iPods for You!
Tips, advice and resources for anyone interested in iPods: different models, accessories, etc.

Category: Batteries

March 26, 2007

Apple iPod Chargers

Filed under: Batteries, Accessories - 26 Mar 2007

One of the first accessories that most iPod owners and music lovers will want to purchase is one of versions of the Apple iPod charger. The iPod charger can be designed to plug into standard wall outlets, car or vehicle lighters or even directly to a computer to keep batteries charged while in use or when the iPod is off. In addition, the chargers allow users to keep their iPod completely charged while driving in their car, boat or even on a motorcycle. This ability to keep iPods energized without having to rely on the relatively short battery life of the iPod has made them more versatile and far more usable across a wide range of settings and environments.

PowerJolt

The Apple iPod charger for vehicles is called the PowerJolt. This charger comes with a universal plug-in that will fit any standard car, truck or vehicle lighter. It will also fit into the 12V accessory ports found in many of the newer vehicles, boats and even in recreational vehicles. The iPod can be plugged into the PowerJolt charger in either the play mode or the standby mode with no need to turn off the iPod or modify your listening enjoyment. While the charger is on, the batteries will be replenished and then the iPod will play directly off the power source, leaving the iPod batteries fully charged when the player is unplugged from the charger.

There is a power surge protector, and a LED light to let users know when charging is completed as well as a color changing system that allows you to know how fully charged the battery is during the process.

PowerBlock

The PowerBlock will allow the iPod to be charged from any standard wall outlet, with additional adaptors for international power supplies and different currents. The PowerBlock can be used with 110 to 240 volt electrical supplies and is designed with two flat, polarized plugs that will work worldwide. The PowerBlock also features the LED that will indicate the status of the charging as well as let users know when the charge is complete.

Different models of iPod will either plug directly into the PowerBlock or will plug in via an additional adaptor cable. This dock connector cable will come with the unit.

Apple iPod charger units can be purchased one at a time or in combination packages that give buyers both chargers for a reduced rate compared to buying each separately.

Apple iPod chargers include a specialized FireWire Power charger that can be used as a separate power source from the computer. These FireWire Power chargers are only for use with an Apple iPod and cannot be used with any other type of device. Apple iPod chargers also have different accessories and universal plug-in adaptors for use with a variety of devices.

March 25, 2007

Apple iPod Battery Life

Filed under: Batteries, Tips, Accessories - 25 Mar 2007

Apple iPod battery protection and long life depends greatly on how the equipment is used, stored and protected. Owners that use the appropriate care with their iPods will be able get the longest possible usage out of the batteries, and will even be prepared with additional accessories such as chargers and external batteries to enjoy music from their iPod on a continual basis.

The term battery life actually refers to the amount of time that your iPod will run. It is often also called runtime or playtime, depending on the term you are most familiar with. The more accessories and add-ons that are being used, the shorter the battery life will be for the iPod. This term may be confused with the term “battery lifespan” which is the phrased used to designate how long the battery will last before it will need to be replaced. All batteries will eventually need to be replaced, despite how the owner cares for the battery. There are many different reasons that this occurs, but replacing batteries can be costly so ensuring proper care of an Apple iPod battery is a cost-saving matter.

Tips for Long Battery Life

The following are some easy-to-follow tips and strategies for making your batteries last as long as possible with regards to both playtime and battery lifespan:

  • Keep all batteries and iPods out of intense heat or direct sunlight. This means that they should never be stored inside vehicles or in front of windows, over heaters or heating vents, or beside stoves or other appliances that give off large amounts of heat. Even the heat from a computer or a TV could potentially decrease the lifespan of a battery.
  • Be sure to go through one complete charge cycle at least thirty days. Most iPod users will easily go through this cycle every month, but if you are an infrequent user it is critical to completely run the battery down and then recharge fully at least once a month. If at all possible this should be done every two weeks. This will help the battery keep a full charge as long as possible.
  • Always shut your iPod off completely when not in use for long periods or put it on hold if you are just taking a break. Many people simply turn down the volume or mute the volume, which continues to use battery power even if you are not using the device.
  • Optimize your settings to only use the features needed, then turning any others on only as needed. The fewer features that start up with the program, the less drain there will be on the battery.
  • Create play lists instead of constantly flipping through all songs. This method prevents the iPod from constantly having to clear the cache, thereby saving both battery life and memory.

Caring for your Apple iPod battery is usually a matter of common sense. Take the time to read through the owner’s manual and use the battery saving tips provided.

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