Ask LH: What's The Best Way To Ensure My Gadgets Are Always Charged?

Dear Lifehacker, My smartphone — if not my laptop, tablet or something else entirely — runs out of battery regularly. I often forget to charge, but even when I do remember, I still end up dangerously close to empty. What can I do to ensure I actually charge my gadgets and maintain enough battery power to get through each day? Sincerely, Energy Inefficient

Dear E.I.,

Batteries are fickle things, and they lose their ability to operate at full capacity pretty quickly. While you can't ever ensure your gadgets keep a charge every single day, you can take measures to make that the more likely scenario. First, let's deal with your memory problem, then take a look at how you can optimise the battery life of the gadgets you're using.

Always Remember to Charge Your Gadgets


Set Well-Timed, Location-Based Reminders



Put Chargers Everywhere


Laptop power adaptors cost a bit more, so you can't buy too many of them without spending a fortune. Refurbished ones, however, get the job done just as well and cost a lot less.Alternatively, OEM and universal laptop chargers (like this one) offer steep discounts as well. Mac laptop owners should look for refurbished adaptors from third-party resellers.

Plugging a bunch of chargers into your wall means you'll draw power unnecessarily throughout the day. While this power draw is pretty minimal, even if you had devices connected 24/7, you might want to consider conservational outlets that prevent this problem if you're concerned.

Create a Modular Charger That Travels Anywhere

You can place chargers everywhere in your home and in your vehicle, but you can't always control the situation at a hotel, your office, or any other temporary location. I solved this problem by building a seven port USB travel charger. You can carry it with you, it manages all your cables, it features two ports that rapidly charge your devices, and it's great for at home as well when you're not on the go.

Get an External Battery


Optimise Your Gadgets' Battery Life



Cheers Lifehacker

Images by Jaroslav Machacek (Shutterstock), gst and Adam Dachis.


    I have a long charging dock, with customisable plugs for up to 4 gadgets next to my bed. Every night I plug my phone in, as well as whatever else I may need, like an iPod, Camera, PSP, or Headset.
    I'd tell you what brand it is, but I've forgotten, and it's not printed on the casing.

    Ask LH: What’s The Best Way To Ensure My Gadgets Are Always Charged?

    Always Remember to Charge Your Gadgets

    You needed a whole article for this?

      Couldn't agree more.

    The multi-port USB chargers are available to buy here in Australia with Australian plugs, as well as from Hong Kong on ebay but still with Australian plugs and supporting 240V AC.

    I only mention this because buying the Amazon product you linked to would require shipping to Australia, plus a plug adaptor, plus a transformer to convert 110 volts to 240 volts.

    i Have a samsung tab 7.7, I only got one AC adaptor from samsung
    When tried to charge it with the usb cable by pluging it to the USB adaptor (which works file for my phone), It says not suitable, May be because the battery is 5000 mAh for my tab.
    Is there a solution where i can charge my tablet other than from the given AC adaptor?

    Method 1 : Place it on charge when you go to bed.
    Method 2 : only works with cool phones that have swap-able batteries aka non-iphone. I have three 2300mAh batteries and a battery charger. If I know, it is going to be a long day (concert, holiday, out of the office etc..) I normally have 1 to 3 spare batteries depending on my needs.
    I have only gone trough 2 in a day while recording video and taking pictures at a festival.
    If I am going away for the weekend, I no longer take a charger with me.

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