+T for the mp3car link
Sure looks like the cheapest DC - DC converter to use for the mini (and it has both my power requirements). I'll look into the efficiency, too bad the cooling looks active -- I wonder if I can retrofit a heat sink instead.
Alas its a SLA solution for sure, I feel like this is doable with lion. Maybe I can find some weirdo 12v cells.
I've actually already got a similar DC DC converter (so Im familier with this setup) -- but that one is 12 --> 12/5 (for my old 500mhz transmeta rig at 5V).
The old rig used half the power (I assembled it all from low power components myself), but, the mini is just elegant
RE: 1200mah lion cells in parallel
I could certainly build my own pack if I was a little more versed in programming/electronics. As far as I know however, its an extremely dangerous feat to discharge/charge lion's without custom matching controller circuitry (which I dont know how to build). This is the reason why hobbyists usually stick to NiMH, SLA, or pre-built lithium packs.