5 Ways To Recharge Battery On The Go for iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch

I’ve recently concentrated a lot on battery saving tips for your iOS devices but now let’s talk about extending your battery life when you’re on the move.
Some people prefer not to disable all the smart features on their iOS devices – after all, why have such a device if you’re going turn everything off just to save battery.
So lets take a look at some of the many ways people charge up their devices when out and about.

A Spare USB Cable

OK while it’s not rocket science, how many people do you know who actually bring their USB cable out with them?
Probably not that many but why not?
It folds up so small you could almost fit it in your wallet and it means you can plug your iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad into almost any USB port you can find to give your device a boost.
Get a spare one here for under $2 – far cheaper then the Apple store, just make sure it’s compatible with your iOS device before purchasing.
Amazon.com Link: Spare iPhone or iPod USB cable

Solar Powered Battery Pack Charger

A novelty in itself, these ‘ultra mobile for your mobile’ chargers suck up the sun’s UV rays and convert it into energy.
The resulting energy is stored inside a battery pack which you can plug into your iPhone or iPod Touch anytime to charge it up.  They probably won’t charge an iPad but you can check with the manufacturer before buying.
It won’t give you a full tank but it will definitely give you enough to keep you going until you get some real power.
Solar powered chargers range from $20 to $200 and you’d be best advised to not go with the $20 one.  It might suck more power then it gives.
Here’s a link to Amazon’s Solar Charger Listings:  Solar Powered Battery Pack Chargers for iPod or iPhone

In Car USB Port

Combined with the USB cable I mention a few minutes ago, having a USB port in your car is my number one way to keep my devices powered up.
I recently bought the Griffen PowerJolt (2.1 Amp Version) for my car.  It cost about $15 and it charges all of my devices including iPad 2.
You can get the PowerJolt here or see a lot of other in car USB solutions by clicking here.
Do be careful about the really cheap ones though.  I’d recommend sticking to the reputible manufacturers like Kensington, Belkin or Griffin.

Cases with Rechargeable Battery Built In

These rather heavy cases are all over the market now and are of course device specific.  It’s basically a case for your iPhone, iPod or iPad with a built in battery that gives you a certain amount of extra battery life.
Obviously due to the fact that you’re not only lumping a case onto your device but a case filled with lithium ion battery you’re going to end up almost doubling the weight and depth of the device.
If battery on the go is a big priority for you, then go for it.
There is huge range available for iPhone in particular which you can see here.
I tried the Mophie JuicePack Air for iPhone 3G & 3GS and wasn’t overly impressed.  It has now being reduced in price significantly too.

External Portable Battery Pack

The more logical and less cumbersome option for portable power is a rechargeable battery pack with a USB port that you can plug your iOS device into to give it a charge.
These are becoming more and more popular as you don’t have to change it each time you change your device.
You can also use the battery pack on multiple devices because it’s not restricted by a device specific case or form factor.
The Morphie PowerStation will give you a full recharge at just under full speed and because it’s simply a battery with a USB port, it can be used to recharge just about any other device or smartphone that powers off USB.
Have you any tips on how to extend your battery life?  Let us know below!

Posted in: iPad,iPhone,iPod