You know you've been there. Killing time before a flight, you realize your phone has no juice left. Not only do you have to get through a flight, but you may have to make calls when you land. Finding unoccupied power outlets in airports is a tricky business that requires luck and cunning. Samsung believes in making its own luck, and has installed 50 phone charging stations in New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport.Having your cell phone go dead just before boarding a flight really does stink, especially if you planned to use it to keep yourself entertained during the flight. Most airports I've traveled to seem to be bereft of power outlets. (Perhaps by design?) Power outlets that are actually out in the open are quickly surrounded by those with mobile devices that need recharging.

Samsung is providing some relief to the lithium-ion deprived traveler in the form of charging stations. According to a press release, "The charging stations are outfitted with four outlets per station, allowing several travelers to re-charge their electronic devices at the same time for free. The stations are built to charge personal electronics designed for U.S. voltage (i.e., 120 volts), and are also equipped with a small shelf to hold travelers' mobile phones and other electronic equipment." The press release doesn't specify if outlets are being provided, or if Samsung-specific phone chargers are being provided.

"Samsung Mobile Charging Stations are designed to give travelers an easy way to keep their phones, laptops, and other gadgets charged while on-the-go," said Bill Ogle, chief marketing officer of Samsung Mobile in a prepared statement. "With the summer travel season in full swing, we expect the charging stations to be a big a hit at one of nation's busiest airports, Newark Liberty International."

Newark Liberty International airport happens to be the airport I (begrudgingly) use to depart for destinations around the world. I am typically good about making sure my phone(s) are charged before leaving on a trip. What I am more often concerned about is keeping my laptop's battery fully charged. How about it, Apple, can you install Mac-charging stations at the airport, too?

;)