the charger for any one of them. We needed only one charger when we went on vacation - of course we had to add more charging heads because the four of us had 6 or 8 different appliances total.

Available at significant discounts on line or at Radio Shack if you are desperate. Highly recommended.

[markz]

I use a cool system from http://gomadic.com/.

It has a retractable cord with USB on one end and interchangeable tips on the other end that you buy for each of your devices. It will charge everything via USB. And then if you wanna charge them in the car, there is a cigarette lighter adapter that you plug the USB end into. And then if you wanna charge them via AC, there is a piece that plugs into a wall socket that you plug the USB end into.

So you have one cable that can charge via AC, car lighter, or USB. Tips are available for almost any device.

Here's a pic:

http://www.gomadic.net/newimg/garmin-nuvi-360-car-auto-wall-power-hot-sync-charge-usb-compact-kit.jpg

[zshiner]

I am a total iGo guy - for the reasons mentioned in this thread - Also picked up an iGo powerXtender - is nice and small.

One other product I saw - and it is cool - made by Brunton - called the Solo.

here is a link

http://www.brunton.com/product.php?id=603

Charges from a laptop - USB out - there are several different power levels.

KM

[brianwhynot]

I was really into the iGo til I got an Argus Bean (http://www.arguscamera.com/products/cameras/bean5.html) camera, which iGo doesn't make a tip for. Now I'm looking for a powered USB hub to use for charging the Bean, Ipod and Blackberry at once. I figure since they're all USB anyway I'll save even more space.

[shaggi]

I have 2 USB portable chargers that I usually bring w/ me..one AA charger that can charge most of my gadgets using 1AA battery and a Powermonkey (http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/travelpower/917b/) for a longer charging but still portable USB charger.

[bob_the_bomb]

I was really into the iGo til I got an Argus Bean (http://www.arguscamera.com/products/cameras/bean5.html) camera, which iGo doesn't make a tip for. Now I'm looking for a powered USB hub to use for charging the Bean, Ipod and Blackberry at once. I figure since they're all USB anyway I'll save even more space.


I used to use an iGo for camera charging, but cant find a new camera that it will work on. Apparently cameras dont get fitted with the wiring to allow you to charge the battery in place...unless anyone out there can suggest a current camera model that can do this? Thanks

[brianwhynot]

I just got this charger (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BWLA8W) and it's been the answer to all my needs. I can now use the cord that came with the Bean to charge it, and with the new USB cable from IGO I can charge my Blackberry as well. The build is solid, although the US wall plug is a bit loose. That aside, I'm a fan.

[brianwhynot]

Oh, and I forgot. I'm going to add a USB AA charger so I can juice up my other camera as well. I like my Canon PowerShot A590 IS. AA is great cuz if you get desperate you can find the batteries anywhere.

[Jeff9266]

I also use the Gomadic (http://www.gomadic.com) car charger and AC wall charger. Definitely cuts down on the bulk of AC adapters to carry - they have worked fine, except that my old Sanyo cell phone would not charge properly through the Gomadic tip and I had to charge it from its regular adapter.

[r-ice]

In the car I use a 100w slim inverter for the car
http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444329 4146&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672500&bmUID=1228322410672

Then I use a Power on Board cp 120
http://www.amazon.com/Power-Board-CPI20P-Cordless-Rechargeable/dp/B000S3X2WM

great combo...since the power on board gives you a usb and a standard plug so if you bring your cell phone, psp, ds, whatever you can power it with its own wall charger.. =]
I have been thinking of something solar just incase my cars not with me and I can't charge the power on board but unfortunately I have yet to find a suitable solar charger.

[Blackheart]

Anyone tried the Duracell Mobile Charger (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XSA5WW/ref=cm_cr_asin_lnk)?

It runs off 110V or 12V (adapter included with the above model) and can charge USB devices from the charged batteries in the unit (doesn't have to be plugged in, in other words).