Charging laptop and phone while travelling

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    Charging Laptop
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges and potential solutions for charging a laptop and phone while backpacking, with a focus on portability, power sources, and the practicality of various charging methods. Participants explore options such as solar panels, rechargeable batteries, and the feasibility of using different devices.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a need for a lightweight and compact charging solution for a laptop and phone while backpacking, mentioning specific voltage requirements.
  • Another participant suggests that solar or wind power might be the only viable options for charging in remote areas, but questions the practicality of charging a laptop with these methods due to current limitations.
  • Several participants mention the availability of rollable solar panels and discuss their effectiveness based on daily usage needs.
  • Concerns are raised about the power consumption of smartphones, with suggestions that a simpler phone might be more suitable for backpacking to conserve battery life.
  • One participant proposes that a tablet could serve as a less power-hungry alternative to a laptop for certain tasks.
  • There is a discussion about the balance between carrying necessary technology and minimizing weight while backpacking, with some advocating for less equipment.
  • Participants share personal experiences and preferences regarding devices and power sources, including the importance of maintaining good phone connectivity in remote areas.
  • One participant mentions the possibility of using a rechargeable battery that could be charged at hostels or similar locations, alongside solar options.
  • Another participant humorously notes the challenges of using solar panels while trekking, highlighting their fragility and the need for exposure to sunlight.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of viewpoints regarding the best methods for charging devices while backpacking, with no clear consensus on the most effective solution. There are competing ideas about the practicality of solar versus other power sources, as well as differing opinions on the necessity of certain devices.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations related to power output, device compatibility, and the physical constraints of carrying equipment while backpacking. The discussion reflects a range of assumptions about the environment and personal preferences for technology use.

Alexander D
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Not your typical Electrical Engineering post I'm sure but there is so much misinformation out there and I'm sure there would be some interesting applications for others here.

I'd like to be able to charge not only my current laptop (standard Gigabyte 15 inch) and phone (HTC Desire) but future ones as well while backpacking, so obviously size is of the upmost importance. Hopefully something around 1-2kg and maybe 0.001m^3. I would hope for maybe 2-5 extra charges on the laptop and phone. This might be completely unrealistic.

The standard laptop is 19V, the standard phone is 5V.

It's about 1-1.5Ah for a phone, about 6-8Ah for the laptop. Laptop I imagine would charge with a general power outlet (I'm in Australia, but hopefully the principles or recommended product would apply) and the phone could be as well at separate times, or even better would be a USB charger on the side. I'm not opposed to using solar technology either, or a combination of solar and rechargable batteries.

Any ideas for optimising cost, size, durability, ability to charge 19VDC and 5VDC, take an Australian power plug and possibly USB?
 
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Hi Alexander
welcome to PF and greetings from Sydney

you said this is to be used whilst out backpacking ... so I would have to assume that means you are out in the bush with no normal power supplies available.

That means your only 2 significant power sources abailable would be solar or wind generator. Neither of these are going to have the capability of supplying enought current to charge a laptop battery and still remail portable and light enough to backpack.
On the other hand a well chosen solar panel may well produce enough voltage and current to easily charger your HTC ... hey good fone by the way, have been using the HTC Desire HD for about a year and a half :)

cheers
Dave
 
There are many solar cell panels available that will 'roll up' for carrying or that you could drape over the top of your pack. The best solution for you would depend upon how long you would need to be using the equipment per day.
I have an HTC Desire and it is the greediest thing you could imagine in its use of the battery. If you want phone communication out in the wilds, you could do much better with a normal (not-so-smart) phone - which would easily be kept charged with a sensible size of PV panel- available all over the place, actually.

As far as your laptop is concerned, I might suggest that a small tablet would satisfy many requirements and use much less power. Bearing in mind the cost (and weight) of high power solar panels, you may be able to sort yourself out with a total solution that wouldn't cost so much more but could give you more operating time and not give you a hernia.
Do you really need a smart phone AND a computer? I ask this because, over the years, I have realized that backpacking becomes more and more pleasurable the less you are actually carrying!
 
davenn said:
you said this is to be used whilst out backpacking ... so I would have to assume that means you are out in the bush with no normal power supplies available.

That means your only 2 significant power sources abailable would be solar or wind generator. Neither of these are going to have the capability of supplying enought current to charge a laptop battery and still remail portable and light enough to backpack.
On the other hand a well chosen solar panel may well produce enough voltage and current to easily charger your HTC ... hey good fone by the way, have been using the HTC Desire HD for about a year and a half :)

Great phone. My battery life has gone to ****, thinking about replacing it. I had considered a rechargable battery/ies of sorts. I could charge at the backpackers and then put it in my bag. Wouldn't consider wind power, solar could work but I just don't know where the bang for buck is!

sophiecentaur said:
There are many solar cell panels available that will 'roll up' for carrying or that you could drape over the top of your pack. The best solution for you would depend upon how long you would need to be using the equipment per day. Any links to such products that you know are good value for money?
I have an HTC Desire and it is the greediest thing you could imagine in its use of the battery. If you want phone communication out in the wilds, you could do much better with a normal (not-so-smart) phone - which would easily be kept charged with a sensible size of PV panel- available all over the place, actually.

As far as your laptop is concerned, I might suggest that a small tablet would satisfy many requirements and use much less power. Bearing in mind the cost (and weight) of high power solar panels, you may be able to sort yourself out with a total solution that wouldn't cost so much more but could give you more operating time and not give you a hernia.
Do you really need a smart phone AND a computer? I ask this because, over the years, I have realized that backpacking becomes more and more pleasurable the less you are actually carrying! All great points actually. I could go naked with a keycard, but I'd just like to know I can always get emergency help and booking flights and getting around is soooo much easier with an internet connection. Maybe I could get the iPhone 4S and a Telstra plan (Bluetick in Australia which means one of the best for reception) and a spare battery and a little charger and be done with it. I was just hoping to do some graphic art work with the Adobe Creative Suit on the road.

Would love to see some actual products you guys recommend!
 
Did you not try Google? That's all that I did.
I have been keeping an eye out on ebay for a cheap, rugged solar panel for my boat (connected 24/7 to trickle charge my two 90Ah batteries - so a different problem). There are always interesting items to suit various applications.

As usual, the nicest solution is usually the most expensive. I should say that good phone connection is top of the priority list if you are really off the beaten track. I think you must be young and fit if you have the energy to do art work after a day's walking. Food and sleep is all I'm ever fit for!

Strange to say, I've moved from minimal backpacking to a sailing cruiser - which has room for just about every creature comfort you could ever want. Same problems seem to apply though - money and time!
 
You are not Robinson Caruso. :smile: To use solar panels while trekking, they need to be exposed as you walk, and may be too fragile to risk falls or knocks. I recall one avid walker who equipped himself with a foldable windmill—because he was in a windy (maybe coastal) area where he could set it up outside his tent and it would charge his gear overnight.
 

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