I'm going to be travelling & need help!

[Dixiedarlin]

I've just read through the FAQ's, and printed info on several subjects that have had me stumped--like connecting my Clie via BlueTooth with my Cingular phone. THANKS to all who contributed to those questions, and to these message boards! I've tried to find answers in the forums, and after a couple of hours of chasing rabbit trails and finding all kinds of interesting stuff, I still have questions! Hopefully, some of you have done some extended travelling and can help. Question#1: I have one extended battery, and want to get at least one more for long plane flights and extended time between charges. Where are the cheapest extended batteries y'all know of? (I loved Smeggie's charger with the batteries, and the talk about opening the unit and soldering something, but those aren't options for me right now!) Question#2: I'll be in France, England, and Kenya. I don't want to fry my charging cradle or explode my batteries. Once I get the correct plug adapters, will I be ok, or do I need to get some kind of converter or something? I need answers soon, so I'll have time to order stuff in the next 2 weeks! Thanks!
P.S. I recently began using Backup Buddy, and it saved me when my Clie came on in my purse, and drained the battery while I was out of town! Fortunately, I had my charging cradle, and Backup Buddy restored all my preferences and info from the memory stick. Hoping it will keep me on track for a few weeks overseas while I'm away from my computer and ability to hot sync! Any words of wisdom about Backup Buddy?

[crazy_smeggie]

First, go here and read this page of this thread concerning the Battery Extender. (http://www.1src.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85596&page=2&pp=15)

Then, go HERE (http://semsons.com/batexwitusb.html) and buy the Battery Extender. Then, go HERE (http://shop.brando.com.hk/ipdaux50syncchargercradlekit.php) and buy the Brando Charging Cradle - Package Two.

Then, go to Lowes (Where I got mine) or some other store and buy one package of 4 Energizer 2500mAH NiMH batteries with the included charger and an additional 4 2500mAH batteries so you will always have a charged set of batteries for your Battery Extender. The batteries can be recharged up to 500 or 1000 times so you will have them for a while unless you lose them.

With this particular combination, you should never be without a solution to charge and recharge your UX anytime, anyplace.

I also bought a couple of battery cases for my NiMH batteries HERE. (http://www.inanycase.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=1020-UF0502-BATT&Category_Code=BATT&Product_Count=0)

I am traveling next week for the following 8 weeks pretty much non-stop, so I am confidently optimistic that this method of keeping my UX charged at all times will work seamlessly.

I only have one tip for your use of Backupbuddy. Delete it and buy BackupMan HERE. (http://www.palmgear.com/?xyz=46552)

Total= $99.77+tax/shipping (including BackupMan) vs. $185+shipping+production delays for the EB40.

Hope this helps!!


SMEGGIE :D

[Dixiedarlin]

Once again, Smeggie, you're my Hero! Even though I'm still a little foggy about how all of this will work, I'm optimistic that with your detailed instructions, even I, a non-technical Southern belle, who LOVES her Clie, can travel with confidence! I've already placed my orders, and will go to Lowe's tomorrow. I read the posts, and THINK I understand that you can power the Clie directly with the battery extender, OR use it to charge your extended battery? I'm sure these are probably dumb assumptions/questions, so please forgive me! You mentioned the charger that comes with the batteries. I'm assuming I will still need the converter plugs, for the countries I'm going to be in, to charge those batteries? You didn't address that issue! Am I close to figuring this out? You techno-savvy guys think so many of the "little details" are logical and obvious, when people like me don't even have a clue about what questions we need to be thinking to ask! As always, I appreciate your patience and your kind attempts to help those of us who are somewhat challenged! I'm SO glad I got to you before you left on your own travels! Thanks again, and have a great trip!

[crazy_smeggie]

Aw shucks...

<drops head and pretends to kick some dirt>

You're welcome!! Now to address your little issues...

With the Battery Extender you will be able to keep your UX constantly charged for the duration of your trip. The Extender has a little wire attached that you will plug into the Brando charger to charge it up. I don't know how long it will take, but I know it will work.

At Lowes, look for an Energizer package that includes the charger and 4 2500 NiMH batteries and then buy 4 more for spares so you will always have a charged set. While at Lowes, look for an international plug converter set that should include every iteration of plugs you may run into while you are, forgive me, "a travelin' broad while you are travelin' abroad." :) If Lowes doesn't have the converter set, you can get it at Brookstone. (http://www.brookstone.com/shop/product.asp?product_code=394809&search_type=search&search_words=converter&prodtemp=t1&cm_re=Result*R5C1*T)

http://www.brookstone.com/bs_assets/images/shop/large_300/394809_p.jpg

Good luck and happy trails!!


SMEGGIE :D

[Dixiedarlin]

The warning below was on the Brookstone kit you posted. The two links below are for two different Brookstone converters that both say "DO NOT USE WITH BATTERY CHARGERS."
What's a girl to do????

WARNING: This kit does not convert voltage and is for use with dual-voltage travel appliances or in conjunction with a voltage converter.

http://www.brookstone.com/shop/basket.asp?cmid=hdr_cart&cm_re=Hdr*CS*Cart&cm_sp=Exit*NAV*Hdr

http://www.brookstone.com/shop/product.asp?product_code=200345&world_code=4&category_code=39&subcategory_code=497&search_type=subcategory&prodtemp=t1

[rcxAsh]

I have the North American version of PEGA-AC10 adapter (standard with all Clies, I live in Canada).

I brought it to Singapore and plugged it into a standard outlet via a convertor that I got from RadioShack.

I did not use any transformers or extra equipment. If in doubt, take a look at the block of the adapter. Mine says that it's rated for input between 100V and 240V.

So, if the voltage in the country you are in is within this range, all you should need is an adapter to change the shape of the plug.

[crazy_smeggie]

The warning below was on the Brookstone kit you posted. The two links below are for two different Brookstone converters that both say "DO NOT USE WITH BATTERY CHARGERS."
What's a girl to do????

WARNING: This kit does not convert voltage and is for use with dual-voltage travel appliances or in conjunction with a voltage converter.

http://www.brookstone.com/shop/basket.asp?cmid=hdr_cart&cm_re=Hdr*CS*Cart&cm_sp=Exit*NAV*Hdr

http://www.brookstone.com/shop/product.asp?product_code=200345&world_code=4&category_code=39&subcategory_code=497&search_type=subcategory&prodtemp=t1

Sorry DD!! I didn't even see that!! Good thing you saw it or you woulda blowed yerself up!!!

Buy 'em and bring 'em anyway. They (your concierge) will be able to tell you what to do when you get there.


SMEGGIE :D

[Dixiedarlin]

Sorry DD!! I didn't even see that!! Good thing you saw it or you woulda blowed yerself up!!!

Buy 'em and bring 'em anyway. They (your concierge) will be able to tell you what to do when you get there.


SMEGGIE :D

Well, there may be a concierge in our Paris hotel, but not in rural France, or in "the bush" in Kenya--There they only have a generator a few hours a day! That's why your battery idea is going to be so great! Maybe I'll just charge my extended battery and buy THREE sets of those fancy batteries, and try to charge them all again before I leave Paris. I can just stay up all night charging batteries--I'll be all jet lagged and wired up anyway!

[crazy_smeggie]

There you go!! Buy three or four sets, charge them before you go as a precaution and you should last the duration depending, of course, on your usage.

But bring your charger just in case... :)


SMEGGIE :D

[djl]

The warning on the Brookstone item pertains to the voltage converter, not to the plug adapters. The power supply which came with your Clie does not need a voltage converter, only plug adapters. If you were going to use the Clie cradle and charger you would only need to purchase plug adapters.

When you purchase the battery recharger for the AA cells, look at the information plate which will say something like "INPUT AC120V" or "INPUT AC 100-240V". If it is the latter you will need only plug adapters, otherwise you will need a power "transformer", which changes voltage through a different method than a mere "converter". Transformers are not difficult to find, they are just a bit more expensive, and noticeably heavier, than the converters. (Generally speaking, "electronic" items require a transformer, while "electrical" items need only a converter.)

dennis

[crazy_smeggie]

The warning on the Brookstone item pertains to the voltage converter, not to the plug adapters. The power supply which came with your Clie does not need a voltage converter, only plug adapters. If you were going to use the Clie cradle and charger you would only need to purchase plug adapters.

When you purchase the battery recharger for the AA cells, look at the information plate which will say something like "INPUT AC120V" or "INPUT AC 100-240V". If it is the latter you will need only plug adapters, otherwise you will need a power "transformer", which changes voltage through a different method than a mere "converter". Transformers are not difficult to find, they are just a bit more expensive, and noticeably heavier, than the converters. (Generally speaking, "electronic" items require a transformer, while "electrical" items need only a converter.)

dennis

Thanks for the good info, Dennis!!! Much appreciated!!


SMEGGIE :D

[Dixiedarlin]

That explained it in terms that I understand, and can check! I appreciate your response, and am printing it out.

[djl]

<<Energizer 2500mAH NiMH >>

I may as well mention one concern. Are these cells 1.2 volt or 1.5 volt? 4 x 1.2 = 4.8; while 4 x 1.5 = 6.0. I'm not sure a 4.8 volt source will be able to recharge the EB-40, I'm not even sure if it can _fully_ recharge the internal battery, the Clie AC adapter delivers 5.2 volts.

Of course if you have actually used it there's nothing to worry about. For all I know the Battery Extender may increase the output voltage.

To be safe I would carry one four pack of alkaline cells, which are 1.5 volts. It's cheap insurance.

dennis

[Dixiedarlin]

http://data.energizer.com/SearchResult.aspx
http://data.energizer.com/PDFs/nh15.pdf

OK, I realize I'm in here WAY over my head. I went to the Energizer site. Looks like the batteries have been replaced by the new ones in the second link, and they are 1.2 volts. SO, what do y'all think? What does all this mean? I can't try it at home, till I get all the "stuff" I ordered. Smeggie: What's kind of performance have you gotten?

Thanks.

[djl]

I too have done a bit of research and see that the Battery Extender product listing recommends NiMH batteries, which are typically 1.2 volts. It appears the Clie's internal battery is fully charged at 4.2 volts; a 4.8 volt supply should be okay.

Still not sure if it will fully charge the EB-40, but if that's still part of your plan and the battery does not indicate fully charged, try substituting alkaline batteries. The genius of Mr Smeggie's solution is that you have this fallback option, alkaline cells are readily available everywhere.

Have you been to Europe previously?

dennis

[JAmerican]

The battery extender is perfect for travel. It has never died on me while out. I've been out for about 9 hours the most and I use the extender rarely. When I go to track meets, I keep my brightness high, and play music using my Podwave without risking my battery life. People saw the extender as cool due to its ability to keep my device running for so long.

JAmerican

[Dixiedarlin]

Glad to hear that. I've got 4 ten hour flight legs, going and coming, plus airport time, and 2 weeks of travel--mostly rural and undeveloped. Ten hours is too much for my Sony extended battery! I'm looking forward to getting the battery extender.

As for whether I've been to Europe: I've been to England, Scotland, China, Japan, and Hong Kong, but not France, or other European countries. Nowhere except the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico in the last 20 years! I'm looking forward to Kenya--I'm going well prepared with water filters, sanitizers, and insect repellants, in addition to all the batteries I'm hauling! I'm praying all the shots and medications work, too! Haven't had much desire to travel since 9/11, but this is my daughter's last summer before college, so...off we go! The primitive conditions of the African leg of the trip don't appeal to her. Neither does leaving her boyfriend. Too bad! I'm hoping that down the road, she'll appreciate the travel.

[antoinepierre]

...Question#2: I'll be in France...Welcome ! :D
Do you need some informations ?

[Dixiedarlin]

I think we're set. I have have several travel guides and French/English dictionaries. I've already received a supply of Euros, and have our hotels and tours booked. If I think of anything to ask, I'll get back to you! Thank you.

[antoinepierre]

I think we're set. I have have several travel guides and French/English dictionaries. I've already received a supply of Euros, and have our hotels and tours booked. If I think of anything to ask, I'll get back to you! Thank you.Feel free to ask, if you need something.
SlovoEd has a good english/french dictionnary for PalmOS.

[Dixiedarlin]

Thanks. I'm not sure I want to pay another $30 for a program, when I just bought all those books. Wish I'd known about, or even thought to look for, Palm OS software! Don't guess there's anything free out there that you know about. I'll do a search later!