I have to write this short rave for the Maxell Backup Battery Pack because it worked so far beyond my expectations, I am very happy with my purchase.

Interested in extending the battery life of my new iPod Touch for a long flight to Asia I set out reading about iPod battery packs. Ultimately I chose the Maxell Backup Battery Pack which I picked up from Target for $22.49 plus tax and shipping.

Most battery back-up packs for the iPod are actually batteries that you charge and then plug into your iPod to extend the iPod’s internal battery cycle. Each claim different operating times, attach in different ways and cost up to $99.

The Maxell Backup Battery Pack for iPod takes 4 AA batteries which are commonly available worldwide. I had no time to test this device before I left for Tokyo so I bought 16 batteries, put 4 into the Maxell Backup Battery Pack and left for the airport.

To make a really long story short, I don’t know how long this Maxell Backup Battery Pack will keep the new iPod Touch operating. I only used the back-up while in transit. After 24 hours of travel my iPod Touch remained fully charged and the back-up battery strength indicator, four small lights, showed half power remaining in the 4 AA batteries. I switched them out for the return flights to be safe and still came home carrying extra batteries. This back-up cost less than $30 with a set of AA batteries and exceeded expectations and product data sheets.

The Maxell backup battery comes with a mass of plastic designed to hold iPods other than the Touch. I didn’t care if it fit or not and threw away all but the battery pack which I sat on the seatback tray and leaned my iPod up against. Easily separated for carry in my pocket to reduce carry-on luggage; I think I was the only person with simply a passport, an iPod & headphones, this backup battery and a pack of gum for 22 hours of flights. (I carried a FOM neck pillow in my hand as my one carry-on.)

It worked for me and I used regular copper-tops.
For my upcoming flight to Brazil I am just going to install one pack of Lithium batteries and charge my iPod in between flights and while on tour. If I do need more AA batteries, they are sometimes easier to come by than an electric outlet.

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