TabletKiosk have just launched the MP3400 power bank that can be used with many portable devices including UMPCs.
For $159 you get a 56W/hr battery (more than twice the capacity of the standard battery on the v7110 and i7200 series UMPCs) along with a number of tips for using the battery with different devices. There’s also a mains adaptor. The battery is adjustable for voltages between 9 and 19V and from what I can see, you can charge the device through a 12V supply.
Considering a standard 24W/hr battery for the i7210 costs $90, this represents pretty good value for money. Just remember to adjust your power settings because when you plug this in, the ultra mobile PC will think it’s connected to a mains supply and switch to a less efficient power setting.
I think I might invest in one of these although here is an alternative in the Battery Geek products. jkOnTheRun tested one which has 118W/hr of capacity and Ctitanic (UltraMobilePC Tips.) has a version of it too. This gives double the capacity of the TK product although it looks really big! Its 1.6lbs in weight too! The price is good though at around $170.
Here’s my idea though. Buy either of these power-packs and one of these. (Sunlinq 12W solar panel.)
Or one of these (Reware 12W Solar Juice bag ES100)
Then, get on your bike and do a blogging tour. That’s what I’m planning to do next year along the Rhein for a week. With no mains power! The super-efficient UMPC’s make this possible. Which ultra mobile PC would be the best though? I’ll be writing in more detail about the planning for it in 2007.
Steve
