The Perfect Power Tool for the iPad-Packing World Traveler

From your gadget-obsessed sister (who lives for her iPad) to your garden-obsessed uncle (who thinks apple is a fruit) A special report

The iPad and iPhone have great battery life, but sometimes life still outruns lithium ion. While an increasing number of planes and trains have power outlets, many still don't, which means you can get stuck with no juice at precisely the time (a transcontinental flight, say) that you don't want to be.

That's why we're recommending the New Trent IMP99D, a simple gadget that serves as a USB charger and spare battery for your devices. For a little more than $60, you can extend the battery life of your iPhone 4 more than 6 times. New Trent says that you can use your phone for 45 hours using its battery without plugging it in. For the iPad 2, it merely doubles your battery life to something like 18 hours.

This charger is, of course, a completely optional add on, but that's exactly why it's a great gift for the person who already has all the cool gadgets.