Backup Power Options for Laptop When Power Outage?

newmann said:

Now if it was a car battery or a deep cycle battery kept in an apartment, is that okay or not?

Click to expand...

Winuser said:

Even though it could be done, I wouldn't. Lead acid batteries are very dangerous. They can release explosive gases and the acid can do a lot of damage. For example, would you like to explain to your landlord how the carpet got destroyed by battery acid?

Click to expand...

newmann said:

But based on what I just posted... the PW7018LC usb-c powerbank I just bought would work okay with my new xps 15 9520 then? I was told by 2 other people... 1 who is very knowledgeable that there is no danger or risk to using it. The worst case is it won't charge it at heavy load.


Anyone can look at the numbers that I posted on the 3rd page and tell me if they have any opinion on this? Because i need to know as soon as possible whether I should return the PW7018LC or not.

Click to expand...

Winuser said:

I don't think it would cause a problem with your new laptop. What I think will happen is that you will see a longer recharge time and a shorter usage time when running off of the battery pack.

Click to expand...

newmann said:

Okay 2 people told me there is no risk at all using this powerbank with my xps 15 9520. They said it would slow charge and maybe not charge if the load is too high. So if that is the case, would you still keep it if you need a powerbank?



Yea after what you post about the car battery, I don't think I want to do that anymore. So I can't keep a generator inside due to the gas... and with the car battery you have to be concern also a bit about gas right? There is one person I spoke to on this who have their own homemade UPS system. They used a car battery, inverter and a charger I believe. They actually have 2 batteries. They have it on 24/7. When I asked that person about any concern on gas smell or anything like that, that person said they put it in the stairwell in their condo and also open the windows. So they have to do that right? That person said you have to keep windows opened. That person said if you were to get 1 car battery, when you charge it... make sure windows and door is open. You would agree on this right? They however said but when it isn't charging and you leave it in the apartment, that should be no issue. They also recommended you should charge it every week or 2 so it would keep a charge in case you need the backup.


So that above is pretty accurate right? Thus best to avoid the car battery because of these concerns?

Click to expand...

Winuser said:

I would go with a jumper box. The batter is sealed and much safer than messing with a car battery.

Click to expand...

newmann said:

Okay 2 people told me there is no risk at all using this powerbank with my xps 15 9520. They said it would slow charge and maybe not charge if the load is too high. So if that is the case, would you still keep it if you need a powerbank?



Yea after what you post about the car battery, I don't think I want to do that anymore. So I can't keep a generator inside due to the gas... and with the car battery you have to be concern also a bit about gas right? There is one person I spoke to on this who have their own homemade UPS system. They used a car battery, inverter and a charger I believe. They actually have 2 batteries. They have it on 24/7. When I asked that person about any concern on gas smell or anything like that, that person said they put it in the stairwell in their condo and also open the windows. So they have to do that right? That person said you have to keep windows opened. That person said if you were to get 1 car battery, when you charge it... make sure windows and door is open. You would agree on this right? They however said but when it isn't charging and you leave it in the apartment, that should be no issue. They also recommended you should charge it every week or 2 so it would keep a charge in case you need the backup.


So that above is pretty accurate right? Thus best to avoid the car battery because of these concerns?

Click to expand...

geneo said:

Why not use a powerverter that plugs into the cigarette lighter format charger? I have used that for emergencies to charge my devices and for charging my laptop when in the field doing photography. We have a number of power outages here because of the many trees etc. last one lasting almost a day. It does not drain your car battery significantly.

Click to expand...

newmann said:

I do not know anything about this. So which equipment do you need to buy for all of this? Where do you keep it? Can you keep it inside your apartment until you need it?

Click to expand...

geneo said:

Yes, it is small. I keep one in my car and bring what I need charged out to the car and plug it in.

For example

https://www.amazon.com/Tripp-Lite-Inverter-Outlets-PV375/dp/B0000AI0OF/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1CEOA0G2T6RGG&keywords=powerverter&qid=1666651858&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjE0IiwicXNhIjoiMi4zNSIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=powerverte%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-4

And there are cheaper ones. Just search for powerverter.

Going for higher wattage necessitates direct connection to the battery, but your don't need that much wattage to charge a laptop or phone.

Click to expand...

newmann said:

Okay. So you need to buy a car battery. Then you also need what you posted in the link. So you only need these 2 things? I thought a 3rd item was necessary? Someone else told me it required 3 items?


But if I have no place to keep it... then it is not recommended to keep it in a small apartment right? I do not have a car or any other place to store it.

Click to expand...

geneo said:

No, you use your car battery. You turn your car on to accessories, plug the powerverter into the cigarette lighter port of your car, then plug your laptop charger into one of the AC outlets of the powerverter.

Click to expand...

newmann said:

I never ever owned a car. So you can see how complicated this gets for me.


That is why I am asking these questions.

Click to expand...

newmann said:

Okay. So you need to buy a car battery. Then you also need what you posted in the link. So you only need these 2 things? I thought a 3rd item was necessary? Someone else told me it required 3 items?
You buy the inverter

But if I have no place to keep it... then it is not recommended to keep it in a small apartment right? I do not have a car or any other place to store it.

Click to expand...