laptop can be thought of, among other things, as a power source for USB powered devices, including those that do not interact with it in any other way. Now lets imagine a gadget that consists of a laptop-type battery and a USB adapter. Maybe also a power cord with adapter, or maybe user can reuse power cord from a laptop for that.
So maybe in other words it’s like an uninterruptible power supply only intended for portability and for the USB interface. Is something like that on the market?
Yep.
there are battery packs with usb plug output to power devices
Yes, I Go makes one as part of their universal charging system, takes AAs. Your local RadioShack probably has one.
I’ve also seen a tiny rechargeable charger for mini-usb (used on motorola, others). Don’t recall the name.
There are also 12v DC plugs with USB output that can recharge devices from your car’s electircal system.
I’ve always wanted a Power Gorilla. They’re supposed to be quite good. I have a solar panelled usb charger though, can’t remember what brand it is right now. It works surprisingly well, when I’m not living in Britain. I’ve even used it to give my laptop a quick boost, though that pretty much completely drained the poor thing.
It’s also possible to charge things wirelessly with one of these. Both technologies combined would be rather nifty I think, if they can make it retain enough power for long enough.
Or if you want to listen to your iPod after the zombie apocalypse and batteries are nowhere to be found, try a Sidewinder.
Hand cranked USB charger.
Black and Decker makes the Pocket Power
It includes a 120 volt inverter (16watt max)
and a usb outlet (350mA)
Cost me $10.00
You might find one cheaper.