Autodesk Manufacturing Media SummitParis T-0

It is ironic that as airlines compete with each other by installing ever more complex entertainment systems -- even sometimes in economy -- that passengers have ever more access to their own private entertainment.

On this 21.5-hour (travel and wait time) flight to Paris, I have with me:

* Zen Micro MP3 player with 135 hours of music, plus 3 batteries that last 11 hours each.
* Palm TX with 8 hours of 'Mystery Science Theater 3000' programs, downloaded from Google Video.
* Samsung N3 digital camera with 2 batteries, that also plays back MP3 music and movies.
* HP TX notebook computer with spare battery for playing movies on DVDs.
* Several mini-size noise-reducing headphones, including a new set from Phillips.

If only all airlines would do as Air Canada has on some of its airplanes: provide 110v power outlets in each row in Economy. That's all we need. But, because not...

Noma Pocket Power Charger

Before I left, I picked up from Canadian Tire a battery recharger by Noma. It's available in 3500mAHr or 2000mAHr versions, and comes with about sixteen different power tips for cell phones and generic devices, as well as normal and mini USB plugs. Many of today's electronic devices can be recharged through their USB connector, including my GPS, Palm, and one digital camera.

I decided on the 2000mAhr recharger, because it was cheaper ($35 instead of $55) and smaller -- little fatter than an iPod Nano. It has 4 LED status lights that show how much power is left in its lithe lithium ion battery.

(Perhaps the only drawback is that its AC power pack lacks international power plugs -- just the North American style. Noma also has a cheaper and much fatter version of this recharger for $25 that runs off 4 standard NiMH rechargeable batteries. That could let me use additional AA batteries for even longer recharging -- potentially. The problem is that NiMH batteries loose their charge over time, while Li-ion ones don't.)

This device is particularly useful for my Palm TX, which doesn't allow its battery to be replaced. The Noma package includes a tip that works with the Palm TX and Treo devices. It really does work! I'll be keeping track to see how much longer it extends the life of the Palm TX on this marathon plane ride.

Which is important, because on the last airplane trip, my wife played Text Twist so long that the Palm's battery nearly died. Not good, when it contains all my travel info.

Comments

[Evan Yares]

Do you have a Batman-style utility belt for all these devices?