External, extra power source when on-the-go
 

I've found a few times that I've run out of juice for some of the gadgets in my bag at a time when I really needed them - and had no charger or even a poweroutlet nearby.

Anyone have any experience using low-cost solutions like these (for N810):

(And yes, I'm also looking at getting, and bringing a spare battery).

http://www.brookstone.com/igo-powerx...st1FDT|7209217

http://www.brookstone.com/Quick-Char...st1FDT|7912705

Re: External, extra power source when on-the-go
 

The typical response when asked this sort of question is the tekkeon tekcharge 1550 (available from Amazon) using Sanyo Eneloop AA batteries

Re: External, extra power source when on-the-go
 

Thanks, about the same price as well - and a recharger.
Nice

Re: External, extra power source when on-the-go
 

...and the Canadian equivalent is the Noma RX-4, sold at Canadian Tire for $25.

Re: External, extra power source when on-the-go
 

Sanyo also makes an Eneloop-based pack that charges from an AC plug or a miniUSB port (laptop etc.), and will feed two devices through standard USB ports.
It's not really low-cost, but compact, classy and very efficient - well worth it IMHO.

Re: External, extra power source when on-the-go
 

@fpp

Interesting I didn't know that. I'm a huge fan of eneloop batteries so I'll have to check that out.

Re: External, extra power source when on-the-go
 

They come in two capacities. Mine is the middle one on this page :
http://www.eneloop.info/products/mob...-versions.html

Re: External, extra power source when on-the-go
 

Nokia also makes a portable power source but I'm not sure on the capacity.

Re: External, extra power source when on-the-go
 

Re: External, extra power source when on-the-go
 

If you like the ability to use AA primaries in a pinch, the Tekkeon devices mentioned are apparently good. But I prefer DX sku.18883, using Li-ion 18650s. These batteries, while somewhat larger, offer much better energy density -- they're the cells used in almost all laptop batteries, so that's where most of the battery tech advances are focused. While volume isn't necessarily a perfect metric of pocket space, a good 18650 has 7% more volume than 2 LSD AAs, but 2x the energy storage! (The one bundled with sku.18883 is probably only 2.2Ah or so, but that's still over 1.6x the energy of 2 AAs.)

The only real disadvantage is the near-impossibility of using it with primary cells -- 3xAA or 3xAAA in series would drive the electronics, but most people are unlikely to have the magnets and wires in their pockets to jury-rig such a fix. (I often do, but probably wouldn't if I ever needed it. :rolleyes:) A 3V lithium primary (such as CR123A) with an appropriate spacer might work after a fashion, but you could only use the first bit of power before it would detect low voltage and quit.

A personal bonus for me, as a flashlight geek, is that many of my flashlights also use 18650 (or 14670, essentially same length, but same diameter as AA; these also fit in sku.18883), so one collection of spares can reload either, and this can serve as an emergency 18650 charger. Also, the USB flashlight head, while not spectacular, is enough to impress your average flashmuggle, and certainly usable, especially with a USB extension cable.

Re: External, extra power source when on-the-go
 

I generally prefer the mintyboost http://www.ladyada.net/make/mintyboost/

Easy to put togheter and can use any batteries you want. Highly efficient as well.

Re: External, extra power source when on-the-go
 

I got one of those, purchasing was pain-free and shipping to Sweden cheap. Now I'm just waiting for my N900 so that I'll have a use for it ;)

Re: External, extra power source when on-the-go
 

I like this: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.9134

Do you guys know what it's worth or know other solar chargers?

I'd buy it but it requires a paypal account...

Re: External, extra power source when on-the-go
 

here is nokia's dc-11

http://europe.nokia.com/find-product...ra-power-dc-11

Re: External, extra power source when on-the-go
 

I really like this one. Both a regular ac option AND solar panels.
Could have saved me during a camping trip this past summer :)

I wonder if the included adapters will work with an N810.

Re: External, extra power source when on-the-go
 

I think so, since it's a regular nokia plug which is included in the package.

Re: External, extra power source when on-the-go
 

Can't believe no one's mentioned the Proporta chargers. I've got two and I bring them both to any event. 3400mAh capacity will fully re-charge the N900 nearly 3 times over, and you can recharge the thing off any USB port.

Re: External, extra power source when on-the-go
 

I think someone did: http://talk.maemo.org/showpost.php?p=364258&postcount=9

though it doesn't have the same name, it seems to be the same device.

Re: External, extra power source when on-the-go
 

What about buying an extra battery instead. Smaller to carry no?

Re: External, extra power source when on-the-go
 

For less than $20 this device claims to offer 10000 (ten thousand) mAh: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.7927

Some reviews seem to indicate it's only around 2500mAh though.