Mobile Power Supply Boots Up Notebooks

By Staff On Mar 27 2006 - 8:00am

In expanding its lineup of mobile accessories, American Power Conversion is offering at the tip of its new-product list its model UPA9 universal power adapter. This power supply can run most leading brands of notebook computers using power from any airplane, auto or AC outlet.

The unit includes a variety of “notebook tips” and features a voltage selector switch, making it easy to set up and use, said the company. The adapter also can power two additional devices, such as a phone, PDA or MP3 player at the same time as the notebook, using a USB power port and splitter cable.

The UPA9 will be available in the first quarter at a suggested $99.99 retail.

Two other new American Power mobile accessories are the universal notebook battery 65Wh that provides up to six hours of run time and includes a voltage selector switch and LEDs that indicate remaining power capacity, and the power port accessory, an add-on to the universal notebook battery. The power port accessory allows consumers to charge devices such as cellphones, PDAs and MP3 players when AC power is unavailable.

Suggested retail for the notebook battery is $149.99, and it is currently available. The power port accessory is $19.99 and will be available in the first quarter.