Travel Technology - Help! Portable power source for my laptop?

I've just discovered that my extended life battery for my Vaio laptop has died, and I was looking forward to watching movies on it during my SFO-PEK flight on Tuesday. I've looked all over Los Angeles and can't find any place that stocks replacements.

Does anyone know of a generic portable rechargeable power supply that would work? I'm thinking some kind of brick or mat device that I can charge up and then plug my computer into it.

Thanks!

PT,

Take a look either at your local Fry's or RadioShack - I've seen a few battery options there. The only catch will be finding one that has a tip for the Vaio.

I use an APC battery pack. I know Fry's and Microcenter carry them.

Don't you have access to a power port on your flight?

You are looking at around $150 for an APC battery pack :(

These are the models covered by the APC packs:

Vaio PCG TR1A, PCG TR1AP, PCG TR2A,
PCG Z1R1AP1, PCG Z1R1AP2, PCG Z1R1AP3,
PCG Z1RA, PCG GR, PCG SR, PCG SRX,
PCG V505, PCG VX, PCG Z1, V505BX, V505AX
Vaio PCG NV, PCG NVR, PCG R505, PCG XG,
PCG 700, PCG F, PCG FX, PCG FXA, PCG GRS,
PCG GRX, PCG GRZ, PCG Z505, VGN A197XP
Vaio refurbished PCG Z1A1, PCG Z1A1P2,
PCG Z1A1P3, PCG Z1AP3

You have tried the Sony Style stores, yes?

Thanks, everyone.

There's a Sonystyle in West LA but they don't keep the battery in stock.

Frys is a good bet as I have to drive right by two tomorrow morning (the one near LAX and the Fountain Valley store). $150 for the APC supply is acceptable -- a replacement for the Vaio battery is $300 and, in any event, as I'm on an award ticket I can't even buy an upgrade, so the $150 would be a reasonable investment towards a more pleasant flight.

If worse comes to worse, there are about a gazillion Radio Shacks around here, so I should be able to find something.

Thanks, everyone.

There's a Sonystyle in West LA but they don't keep the battery in stock.

Frys is a good bet as I have to drive right by two tomorrow morning (the one near LAX and the Fountain Valley store). $150 for the APC supply is acceptable -- a replacement for the Vaio battery is $300 and, in any event, as I'm on an award ticket I can't even buy an upgrade, so the $150 would be a reasonable investment towards a more pleasant flight.

If worse comes to worse, there are about a gazillion Radio Shacks around here, so I should be able to find something.

Good luck on the search. One thought - it's been a while since I've been through LAX, but sometimes airport electronics stores carry this type of product - I'm pretty sure I've seen them at Brookstone and InMotion at ORD before, although you'll pay a premium - more like $200. A backup option if all else fails...

Here's what you might be looking for at Fry's - you can try calling ahead to see if the locations have it in-stock:

http://shop3.frys.com/product/4357835

Good luck on the search. One thought - it's been a while since I've been through LAX, but sometimes airport electronics stores carry this type of product - I'm pretty sure I've seen them at Brookstone and InMotion at ORD before, although you'll pay a premium - more like $200. A backup option if all else fails...

Here's what you might be looking for at Fry's - you can try calling ahead to see if the locations have it in-stock:

http://shop3.frys.com/product/4357835Thanks! The problem with getting it at the airport is I need it charged up -- otherwise I'm in the same boat as with my dead extended battery.

Thanks! The problem with getting it at the airport is I need it charged up -- otherwise I'm in the same boat as with my dead extended battery.

FWIW, some of the stuff I've seen at inMotion they put a sticker on the front saying that it's been pre-charged - the packages are usually cut open.

Found three. Left you VM. ;)

Found three. Left you VM. ;)
Thanks! I was in a meeting when you called. On my way back, I found the APC external battery which is charging while we speak. I really appreciate it, though? Are you going to be near the airport tomorrow? Can I buy you lunch/drink/whatever you like?

Thanks! I was in a meeting when you called. On my way back, I found the APC external battery which is charging while we speak. I really appreciate it, though? Are you going to be near the airport tomorrow? Can I buy you lunch/drink/whatever you like?

Glad you found something to help while away those endless in-flight hours.

Can't do tomorrow, but thanks for the offer! ^

I have 3 different laptop models from 2 makers needing 3 tips(gateway and 2 HP notebooks) I got myself a battery geek power station and cant be happier, it adds 6-12 hours depending on which laptop I am using and it recharges rather quickly once it is dead.

http://www.batterygeek.net/

The cables are long enough I can leave the battery pack in my bag and still use the laptop without problem, and it doesn't get hot when discharging, only when it is charging does it get a little warm.

I realize you already got one but this is for reference, and you couldn't get it in person there anyway.