Portable Battery

For those who are always on the go, being able to power electronic devices such as a laptops or cell phones for long periods of time in between each charge is extremely valuable. Purchasing replacement batteries to carry around with you is one option, while using external batteries (commonly referred to as "portable batteries" or "portable battery packs") is another very viable alternative. Both have their own unique advantages, and knowing the pros and cons of each will help you make an informed decision about which is best for your portable power needs.

Replacement batteries are the same shape and size as the battery that came with your equipment. Therefore, a replacement battery attaches or inserts into your device just as the original battery does. This means your equipment retains its original form regardless of which battery you have installed at the time. You effectively double the life of whatever electronic device you purchase it for, and the cost is typically less expensive than that of an external battery. However, you will have the added weight of another battery to carry around with you, and they also take up extra space in whatever case you decide to carry them in. You will also find that replacement batteries are rarely universal and will only fit the device they were originally designed for.

Although larger than replacement batteries and initially more expensive, external batteries work with thousands of different devices and provide a significantly greater amount of power. Depending on which model of external battery you decide to purchase, you may even be able to charge multiple devices at the same time. This means you can purchase one external battery and forgo buying replacement batteries for each specific device, making external batteries very useful for those who like to charge their iPhone®, laptop, iPad® and anything else they use all at the same time.

Whether you choose to purchase a replacement battery or an external battery, the solution for meeting your ever-growing demand for additional power is at your fingertips. Regardless of which one you decide to go with, the stress of needing an electrical outlet to keep your devices running will be eliminated, and that time can be better spent on using them for what they're intended for.

Whether it is for an iPhone®, laptop, cell phone or all of the above, battery life is a precious commodity when it comes to the world of electronics. And if you happen to telecommute or live a somewhat mobile lifestyle, which these days seems to be almost everyone, then chances are you've had at least one occasion where the battery of a particular device simply wasn't up to the task at hand. For many people, carrying portable batteries when they travel has become an absolute must. Having the battery of a phone or laptop die right when you need it most can cause serious problems, which is exactly why portable battery packs have become such a common solution. And as more and more people begin to travel with portable batteries, there are a few things that should be kept in mind.

What are the benefits?

Traveling with an external battery is beneficial for the obvious reason that it gives you more battery life to use while you're on the go. The real value, though, is what that extra battery life can allow you to do. Especially now that the majority of commercial airlines have made Wi-Fi readily available for passengers, time spent traveling can be nearly as productive as time spent in the office working. There is a range of external batteries available for whatever your lifestyle demands. Whether you need a small portable battery to provide a couple quick charges to your cell phone or you need a powerful lithium-ion battery to add over 10 hours to your laptop run time, external batteries provide a benefit to all.

And for those who just want to watch movies or listen to music and make the trip go a little quicker, portable battery packs can allow you to have significantly more battery power to use for entertainment purposes.

How much power do you need?

As you search and prepare to purchase an external battery that you can travel with, take into account what exactly you need it for and just how much extra battery life you want to take with you. External battery packs can allow anywhere from 1 - 200 extra hours of run time depending on the device they’re used with. Keep in mind which devices you'll be using it for, how much you'll be relying on it, and how much you're looking to spend. From there, you can choose the portable battery back that best fulfills your needs.

How much room do you have in your carry-on?

It's no secret airlines are as stingy about their carry-on regulations as they've ever been. So with space becoming such a premium for travelers, you definitely want to pay special attention to the size and weight of the portable battery back you're looking to purchase. With that said, external batteries are made to be extremely accommodating when it comes to travel. They are thin, small, and sleek for easy storage.

Are there special safety regulations to consider?

As of January 2008, the Department of Transportation issued a new rule that you may not pack spare lithium batteries in your checked baggage. This includes Li-ion, Li-Polymer, and Lithium Cobalt Oxide batteries. However you are permitted to pack external batteries in your carry-on luggage. Just to be safe, it's a good idea to take a quick peek at the Department of Transportation's website before you travel as these rules are changing often with the constant improvement of safety regulations. It could end up saving you a headache once you arrive at the airport.

RELATED LINKS
Travel safety tips: Pack your gadgets, batteries, and other goods safely for air travel
Traveling with Spare Batteries
Amstron MedXP External Laptop Batteries