iPod external battery advice
 

I love watching videos on my iPod, but the battery life leaves a lot to be desired. So I am looking into buying an extra (external) battery for extra juice on those long flights. Unfortunately, when I search for iPod batteries on the Internet, I get a huge, confusing array of websites, and many of them don't seem to offer what I want (they're internal replacement batteries, or they're meant for older generation iPods, etc.).

I am wondering if anyone here has had experience with external batteries (for the fifth generation iPod) and what advice you might have. Should I get a rechargeable one or one that uses AA batteries? Do they really prolong your iPod battery life that much? Which ones are easiest to use/carry/etc?

Thank you in advance for any replies!

I have this:

Old style

but

this

is apparently the new version. If it works half as well as the earlier version it is a keeper.

Mike

I have something similar to the Belkin pack shown in a prior post. Mine takes a 9 volt battery and works fine. I don't have video though. The 9 volt works a fairly long time.

I use this one:

http://www.apc.com/resource/include/...base_sku=UPB10

Advantage is that it'll also charge my phone and any other USB device.

I too have one of these, picked up from CompUsa that was closing for around 25 bucks.
Use it for my TREO 680, BT head set, Camera, etc.
Works REALLLLLLY well

In addition to the APC external pack there is also the US Modular PowerAid battery pack. I really like mine and it can charge my Treo and any other USB device which is a big added bonus. The LiIon battery also holds its charge quite well which means you can leave it in your bag for a couple of months and still get some useful charge from it. Full price is around $50 from any of the airport electronics stores. Cheaper online of course..

Yeah, same here. First one was $30, got 2 others for just $12...

Also got 2 of the larger packs for notebook power. In an ideal situation I now can carry enough power for 16 hours of laptop use.

Do you have a team of Sherpas to help you tote all that gear through the airport?
Me I saddle up a kid or two and let em earn an extra buck, so as to save my back

I don't always carry them, only if I am flying without seat power or on a carrier I know has unreliable seat power. Normally they stay home. When I carry them they just slip into my rolling laptop case, yes they add weight, but if I can continue working then it is worth it.

I have this one, it works very well. I would recommend it to anyone looking to add battery life to their ipod.

+1 on the Belkin, it works great.

I have the belkin battery pack that takes 4 AA batteries. I really like it for long flights. I usually use it from LAX to BKK and one set of batteries easily lasts for the trip even if using it for video most of the time. It is big but if you are only using it for flights it doesn't really make a difference.

Thanks for the helpful replies! I just have one question about the Belkin device: does it have to be attached directly to the ipod, or is it possible just to connect it to the ipod with a cord, then leave it on my lap or something while I hold the ipod up for viewing? I thought that if the device itself is attached to the ipod and I have to hold it up together with the ipod, the extra weight could be cumbersome if I am holding it and watching movies over a period of 2-6 hours.

I've got this one http://my.datexx.com/consumer/productinfo.html?p=LED-99 -- has the added advantge of hand power, but that just for cell phones. You have to crank continuously to watch an iPod video :)

I also have the old Belkin (with 4 AA's) which I also use. The problem with the LiOn type charges is that is one more power pack I have to carry along. I already travel with a compact AA recharger so the old Belkin means little extra weight. (my iGo powers/charges everything else I travel with)

It will connect directly to the iPod via a short cable to the base of the device.