Travel Technology - One Charger for Laptop, Blackberry, Mobile Phone, iPod etc

Hello,

I am getting annoyed at all the chargers that I have to take along when travelling. I remember that a while ago, I saw a charger in the internet that can charge laptop, mobile phone, iPod, BlackBerry etc. I believe you used a different plug depending on the appliance that you wanted to take.

Can anybody point me to where I could buy this? And is somebody using such a multi charger?

Ideally, it would be smaller than my laptop charger, so no additional weight or space, but saving the space for the other chargers I am lugging around.

In particular, I am looking for a charger that can charge a Dell laptop, a BlackBerry, a SonyEricsson phone and an iPod (not necessarily at the same time). I want to at least be able to use it in Europe and the UK, and if possible, in-car charging and in-flight charging should be possible as well.

Am I asking too much?

SmilingBoy.

Kensington makes one and they sell all over the place online and I've seen them at circuit city.
Its what I carry for my dell laptop and its great.

Though they make many tips and adaptors, I just charge my blackberry and ipod off the computer itself...

As far as international goes, almost all consumer gadgets, including your laptop, will work with a range of voltages...as will the kensington charger. All you need is a plug for the country...you won't need a converter.

Try iGO. You can read about the product line at www.igo.com and buy the products cheaper all over the net.

eBay often has great deals on these things - especially from people who are clearing out entire sets with a lot of the tips you will need.

...had a Dell PC and tried using an iGo with it. While it would operate the Dell, it would not charge it. Got so tired of the three prong Dell cord (can't plug in on an airplane easily) that I bought a Sony PC instead. Also dumped the iGo charger (which could charge only two devices at once) and bought the Kensington. It allows "daisy chaining" multiple devices; I've run my Sony PC, charged a digital camera, my iPod, a mobile phone and all without breaking a sweat. Highly recommend the Kensington. Good luck! :)

I've got an iGo, but I've developed a flexible charging system for all my stuff. For the iGo, I only routinely carry one device charging adapter - a female USB cable. That lets me charge all of my other devices. My cell, bluetooth, and BT GPS all use a mini-USB, so I've just got a tip for that. Then, my usual USB-iPod cable.

The other cool thing I have is a lithium-ion pack that I can use in the absence of another power source - picked it up at Fry's a couple months ago for around $50. It's got a ~4500 mAh 3.6V LiIon cell in it, and comes with tips for nearly everything, and can output 5, 6, or 8.4V as needed to suit the device. Even handier, it also recharges via USB or its own adapter. Pretty compact too - it's about the size of an iPod.

Then, I round out the kit with a USB plugs for a 12V cigarette lighter and a wall outlet. I can pack all of it in the iGo bag, so I've got a relatively compact kit that lets me charge anything anywhwere.

I had one of the Kensington chargers, but it died on me after a few months of use, and the tip for my Thinkpad wouldn't make reliable contact.

...had a Dell PC and tried using an iGo with it. While it would operate the Dell, it would not charge it. Got so tired of the three prong Dell cord (can't plug in on an airplane easily) that I bought a Sony PC instead. Also dumped the iGo charger (which could charge only two devices at once) and bought the Kensington. It allows "daisy chaining" multiple devices; I've run my Sony PC, charged a digital camera, my iPod, a mobile phone and all without breaking a sweat. Highly recommend the Kensington. Good luck! :)Thanks for this hint. Would the Kensington charge my Dell? That would be crucial.

Just saw on the Kensington website that the 120W version is not sold in Europe. I guess I would need to order from the US.

Anybody knows what tips would be included? They just say tips for major producers are included...

SmilingBoy.

According to the Dell tech support people I have talked to, the only way to recharge a later model Dell is with a Dell manufactured adapter - they have incorporated some kind of technology into the laptop that prohibits other adapters from charging their devices. I have yet to see a Dell that cannot be powered, though, by any other charger.

Try iGO. You can read about the product line at www.igo.com and buy the products cheaper all over the net.

I really like the iGO. It's pretty darn heavy, but a great product nonetheless.

I have an iGo as well. I can charge four devices simultaneous with the 3-way accessory adapter, so I'm not sure the previous poster's concern about only 2 devices is 100% accurate. Also note that not all USB tips are created equal. The USB tip for my cell phone doesn't work properly with my garmin nuvi GPS. It puts the GPS into "computer transfer" mode. There is a different USB tip for that GPS and some phones, so make sure you check.

Also note that the iGo Everywhere 130 is a new product which provides 30-60w greater power output than the original Juice 70. It should power most if not all of those huge lap-hostile laptops ;-)

The Kensington 120W AC/DC device has been a god-send for me. I use it on my UA flights to watch whatever I want on my iPod video on my trips over the Pacific, and to power my Dell. I then use it on the ground to recharge my Blackberry for work, and my international Razr for personal use -- it has never failed me and I highly recommend it.

Got rid of multiple bricks, and I am very happy.

...had a Dell PC and tried using an iGo with it. While it would operate the Dell, it would not charge it. Got so tired of the three prong Dell cord (can't plug in on an airplane easily) that I bought a Sony PC instead. Also dumped the iGo charger (which could charge only two devices at once) and bought the Kensington. It allows "daisy chaining" multiple devices; I've run my Sony PC, charged a digital camera, my iPod, a mobile phone and all without breaking a sweat. Highly recommend the Kensington. Good luck! :)Could you tell me the model number of the Kensington? I can't seem to find it on their site. The "daisy chaining" aspect of the Kensington sounds very appealing.

I have a Dell D800 laptop. I tried the iGo adaptor and it would NOT charge the battery with any power source (intentional Dell design, not lack of power). This meant that I had to bring along the Dell brick to use on long trips as I could never replenish the battery. The Kensington 120 I got off ebay does charge and run the laptop on the plane and with 110/220 50/60Hz mains. In addition it is a lot lighter and a more convienent shape than the iGo. Some have reported failures and flakey tips, but so far, the Kensington is 100% reliable for me (YMMV). Kensington also has a daisy-chain adaptor to allow 2 differnt tips to be used.

According to the Dell tech support people I have talked to, the only way to recharge a later model Dell is with a Dell manufactured adapter - they have incorporated some kind of technology into the laptop that prohibits other adapters from charging their devices. I have yet to see a Dell that cannot be powered, though, by any other charger.

I have an iGo as well. I can charge four devices simultaneous with the 3-way accessory adapter, so I'm not sure the previous poster's concern about only 2 devices is 100% accurate. Also note that not all USB tips are created equal. The USB tip for my cell phone doesn't work properly with my garmin nuvi GPS. It puts the GPS into "computer transfer" mode. There is a different USB tip for that GPS and some phones, so make sure you check.
I didn't know there was a 3-way adapter. I've been limiting myself to 2 devices thus far...

Also note that the iGo Everywhere 130 is a new product which provides 30-60w greater power output than the original Juice 70. It should power most if not all of those huge lap-hostile laptops ;-)

I have that one and the problem sometimes is that it draws too much juice for empower. On BA I haven't been able to use it. Works in Intl. C on UA, though.

There are a couple of people selling the Kensington 120 on amazon for under $40, one refurib, the other new in box.

An incredible deal if you are in the market, they are well over $100 retail.


http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0007W1K8M/ref=dp_olp_2/002-1778582-6188007

I have a Dell D800 laptop. I tried the iGo adaptor and it would NOT charge the battery with any power source (intentional Dell design, not lack of power).

Combotronic intoduced a new adapter at CES that SUPPOSEDLY charges the dell batteries. It has different models but you can charge three items at one time. You can get tips for phones, pda, shavers, computers, etc... You can use it for 24 volt items or planes, or foreign power etc... Their selling point was that it could charge three items at one time, more versatile then igo and charge dell batteries.

It was clunkier then igo but it didn't look bad, I'm trying to get one to test however they are difficult to work with, they only sell from their web site (out of Hong Kong) and they have a 15% discount coupon that I have for ordering it if anyone is going to try it I'm more then happy to pass that along to you, just PM me. It's fine to pass this discount code along.

Personally I use an igo but this item was interesting to me as I can use it in China / plane / train / cargo truck (I have a 24 volt truck) / etc... And charge three items at one time.

www.combotronic.com

There are a couple of people selling the Kensington 120 on amazon for under $40, one refurib, the other new in box.

An incredible deal if you are in the market, they are well over $100 retail.


http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0007W1K8M/ref=dp_olp_2/002-1778582-6188007Nice find! Unfortunately, they don't ship to Europe. Anybody knows where I can get the 120 W AC/DC Kensington Adapter in Europe?

SmilingBoy.

As far as international goes, almost all consumer gadgets, including your laptop, will work with a range of voltages...as will the kensington charger. All you need is a plug for the country...you won't need a converter.Almost all, not all. Make sure you read the spec plate on the unit or on the native charger. I toasted the charger for an old US Motorola phone a few months ago when I plugged it in Europe. Fortunately, the hotel had a huge box of chargers which guests had accidently forgotten in their rooms, and I found a replacement. (note: when you check out of a hotel, look to see that you didn't leave your charger plugged into the wall).

I have a USB cable for my new Motorola phone, it charges as well as communicates, so for a recent 5 day trip I just plugged it into the laptop to charge it. (I was also using it as a modem for net access)

You can get the Kensington 120W adapter for about $50 including shipping to Europe on eBay.

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?fcid=192&fpos=&catref=C6&sofocus=bs&gbr=1&saprclo=&coentrypage=search&saprchi=&sabdlo=&ftrv=1&sabdhi=&ftrt=1&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&copagenum=1&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&from=R10&satitle=kensington+120w&sbrftog=1&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&fstype=1&coaction=compare&submitsearch=Search&save=Save

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry 7290: BlackBerry7290/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/120 UP.Link/6.2.3.18.0)

You can get the Kensington 120W adapter for about $50 including shipping to Europe on eBay.

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?fcid=192&fpos=&catref=C6&sofocus=bs&gbr=1&saprclo=&coentrypage=search&saprchi=&sabdlo=&ftrv=1&sabdhi=&ftrt=1&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&copagenum=1&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&from=R10&satitle=kensington+120w&sbrftog=1&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&fstype=1&coaction=compare&submitsearch=Search&save=Save

Thanks. Will have a look once back on my computer.

SmilingBoy.

Thanks for all the advice. Just ordered a Kensington AC/DC 120W adapter on eBay, and three additional tips on the Kensington website.

Just hope that my Dell Latitude D610 batteries will charge...

SmilingBoy.

I didn't know there was a 3-way adapter. I've been limiting myself to 2 devices thus far...

I just looked and I can't find it on their website any more. I got it before they started using that "dualpower" accessory. It used to be your cell phone charger tip had a cable w/ transformer molded onto it and that plugged right into the cable that powers your laptop. The adapter I have lets three of those (or up to three of the dualpower accessories) all plug into that socket - but you'd need three of the dualpower adapters. There is not a dualpower 2-way splitter instead which utilizes only one of the dualpower adapters.

I have truly enjoyed my iGo. The newer versions are great, and *will* charge 3 devices at once with the accessory and a pigtail.

A word on Dell. I had Dell laptops for many years, but couldn't find any charger that would reliably charge my Dell. Some of them worked for a while, the rest just powered, but did not charge.

Thanks for all the advice. Just ordered a Kensington AC/DC 120W adapter on eBay, and three additional tips on the Kensington website.

Just hope that my Dell Latitude D610 batteries will charge...

SmilingBoy.


Even though I have seem posts claiming the opposite, my Kensington charges my Dell D610 (including the extra battery in the CD bay) without any problems, so it will hopefully work for you too.

/D

charger for the laptop and USB cables for the rest. works a treat for me.

Check out Gomadic's tip exchange Hot Sync and Charge Retractable USB Cables. I charge all from my laptop's USB port. Its amazing. All that goes into the wall is the computer.

I have truly enjoyed my iGo. The newer versions are great, and *will* charge 3 devices at once with the accessory and a pigtail.

I will enjoy my iGo even more now that I know I can add a third device. I've ordered a splitter. Thanks for the advice. ^

Thanks for all the help, guys.

Happy to report that I received my Kensington today and it charges my Dell Latitude D610 without problem.

Only strange thing is one sentence in the user guide which says that the US AC wall plug is designed for 110 V, and the UK and European ones for 230 V and that I shouldn't use the US plug in 230 V and vice versa. I only read this sentence after I used the US plug in a European plug (using a simple adapter) without problem.

I can't believe this sentence is true: Surely the US AC wall plug cable simply connects the two pins of the plug to the two pins of the Kensington power supply? And the European cable would do exactly the same, right?

SmilingBoy.

...had a Dell PC and tried using an iGo with it. While it would operate the Dell, it would not charge it. Got so tired of the three prong Dell cord (can't plug in on an airplane easily) that I bought a Sony PC instead. Also dumped the iGo charger (which could charge only two devices at once) and bought the Kensington. It allows "daisy chaining" multiple devices; I've run my Sony PC, charged a digital camera, my iPod, a mobile phone and all without breaking a sweat. Highly recommend the Kensington. Good luck! :)

I would concur with the advice re: Dell and iGo...I had a Kensington, with charger tips for my Dell laptop, BlackBerry, iPod, and another laptop or two I had at home. I had the Dell plugged into it at my client site one day, and noticed that my battery icon was up on the system tray, meaning it wasn't charging...it had burned out with no warning. Where I was working, I had to take what I could get within walking distance and wound up getting an iGo. As mentioned above, it would run the Dell but not charge it. So now I have multiple "official" Dell adapters, which I've stashed in the various places I work so that I don't have to carry the extra weight. I really should get in touch with Kensington and see if I can get a replacement, I know, but now I've already got the iGo and the multiple adapters, so my incentive is somewhat reduced.

Tumi makes a very nice system with an invertor and multiple tips that I recently purchased. I have found it charges everything I need (including my old Dell notebook that I tried bc of this thread). It is pricy (195) but really is an awesome piece with the optional splitter like allows you to do 2 or more charges at a time.

Anyone have any experience charging (or not) a Dell Latitude X1 with either the Igo or the Kensiington. I have an Igo but no tip for the Dell yet. If it wont work I might as well get a whole Kensington rather than a Dell tip for the Igo (that is if the Kensington works). Other than the Dell issue, which isnt an Igo issue, I really like the Igo.

By the way, just in case anyone from Dell is reading, I will NEVER buy another Dell because of this issue. Had I known about it I wouldnt have bought this one. I already had decided not to buy another Dell for personal use due to service issues. But this X1 is for work and they want us to buy only Dell there. But Im high enough on the food chain that I can tell them I refuse and buy a Panasonic, Lenova or whatever. What a PITA to have to carry a separate charger.

I must be the only person that hates the iGo. I bought it and gave it a fair chance for a few months and ended up giving it away. The problem I had with it was that it was HEAVY and BIG.

I like to travel as light as reasonably possible, I use a Thinkpad x60s and try to thin down as much as possible, but I thought the iGo was a big brick that was hard to stash.

I try to only buy devices that use the mini-USB for charging, so my Blackberry, Krzr phone and Cingular 8525 all can charge off either a USB cable or the same lightweight Moto Razr-type charger, and the iPod can use a light USB cable. The thinkpad adapter isn't too big or heavy, and I have an empower charger from Targus(?) that I only take when I really need in-power flight beyond the 5 or so hours my Thinkpad can run with the extended battery.

I bought the iGo via mail order after everyone of FT raved about it and was taken aback at how big it was and how much it weighed, so you might want to go down to Radio Shack (they carry them) and take a look if size/weight is an issue.

I also found the cables leading to the tips very stiff and heavy when using them with light stuff, but that is a minor nit.

Combotronic intoduced a new adapter at CES that SUPPOSEDLY charges the dell batteries. It has different models but you can charge three items at one time. You can get tips for phones, pda, shavers, computers, etc... You can use it for 24 volt items or planes, or foreign power etc... Their selling point was that it could charge three items at one time, more versatile then igo and charge dell batteries.

It was clunkier then igo but it didn't look bad, I'm trying to get one to test however they are difficult to work with, they only sell from their web site (out of Hong Kong) and they have a 15% discount coupon that I have for ordering it if anyone is going to try it I'm more then happy to pass that along to you, just PM me. It's fine to pass this discount code along.

Personally I use an igo but this item was interesting to me as I can use it in China / plane / train / cargo truck (I have a 24 volt truck) / etc... And charge three items at one time.

www.combotronic.com


I saw them yesterday at the Cebit Trade show in Hannover and they showed me their product. Looks really nice (homepage is www.combotronic.com) and quality seems to be okay.
But I am not sure, if it works with my HP Laptop. However, this might be a good option, if you try to get rid of the adapaters for the plugs and the different charging units for you mobile devices.

They are also able to charge certain digital camera.

If you were able to test it, any information would be appreciated.

I saw them yesterday at the Cebit Trade show in Hannover and they showed me their product. Looks really nice (homepage is www.combotronic.com) and quality seems to be okay.
But I am not sure, if it works with my HP Laptop. However, this might be a good option, if you try to get rid of the adapaters for the plugs and the different charging units for you mobile devices.

They are also able to charge certain digital camera.

If you were able to test it, any information would be appreciated.

I did test it. It does charge my HP DV8000 series as well as my sony laptop and my toshiba laptops.

It will charge a portable electric razor and all my camera's that I tired and have a hard time finding items it can't charge. It really is very versatile. It will let me charge my items from many sources and countries without worrying about adapters and such.

I'm not going to come out and endorse it outright just yet, I don't like the twist and lock system on it. It's bulkier then what I like and it's very plastic looking almost cheap looking type unit. Feels like it will break easily but it has not (yet) and I'm very rough on electronics (break laptops all the time). I can't really say much negative about it as it hasn't done anything bad to deserve it. Just a feeling I have of not being sold on it yet and with my Igo I know what tips I need and it just fits easier in my carry on.

But I can charge my camera, cell phone, and computer at one time or I can power two comptuers at once (do this often) with the combotronic. So it's growing on me.