1. Introduction

The bulk of our review of Valence Technology's N-Charge Model 130HL01 external Power System is contained in this slideshow. Please be sure to visit the slideshow for detailed technical and battery life information.

Slideshow

If you want your notebook computer to run longer on battery power you have a number of options:

use the power saving settings on your computer carry multiple charged standard batteries carry one or more high capacity batteries use an external battery power system

Valence Technology offers an interesting external power solution with their N-Charge Model 130HL01 Power System. The Valence website claims some pretty high battery life numbers with up to ten hours of extended life, and a rapid recharge time of two to four hours, but we're never satisfied until we've put something through our own tests.

Though you can purchase N-Charge kits with an adapter for specific notebook computers, you can also buy the basic product without an adapter for around $300. Adapters for specific computers cost $50. You can also purchase tips that plug into an adapter's own tip and support other notebooks. The good news is that you can build an external battery system that supports a number of notebook computers, one at a time, without having to buy a separate battery for each.

For a list of notebooks that are compatible with the N-Charge system check out Valence's compatibility list here.

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