Anyone know if there is batterys available out there which last longer than the poxy 1 you get as standard for the n96?

You could try a BL-6F (1200mah) battery. See my post:

http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/forum/showthread.php?t=76551ck

Be warned though I have heard reports Nokia may have done something to the phone so it doesn't work with the BL-6F battery properly. Another reason not to opt for the n96 over the n85...

Dont touch third party batteries.

Only very few people say they actually get an increase in power, they all say that it drops off fast over a month or 2 of use, and becomes worse than the original battery.