In our increasingly digital world, a mobile
phone or other portable device is often a one-stop communication device. Phone
calls, text messages, social media and even radio and television can all come
from the same gadget. And when the power goes out, these gadgets can quickly
become stylish but useless bricks.
As
Hurricane Sandy pummels the East Coast, now is the time to be juicing up the
mobile devices you use to stay connected. Also, don't forget about backup
devices like that BlackBerry you got from work, tablets and even e-readers that
have Web access. But when the lights go out, you're on your own. Here are some
tools and tips to try to keep you connected longer.
If
you have time to grab some gear now:
A
backup charger for your phone or tablet can can keep you linked in longer. "Juice
packs" can be bought for $100 or less (Mophie, for one, makes them for
Apple and Android devices) and many of the chargers double as protective cases
for your smartphone or tablet. Alternately, battery-powered backup chargers
like the Zagg Sparq can provide several full charges for your mobile devices
after the usual electrical options are gone.
You
can even find chargers that use solar power. So as long as you've got a dry
spot and at least a brief break from the rain, Mother Nature can help bail you
out. And don't forget about your car charger, assuming you have one. Your car's
battery will be solid long after you're phone's isn't.
Power
inverter
If
you need to power up something a little bigger than a phone, a power inverter
might be a useful tool. If you want to be able to use a laptop or desktop
computer during an outage, this may be the way to go. The inverter can be used
to convert DC power from your car battery into AC juice for things usually
plugged into a wall outlet. Places like Batteries Plus, as well as most
computer stores, usually have these around in a wide range of power. Ask an
employee how much of a charge you need for what you want to do.
Here
are some other tips if you don't have the option of buying new chargers:
Laptop
as back-up generator
This
one seems obvious ... once you've thought about it. But it's the sort of thing
that can slip your mind. when there's a lot of other preparation to be done. While
there's time, fully charge your laptop (or, best case, laptops). Then don't use
it. When other power sources go out, you can plug your phone or tablet into the
laptop, via the USB port, for the extra juice.
Stop
running apps
Check
your phone's settings. Some apps quietly run in the background even when you're
not using them, causing your battery to drain faster. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are
two examples, but there are plenty of others. Also, texting burns less power than a phone
call, so go that route when you can. And turning down your screen's brightness
will also help conserve juice.
Use
a battery-life app
Several
free apps for both iOS (Apple) and Android devices promise to help you extend
your phone's battery life. One such app is Carat, which observes how you use
your smartphone and makes personalized suggestions about which power-sucking
apps you might delete.
CNN News
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