Another Portable Power Alternative

[Brad Adrian]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://store.yahoo.com/semsons-inc/batexwitusb.html' target='_blank'>http://store.yahoo.com/semsons-inc/...atexwitusb.html</a><br /><br /></div>Is there anybody out there who hasn't at least once run out of battery power for their Pocket PC just when it was needed most? Or realized only too late that your mobile phone doesn't even have enough juice left to order that all-important Saturday night pizza? Here's a nifty little gizmo from Semsons and Co. that might be just the answer to those problems.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/adrian/usbcharger.jpg" /><br /><br />The battery extender features:<br /><br />• Retractable DC jack that fits iPAQ 3100/3600/3700 and 3800/3900 (fits with connector that comes with iPAQ 3800/3900), Cassiopeia E200/EM500/E125, Toshiba E310/E550/E570/E740, Audiovox Maestro, Sharp Zaurus<br />• Holds 4 X AA NiMh / NiCd rechargable batteries or Alkaline Batteries<br />• USB output allows for use with Palm PDAs, cellular phones and other electronics via USB charging cable<br />• ON/OFF switch to prevent power leakage when not in use<br />• LED Status light<br />• Removable belt clip<br /><br />So, if you've got a Pocket PC or other device that will accept the DC jack, this should work just fine. But it also looks as though this would work with any USB charging cord for any other models and devices.<br /><br />I've got a homemade battery extender that holds four AA batteries and I use it a lot when I travel. It's not nearly as versatile as this thing, though, so I just might have to order one right away. It's a little pricey at $19.99, but if it'll work with all my toys, I'll give it a go.

[GoldKey]

I got mine in the mail last week and for the most part, it works as advertised. I watched a 2 hour movie on my Dell and the internal battery was at 70% when I started and still at 70% when I finished. One GOTCHA though from my usage. Keep an eye on the charging indicator on your PPC. Once the batteries in the booster start to get worn down and your PPCs charging indicator no longer lights, you need to disconnect it. For some reason, it seems to drain the internal battery quicker when it is still connected.

[Barak]

Does anyone know approx. how much time this will extend your battery??

I have a Casio E-200 ( I know it's a dinosaur) and battery life is terrible.
If this device extends the battery life enough, I'd purchase it!

[Majestic]

I would think there is a diode or something that would prevent backcharge. (Either in the Ipaq or the battery pack??)

Could it be that this thing is sucking your batteries dry in your Ipaq when it's own power source is dead?

Also, what's up with no 5400/5500 support?

Fred

I got mine in the mail last week and for the most part, it works as advertised. I watched a 2 hour movie on my Dell and the internal battery was at 70% when I started and still at 70% when I finished. One GOTCHA though from my usage. Keep an eye on the charging indicator on your PPC. Once the batteries in the booster start to get worn down and your PPCs charging indicator no longer lights, you need to disconnect it. For some reason, it seems to drain the internal battery quicker when it is still connected.

[GoldKey]

I played with it some more this morning and have a hypothesis. On my Dell, the % battery remaining seems to adjust dynamically based on what is plugged in as a peripheral. For example, if I plug a PCMCIA HD in and start running it, the battery % will drop quickly. If I unplug it, it will go back up some. The same thing happens with this. I wonder if the connection being active through the USB cable causes it to change. When I shut off the battery, the % does start going back up.

[GoldKey]

Does anyone know approx. how much time this will extend your battery??

I have a Casio E-200 ( I know it's a dinosaur) and battery life is terrible.
If this device extends the battery life enough, I'd purchase it!

I read somewhere that it is 2 to 3 times, but I am sure this will depend on your battery. Since the Dell has a pretty beefy battery to start with, I would not expect a 2 to 3 times increase. But from my initial testing it appears to at least double it. I am in the process of doing some comparison tests running movies at different settings with and without the battery. Hope to finish them up this week and will post some results.

[dhpss]

This charger has an USB port, you can use the USB Sync&Charge for iPaq.. :D

I have used this device in my last trip to Europe and this is what I found:
The device is actually bigger than shown in the picture. The batteries are loaded vertically in 2 rows, and there is an extra electronic inside, which make the total height with about 3 lengths of an AA battery. While It is versatile with the USB power output combined with the regular power tip, what is missing on this device is the capability to charge the batteries once used up, so you 'd need to carry another expensive and heavy (multi-voltage, if oversees travel) battery charger.. :-(

The best charger for PDA is this one: http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F009%5F012%5F000%5F000&product%5Fid=273%2D1900

This is a smaller multi-voltage battery charger with a convenient foldable power plug in the back. when "off-line" or "un-plugged" , it will charge your PDA or other devices (e.g. Cell phone) with also-multi votage in output. Expensive ($40) but worth it.

For this usage, please use the rechargeable Nikel-Metal Hydride AA battery (1600mAh/2600mAh). These are good for a couple of full charges of my Toshiba e750.

[rmasinag]

Will this work on my new baby, the 2210 :?:

I Already have an extra battery thanks to student pricing but my new $30 Dlink CF wifi card eats 'em up :)

[The Yaz]

I have had this model for two months now. It does as advertised, but be sure you know the voltage level you Pocket PC uses. If you use 4 AA batteries, the voltage is roughly 6volts (4x1.5). most Pocket PCs are around 5volts.

To safely use this model, you need 4 ni-cad rechargeables (4x1.2) to come in under 5volts.

Otherwise, it has worked out okay.

Steve 8)

[Kevin Daly]

Does anyone know whether this works with the Audiovox Thera?
I don't have one myself (and frankly wouldn't want one), but that's currently the likely platform for a Compact Framework web service client we've written to enable our scientists to get information on lahar movements on our friendly neighbourhood volcano when they're out and about (we don't have too many choices regarding connected Pocket PCs here).

[nosmohtac]

The only thing missing from this, is that it should be able to charge the batteries in the unit from the USB port, like the sync n charge cables do when connected to your device.

[Brad Adrian]

Will this work on my new baby, the 2210?
The only thing missing from this, is that it should be able to charge the batteries in the unit from the USB port, like the sync n charge cables do when connected to your device.
I think the whole idea is that you can use this with your synch-and-charge cable that you normally use to connect your device to your PC. If you have one of those cables, this kind of charger should work with your device.

[JohnJohn]

• Removable belt clip

SWEET :roll: NERD ALERT!

"Steve, what's that on your belt?" "ahh that's my super duper everything recharger"

[ctmagnus]

"super duper everything recharger"

You just made all of us want one even more. ;)

[maximus]

Plug in 4x 2200 mAH AA sized niMH batteries ... I can see that 2210 users will find this thing very handy.

[JohnJohn]

You just made all of us want one even more. ;)

Yeah...me too, I want one, just don't think I'll use the belt clip much. And I hope none of you will. :mrgreen:

[dhpss]

Wish you can carry it horizontally! in your back :lol:
Don't forget this is very LONG and HEAVY.. :?

[The Yaz]

Kevin Daly wrote:

Does anyone know whether this works with the Audiovox Thera?


I have the Audiovox Maestro which has the same components as the Thera. This charger works fine with it provided you use the ni-cad AA batteries.

Steve 8)

[gpspassion]

The best charger for PDA is this one: http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F009%5F012%5F000%5F000&product%5Fid=273%2D1900

This is a smaller multi-voltage battery charger with a convenient foldable power plug in the back. when "off-line" or "un-plugged" , it will charge your PDA or other devices (e.g. Cell phone) with also-multi votage in output. Expensive ($40) but worth it.

For this usage, please use the rechargeable Nikel-Metal Hydride AA battery (1600mAh/2600mAh). These are good for a couple of full charges of my Toshiba e750.

Thanks for the link. How fast is that charger though? If it's more than 5 hours for 2,000mAh batteries then I'd rather carry my one-hour Rayovac!

Since we're talking about batteries, has anyone see any reviews or for themselves how much more efficient "2,300mAh" AA batteries are compared to 1,800mAh?

Never mind, found this ! http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACCS/BATTS/BATTS.HTM

[Mr. Pink]

Talk about a fast turn around...

I placed an order for one of these after I read the article yesterday morning and it was waiting for me today when I got home.

Man this thing is SWEET. Not only am I able to use it on my hp 2210, but also on my MS Smartphone AND my Clie TG50. But the really cool thing is that I'm able to use it to charge 2 devices at one. I use the USB charger with a miniSYNC charger to charge my clie or smartphone and I use the DC plug to charge my hp2210.... all at the same time.

Here is a photo:
http://www.fontiveros.com/charger.jpg

I haven't done any formal testing for battery results or anything, but I can see this being a "must-have" accessory for gadget lovers.

Cheers,
Mr. Pink

[maximus]

A serious gadget-itish dude :D

[maximus]

I read somewhere that it is 2 to 3 times, but I am sure this will depend on your battery. Since the Dell has a pretty beefy battery to start with, I would not expect a 2 to 3 times increase. But from my initial testing it appears to at least double it. I am in the process of doing some comparison tests running movies at different settings with and without the battery. Hope to finish them up this week and will post some results.

Comparing amperehours to amperehours, the regular DELL battery carries 1400 mAH. If you use 4x2200 mAH 1.2 volts niMH batteries in series, that will give you 2200mAH at 4.8 volts.

That should give you more than double (1400 vs 2200).