External iPad Battery Availability in Japan?

I've been trying to hunt down an external battery pack for my 64 Gbyte WiFi iPad with no success so far. I'm using my iPad at client sites least 6 to 10 hours a day, usually with WiFi (via Pocket WiFi) and BlueTooth (for my BT keyboard), and often at locations where I don't have access to a power outlet.

The shops that I've visited around Tokyo/Chiba, including Yodobashi Camera in Akihabara, either tell me that it's impossible (not true - they are on the market in the US), or it's not possible to sell them here in Japan (I suspect that's also not true.)

Has anyone bought one or run across one here in Japan?

Tags: battery, ipad, japan, pack

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Paul Fons on July 18, 2010 at 11:13pm

I was just looking for cases for the 64 GB 3G iPad I just bought and noticed a battery pack for the iPad at Akiba.com (
eneloop モバイルブースター単3形×2個セット iPad 充電器 [KBC-E1AS] ) The link was (http://www.akibakan.com/100001akibakan/shop/product/detail.do?shopI...)

Permalink Reply by Lem Fugitt on July 18, 2010 at 11:21pm

Thanks.
I really like the Eneloop concept, and being able to swap out the rechargeable batteries is definitely a plus since I use the same size Eneloops for some of my robots. I'm a little concerned though. The iPad requires a lot of current - for example it often won't charge if plugged into a USB hub. I have several external battery packs for my iPhone, I think around 3500 MaH, but they don't put out enough current to switch the iPad into charging mode.

Permalink Reply by ketahi on July 19, 2010 at 8:48am

No good- Deceitful advertising.

Look at the specs- Only 5w out. The iPad charger supplies 10w.

It will work, but take twice as long as it should.

Permalink Reply by Lem Fugitt on July 19, 2010 at 9:11am

It probably won't work. It seems to be related to the amount of current draw rather than the total power capacity. The iPad just displays 'Not charging' when you plug it into devices that can't supply enough current. This even happens with USB hubs on computers.

Permalink Reply by Doug Lerner on July 18, 2010 at 11:14pm

I am visiting the U.S. and haven't seen them here yet either. The battery is extra large, and has a bigger capacity. I imagine a portable charger would be very heavy!

doug

Permalink Reply by Lem Fugitt on July 18, 2010 at 11:23pm

No matter how heavy it is, it's still going to be a whole heck of a lot lighter than the 15.4 inch HP laptop and 2 spare 12-cell battery packs I used to carry around before I switched to the iPad. :D

Permalink Reply by Stupod on July 19, 2010 at 2:55am

Both impossibilities the shops told you are lies. I love it when shops do this.

It looks like there are some available: http://www.google.com/search?q=ipad%20external%20battery

Permalink Reply by Lem Fugitt on July 19, 2010 at 8:55am

I don't take it as a deliberate lie. They're just repeating what they've been told, or offer some response in a situation where it's culturally unacceptable to say 'I don't know'.

Permalink Reply by Doug Lerner on July 19, 2010 at 7:03am

I got this little iPhone battery recharger at Yodobashi a few weeks ago for about 1,800 yen that takes 4 AA batteries. I just tried it with my iPad and it will charge it as well.

doug

Permalink Reply by Lem Fugitt on July 19, 2010 at 8:50am

Doug: Do you know the model/maker - or could you post a photo? It seems like some of the external iPhone battery packs will work but some don't. and the iPad just displays 'Not charging'.

Permalink Reply by Doug Lerner on July 19, 2010 at 9:48am

It's a Linkage LIP-02DBAW. Photo attached. The USB charging connector is attached to it.

doug

Attachments:

charger.jpg, 13 KB

Permalink Reply by Lem Fugitt on July 19, 2010 at 9:56am

Thanks. :)
I'll be in Tokyo tomorrow for my iPad presentation and will swing by Yodobashi Akiba on the way.