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Portable Computer Battery
updated: Sep 13, 2012, 10:26 AM

By Edhat Subscriber

I'm looking for a portable computer battery for my Macbook. I do a lot of work from my computer and enjoy sitting in SB coffee shops. I have to run a lot of programs that drain my battery and fighting for a computer outlet sometimes is a hassle. Does Apple or some other company make a battery that I can charge at home and hook up through my USB drive? Does this even exist? I tried searching online but couldn't find what I'm looking for.

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 319321	2012-09-13 10:34 AM
Nope. Doesn't exist. Same reason why the iPhone can be annoying at times.
COMMENT 319323	2012-09-13 10:36 AM
Google "portable macbook battery", yes they exist. Not sure if macbooks are set up to be able to run off USB battery, but there are definitely versions for macbooks specifically (with the magnetic hookup)
COMMENT 319328	2012-09-13 10:48 AM
Sure you can get them just google external macbook battery. There are a few companies that make them but they will plug in to the power port, why would you want to use USB?
COMMENT 319331	2012-09-13 10:50 AM
HyperJuice makes one (see Amazon). The catch is that it's $$$ and to connect requires the lousy Apple Airplane Adapter (a typically over-priced accessory that helps a little but fails to keep up with drain on a long flight).
COMMENT 319340	2012-09-13 11:11 AM
Wow, Apple is finally getting a 4G phone that has a map app with turn by turn navigation. How long did that take....
COMMENT 319344P	2012-09-13 11:17 AM
340 - because it will be an Apple maps app., not the Google app.
COMMENT 319347	2012-09-13 11:19 AM
Probably cheaper to just buy an extra battery or two and keep them charged.
COMMENT 319349	2012-09-13 11:21 AM
I don't know about getting a new phone just so I can have 5 rows of icons... seems like a joke to me. But knowing typical Apple fans, if you change the color of the case, they'll run out and get it.
COMMENT 319351	2012-09-13 11:24 AM
It's an upgrade over the previous model. That's how yearly iteration works. Not every single release is going to be something brand new and earthshaking.
MTNDRIVER	2012-09-13 12:50 PM
I have a related question--has anyone used a solar powered charging device for MacBook or iPad? If so, is it a feasible option if you're going to be away from the grid for a few weeks?
COMMENT 319392	2012-09-13 01:33 PM
For solar charging Apple now has an app that will allow you to charge the iPhone from the suns rays through the camera lens.
COMMENT 319405	2012-09-13 02:08 PM
392: Nice try. Are you a nigerian prince, too?
MTNDRIVER	2012-09-13 02:11 PM
Hey 392, if you could make that happen, you'd be a very very rich person....
COMMENT 319504	2012-09-13 03:45 PM
They do make external batteries. Depending upon the age of the MacBook though you may be able to buy a 2nd battery and swap them out as you go - I think my wife's MacBook was the last model that allowed this. If you're at a coffee shop or other fixed location you're always better off plugging in when you can. Battery power is less efficient and ultimately the batteries have a finite number of charge cycles before you have to recycle them.
COMMENT 320187	2012-09-14 07:47 PM
Apple wanted $100 to replace the battery in my son's iPod a few years ago. That is precisely why I refuse to buy any Apple product- period. Arrogant management and questionable engineering. I was able to find an aftermarket Chinese battery online, bought it at 1/3 the price, had to partially destroy the case (not maintainable- poor engineering) to install it, but got it to work. Never again will I contribute to Apple's ill-gotten profits! I'm over the love affair with their slick designs.

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