Lessons learned from my international trip: Lesson One - Bring a Backup Battery.

Two weeks ago, you may have noticed that some of my postings were originating from London, England! I had a blast; but, I had to take some work with me. 😕It turns out while monitoring the office from afar, I had an unexpected deadline that required me to work while traveling back from London (through Iceland).

I was surprised to learn that my airline (and this is not a crack on the airline - I had great flights!) did not offer electrical outlets with their seats! And my computer was not completely charged for the flight! I was able to switch my work over to my iPad; but, that was not completely charged either! Thankfully, I had a backup battery with me! But that was not completely charged as well (as I gave it more use than I anticipated on this trip (and forgot to recharge it)!

Don’t worry! I made the deadline. But it was a valuable reminder: Bring a backup battery. You can never know when you might need it. The question remains: What type of back up battery do you need?

There are a variety of brands, e.g., Anker, Aukey, and RAVpower just to name a few. Personally, I have an Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C (and here are two (link1 & link2 to some articles comparing the brands’ devices similar to mine). It fits my needs: It has two standard USB ports and one USB C port. Using the appropriate wire, I can charge my laptop or iPad from a USB port to USB C port or the USB C port to USB C port (the “C” to “C” is a faster charge based on the battery and connection). Additionally, the two USB ports can charge devices that accept lightning ports (the last generation apple devices) and micro USB ports (for headphone battery charging) or even an Apple Watch.

THINGS TO CONSIDER 🧐:

Charge when you can: I used to have a backup battery case on my iPhone. But as all smartphone batteries have gotten better giving us longer charges, I found myself not needing the heavier case on a daily basis. My phone battery cases use was really curbed as I try to keep my phone on a charger (work, home, depositions, Starbucks, airport lounges, etc.) when possible. It helps to keep the appropriate outlet plug, a small surge protector and wire in your briefcase or bag when you are out and about. And don’t forget to put your device in airplane mode or turn off your WiFi when you don’t need it.

Hint: Do you really need WiFi while driving (don’t forget you can charge your phone with your car battery), walking to meetings or somewhere you can’t get WiFi, like someone else’s office? Having your WiFi “on” only drains the battery as your device “looks” for a connection.

Size v. Convenience: Generally, the bigger the battery, the greater the longevity it can give your devices. A small generator designed for electronic devices off-grid can charge your laptop and other gadgets multiple times over. (Interesting reviews here.). But I don’t think you want to carry something the size of a car battery with you everywhere you go. A phone battery case or keychain dongle will give your phone (and maybe a tablet) a charge or two. But, it won’t give your laptop a significant charge.

Power-User? How about luggage with batteries “built-in”? Or, how about not.

On the outset, luggage like “Away” seemed like a neat idea: Having a large battery built into your luggage for when you are traveling. I liked the idea. I have a cousin who swears by them. But, I began to wonder how practical this is? You have a battery, designed for your slightly more expensive luggage - luggage that I understand is quite lovely. But you have to take it out when you check suitcase through luggage and find space to carry. Or if you have the carry-on luggage, you need to remember to pop it out before your flight leaves: Who wants to get up and jostle with that in the overhead during your flight since you are unlikely to put the smaller cases under the seat in front of you. You are going to want your briefcase or smaller carry-on underneath the seat in front of you for access to your personal or professional items.

I think the power bank batteries, like the one I have from Anker, hits the sweet spot. Unless, of course, you’ll need the additional power that a suitcase battery would provide.

But that is just my opinion: What is yours?