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Communications Connecting - internet cafes, laptops, smart phones - how to connect, use, which one, and intercom/radio systems.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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  #1  
Old 17 Oct 2006
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Toulouse, France
Posts: 216
Question Power source for laptop?

Hello,

My "old" laptop is solid and reliable but the battery runs out after 30 minutes, which is quite normal.
What's the best idea of a portable power source to have 3 or 4 hours, bike engine off.
I've seen a "digital power device" in the car store, it's basically a rechargeable battery in a blue box with a meter on it, it should last at least 3 hours according to notice.
I'ts made to bump start a car or for camping purposes, it has a 12 cigar type outlet jack and can be recharged 12V or 220V, dimension is about 20 cm thick and 30 cm high, not very heavy, price is 80€.
It even incorporates a mini air compressor..
Is this a super gadget or could it be usefull to mount one at the side of the bike?
Any other ideas otherwise?

Regards,

Matt
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Old 17 Oct 2006
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Location: USA
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An extra and/or better battery for that laptop might be a solution.

Those auxhilary batteries are too damn big, imho.

There's also solar, but that takes time.
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  #3  
Old 17 Oct 2006
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Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: the Netherlands
Posts: 219
First try to find a new battery for your laptop, 2 to 3 hours is normal, especially if the laptop has some energy-saving options (less light in screen and shutting down screen, processor and or harddrive after x-minutes untouched) when used without main powersuply. Look into 'properties'.

If this isn't sufficient you can look into extern battery packs like this or maybe install an extra battery with a splitcharge switch (or solenoid).
Combined with a small foldable solarpanel could be the ultimate solution.

The devices you mentioned are mostly crap (especially the compressor) and too heavy but maybe it's ok and you found the ultimate multi-usefull powerbank sollution! (I like the idea!)
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Old 17 Oct 2006
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
I use a Kingston universal power supply, runs off 100 - 240 V DC or the bike plug. My bike has a failry small battery, so can't use it for too long, maybe an hour, before I have to have a hill to start again.

Other brands are available, but they are not easy to find.

I agree that a new PC battery would be a good start.
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Europe to NZ 2006-10
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