"Portable Laptop Charger"?

[lyncecelia]

So DBF's laptop seems to always be dying on him during commutes etc. (he takes the bus which has WiFi). I want to get him a sort of Portable Laptop Charger? One that doesn't have to be plugged into the wall? Does anyone know if such a product exists and how I can get one affordably?

 

[marius97]

I don't know if one exists, but you could always just buy him another battery for his laptop. He could just have both charged and if it dies on him, he would just switch out the batteries.

 

[deedeetoo]

It sounds like he may need a new battery. A battery should easily last through a commute. If his is not making it, it may be a warning that the battery is going. When they go bad, they don't hold a charge at all. The instant you unplug the computer, it goes dead.

I can't imagine a charger that doesn't plug into an outlet. Where would the electricity come from to charge the computer? I don't think such a thing exists.

 

[stm61]

I know they sell them at places like Best Buy, you plug into the power port or cigarette lighter in vehicles. They also sell a low cost version at Walmart. A relative bought one of the cheaper ones a few years ago to use on a long drive, it worked fine for her.

 

[lyncecelia]

Thanks everyone for the responses!

I don't know if one exists, but you could always just buy him another battery for his laptop. He could just have both charged and if it dies on him, he would just switch out the batteries.

How might I find out what type of battery is laptop needs? I don't know the brand, and he's currently on a business trip on the other side of the country, so checking might prove to be difficult at the present time

 

[gacompguy]

I've had very good luck with Batteries Plus. In addition to selling online, they also have brick & mortar locations.

Another few things for you/him to consider: First off, if you're considering getting a new battery, look at the batteries that have more cells or that are labeled "high capacity." Many laptop manufacturers offer batteries that have more cells that will hold longer charges. Second, there are things that you can do to a laptop to make it get a longer charge. The biggest thing he can do is turn down the brightness on the screen. Lowering the brightness just a few steps can add 10-20% to the charge time. Many of the laptop manufacturers preinstall power management software that can be tweaked to give longer battery life. If the laptop has the original install of software, it is probably still there; otherwise, it can be probably be downloaded from the manufacturer's support site.

 

[OntFamily]

Thanks everyone for the responses!



How might I find out what type of battery is laptop needs? I don't know the brand, and he's currently on a business trip on the other side of the country, so checking might prove to be difficult at the present time

to buy a new battery , you will need both the brand and model number.