Forward: I am a poor student, I spend several hours a day in the same lecture hall that has not power outlets.
Problem: My Laptop, currently one year old only lasts about 3 hours on battery. I really need more time, an extra hour if possible.
Possible Solution: I want to build (or buy) and external power pack that can push the run time of my laptop. A new battery would be infinitely more efficient, but that would require a power down change out. If it is cheap enough to build, an external battery that feeds the "AC in" port would be ideal.
Considerations:
-A new battery is $100, getting close to that cost makes a new battery a better
solution.
-weight, I am a cyclist, the lower the better. This of course makes cheap lead acid batteries a no-go
-Input is 19V, 3.25 amps DC, Wattage? (I am new at this)
-Laptop's battery is 11.1 volts, 4400mAh / 6Cell
-Size: not a huge issue
-Connector: Don't worry, I've got one
-My skill is, ... limited. I can solder and follow schematics though, I have TAs I can consult as well
-Equipment: Not an Issue
Safety and "You'll Kill Yourself"
-I know the charger will not be grounded, this could be an issue
-I will have to weatherize it a bit
-If I will kill myself please tell me
Ideas:
1. Adapt an existing battery (external)
2. Build a new battery (external) using smaller cells
3. Buy a product and modify it
4. Really long extension cord
So, I am at a loss for the rest, I am new to electronics, but I pick things up quickly.
If anyone has any Ideas on how to do this, or weather it should be done at all, please reply.
Cheers,
Hashime.