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ericwass · Jul 10, 2003, 09:13 PM

Just got a 3rd gen iPod and going to take it to Europe next week. Since the battery life is reportedly not so good and the flights are long, I'm wondering if there's any way to get some juice for it on a plane? There must be a way, no? Any thoughts would be appreciated!

icruise · Jul 10, 2003, 09:40 PM

I recharged my iPod on a flight to Japan yesterday by using my powerbook. There is also the Belkin battery pack, but I don't think that's available yet.

Agasthya · Jul 11, 2003, 02:21 AM

Originally posted by ericwass:
Just got a 3rd gen iPod and going to take it to Europe next week. Since the battery life is reportedly not so good and the flights are long, I'm wondering if there's any way to get some juice for it on a plane? There must be a way, no? Any thoughts would be appreciated!

don't bathrooms on airplanes have power outlets so that people can plug in their shavers and toothbrushes and whatnot? If so, just take the power adapter that came with your iPod and chill in the bathroom for an hour or two when the charge dies.

ericwass · Jul 11, 2003, 02:24 AM

Thanks for the ideas. Unfortunately, I'm not bringing my Powerbook, so that won't fly (heh, heh). As far as sitting in the bathroom for a couple hours... well I just broke up with my girlfriend so that won't be nearly as fun as it could've been.

chabig · Jul 11, 2003, 08:01 AM

The Belkin battery pack would be the way to go. It's been in the Apple stores for a few weeks now.

Chris

Freeflyer · Jul 11, 2003, 09:17 AM

I made my own battery pack for a long trekking trip I went on recently. You can find details on the forum here:

http://forums.macnn.com/showthread.p...t=battery+pack

scroll down for my post.

Note that this is only for an earlier generation ipod with the firewire on the top, but I would expect that it would still work fine as the firewire cable must still plug into the same socket on the computer to get the power.

8 AA batteries last at least a dozen recharges. Should get you over the pond and back.

Cheers,

J.

nerd · Jul 11, 2003, 09:18 AM

I just flew on American Airlines and they had signs that said something to the order of 12v power ports under the seat. I'm not sure if these are standard cigarette lighters or what. Call them and I'm sure they'll tell you.

Brad

tonewheel · Jul 11, 2003, 10:48 AM

American uses the cigarette lighter style charging ports.

ericwass · Jul 11, 2003, 10:57 AM

Hmmmm... I'm taking Delta and Air France (both coach unfortunately). Looking at the options it looks like the Belkin battery pack will be my best option. Then again... i could just read a friggin' book.

Thanks for all the thoughts.

MikeD · Jul 11, 2003, 11:28 AM

Yeah, you could read a book, but we all know you want tunes and or an audiobook instead!

c'mon, we gotta find a way... Why don't you call Delta and ask what's available for that particular plane that you'll be on..

And for those w/powerbooks, don't you use your PB on the plane? How do you keep that thing going?!

Mike

parsec_kadets · Jul 11, 2003, 11:46 AM

Why isn't anyone pointing out that the batteries are usually just fine when you first get the iPod? Heck, my 1st gen still plays music for hours and hours (I never actually use it for 10 hours straight). What I've been disappointed with is that it doesn't hold it's charge very well if you leave it off and unplugged for several days. But if you charge it up it will play for the time Apple advertises. If you just turn off the alarms you should be fine. That is, unless your flight is going to be longer than the advertised battery life. You might want to charge it while you're in the terminal to maximize your music enjoyment.