HyperMac external battery packs refreshed with iPad charging support

We're pretty big fans of the HyperMac external batteries here at Engadget, as they've saved us on numerous occasions from becoming mindlessly bored on coast-to-coast flights by keeping our laptops humming for a few more hours. Unfortunately, the integrated USB port -- while handy -- isn't up for handling Apple's new iPad, which requires a 10 watt USB adapter to even charge. We tested our lab iPad on our existing 222Wh HyperMac, and sure enough, the screen you're peering at above is what we saw (read: "Not Charging") -- though it does seem to power the device as to not drain what's left of the battery while connected. In order to remedy said quandary, the folks at Sanho have announced a new line of HyperMac batteries that support iPad charging, but unfortunately for you existing users, every available upgrade path involves shelling out more cash for a new pack. The revamped devices will be available in four different capacities: 60Wh ($169), 100Wh ($269), 150Wh ($369) and 222Wh ($469), able to extend the iPad 25Wh rated internal battery by 2 to 9 times, giving a total run-time of between 34 to 99 hours. Sanho claims these will be rechargeable up to 1,000 times and will include a one-year warranty, so if you're interested, you can place your pre-order now and await a shipment notification in around a fortnight.

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HyperMac Batteries Updated To Support iPad Charging, Creating The World's First iPad External Battery

Starting At $169, HyperMac External Battery Will Extend iPad Battery Life By 2 To 9 Times

05.10.2010 – SUNNYVALE, California - Sanho Corp. today announced that the award winning HyperMac range of external MacBook batteries will be updated to support 10W USB charging of the Apple iPad, effectively creating the world's first iPad external battery.

The batteries will be available in 4 different capacities, 60Wh, 100Wh, 150Wh and 222Wh, able to extend the iPad 25Wh rated internal battery by 2 to 9 times, giving a total run-time of between 34 to 99 hours.

The HyperMac external batteries give iPad users the power and flexibility to use their device for extended periods of time, away from the wall outlet - allowing for long haul flights, extended field trips, expeditions to remote locations or any situation where electricity is simply not an option. Users will also have the option to purchase cables to power all models of Apple MacBooks which these batteries are also compatible with.

HyperMac batteries use the same high-end lithium ion cells that are supplied to the U.S. military. It is rechargeable up to 1000 times and comes with a ONE-year warranty - comparing to industry standards of only 300 recharges and 3 months warranty. With a great attention to detail, HyperMac batteries' silver color aluminum housing are color matched to the iPad and MacBook. Clean lines, laser engraved logo and all-white accessories completing the Applesque look.

The HyperMac iPad external batteries are now available for pre-order at www.HyperMac.com and will be shipping in 2 weeks for $169 (60-watt-hour battery), $269 (100Wh), $369 (150Wh) and $469 (222Wh).

Specifications
Dimensions: 4.92 x 3.78 x 0.83" (60Wh); 7.48 x 4.92 x 0.8" (100Wh); 8.9 x 4.92 x 0.83" (150Wh); 10.1 x 5.91 x 1.34" (222Wh)
Weight: 0.8 lb (60Wh); 1.6 lbs (100Wh); 2.4 lbs (150Wh); 4.7 lbs (222Wh)
Battery: Lithium ion
4 stage LED battery level indicator lights
USB 5V/2A power out

For more product information and specifications, please visit:
www.HyperMac.com

[Atkins Posted May 10th 2010 12:48PM]

@DefPoet The relevant post I was talking about and that you were waiting for is the next one :)

[Jaylittles531 Posted May 10th 2010 12:17PM]

Prices are wrong. It says $169 on their site but when you go to the store its $199

[iGirl Posted May 10th 2010 3:47PM]

@Jaylittles531 I had to call them directly regarding their pricing because I did not see the "$169" that was advertised. Choosing the "No MacBook Cables (Using iPad/USB only) [Subtract -$30.95]" option brings it down to the pricing they were mentioning.

[mactarkus Posted May 10th 2010 12:23PM]

You'd have to be on a plane a long time to need an extemal battery for an iPad. I'm on a plane right now with mine and I won't even put a dent in the battery on this long day of traveling.

[ThinkpaxX200s Posted May 10th 2010 12:33PM]

@mactarkus
I've used Mine all Day from 7 am till 11pm and never put it away with less then 30% battery left.. Now Using it all day doesnt mean haveing one Movie after the other Running on it, I'm talking about real world use , Email (6 accounts) remote desktop client, logmein.. In the evening a few games and checking on facebook.. send some Photos to Walgreens to have them Printed. and yes listening occasionally to Music or watching a Movie.. Cant really see a reason for additional Battery support.... come to think of that I didnt think I would EVER see the day I would make a Statement like that about ANY battery powered device..

[DoctarPeppar Posted May 10th 2010 12:28PM]

All this because Apple designed their product a certain way...unbelievable

[Jack Posted May 10th 2010 12:36PM]

@DoctarPeppar

Everybody designs their products "a certain way". That is the dumbest complaint I've ever heard.

[DoctarPeppar Posted May 10th 2010 12:48PM]

@Jack
Ugh..you KNOW what I meant.
I meant because they designed the ipad to be incompatible with all the existing USB charging devices out there and also all the ipod \ iphone accessories as well.
Don't be a DB.

[Jack Posted May 10th 2010 12:57PM]

@DoctarPeppar

You're telling ME not to be a DB? Have you looked in a mirror lately?

They didn't design it to be incompatible, that's just as stupid as your first post. But since it has a 10" screen and a much larger battery than the iPhone, it needs more juice than the iPhone does even though it shares the same dock connector.

Like I was telling the guy above, not everything is a conspiracy. Believe it or not, there are actual reasons for things like this.

[DoctarPeppar Posted May 10th 2010 1:05PM]

@Jack
Troll troll troll your boat, gently down the stream.

[Jack Posted May 10th 2010 1:33PM]

@DoctarPeppar

Nice non response. Let me know when you have something intelligent to say, thanks.

[Bobula Posted May 10th 2010 12:33PM]

Great! Another thing for these dopes to hang off the side of their ipad.

[Jack Posted May 10th 2010 12:37PM]

@Bobula

Oh right, the old "All iPad buyers are stupid" argument. Because generalization works so well in arguments, AMIRITE?

[Fireblade72 Posted May 10th 2010 12:43PM]

In other words they've fitted a lower value current limiting resistor.

[jjsavage Posted May 10th 2010 1:14PM]

Maybe my laptop is special, but I've found that if I leave my iPad plugged into it for a while, even though it says "Not Charging" the battery does in fact charge. Slowly. And only if I don't do anything with it (the iPad).

[myst84 Posted May 10th 2010 2:04PM]

I'm curious is it possible to charge a laptop or net book through USB ? and if possible how much power does it require

[Mert Posted May 10th 2010 2:07PM]

Actually, even though it says it is not charging, it is charging very slowly. I tried that when I had one ;)

[kobachi Posted May 10th 2010 3:24PM]

Isn't it /better/ for it to be 'Not Charging' and instead powering the device directly? If you're charging the battery, you're wasting power on inefficiencies inherent in charging -- I'd rather power the device directly than be meta-charging.