Well almost never…While smartphones are becoming more and more powerful, battery technology has generally not advanced.  Unfortunately poor battery takes its tole when we are using our powerful mobile devices throughout the day.  As much as I love my android phone (currently the Sprint Evo 4g), I can’t stand how the poor the battery life.  Before I found a solution, I could not enjoy browsing the web, watching Youtube videos, or listening to music without worrying about seeing the red battery alert of death.  Though it may not be an ideal solution I have a way for you to never allow your phone to die and be unusable.

How so?
While searching on ebay, I found a package for an extra battery and a 2 in 1 USB Battery Charger.  Most smartphone batteries are small enough that they can fit in your pocket (or your purse) without being too much of an annoyance.  As a result, I never felt that carrying around a spare battery was too bothersome.  Actually, because my phone was such a power hog bought a few extra batteries.

2 in 1 USB Battery Charger:
The 2 in 1 USB Charger allows for you to charge your phone via USB and also charge a spare battery.  This is extremely convenient. When I bought it, I didn’t realize how much time & stress it would save me. The ones that I usually purchase display one color while charging and another color when charging is completed.  When the extra battery has full power, the charger stops charging.  In my opinion, this is a vital tool for a smartphone poweruser.

My Pattern:
I had 3 extra batteries for my Evo.  I know your thinking that is too much, but since I lost 2 now I only have 1 extra. Usually when I am at home, I charge all the batteries.  When I am leaving the house for more than 5/6 hours I bring both batteries.  I usually do this even when I know I will not need them.  It has become a good habit.  Especially because you always end up being out of the house longer than what you plan.

When I will only be out of the house for a couple hours I typically leave the one at home and let it charge if need be.  Usually I come home and plan to go somewhere for the night, I switch batteries and go about my business.  It allows me to be carefree and not have to think about, “Man, I need to stay home and allow my phone to charge for at least an hour so I can have 80-90% battery before I leave the house!”.  When a 2 in 1 Charger is part of your life you hardly have to worry about this.  Of course there are the times when I forget to charge one of my spare batteries and I get caught having to worry and watch my power consumption.  While I hate these moments, at least they occur few and far in between.

Where to buy:
I recommend purchasing the accessories through ebay.  I have found that ebay has mobile accessories for much cheaper than other mobile sites &/or service stores such as the Sprint Store, Verizon Store, etc.  Here is an example of an 2 in 1 Charger Auction for the Evo.  These accessories frequently come from China.  If you search the net you will find mixed reviews on the spare batteries.  In my experience however, I have found no problems.  The only thing worth noting is that the Chinese batteries are not as powerful as the standard or OEM batteries.  I estimate they die 15% faster than the OEM batteries.  Either way for the amount of money that I have saved, I definitely think it is worth it.

If you would like a higher quality solution, I recommend the Seido Multi Function Chargers.

For the last couple years I have been using this method.  I have purchased packages for my Sprint Evo 4g, Touch Pro 2, and Touch Pro.  Frequently the package comes with 2 batteries.