Posts Tagged universal charger
Review: Powerpak Portable Battery and Charger
First, I have to confess to having a soft spot for universal, portable chargers. Any gadget that can replace two or more dedicated chargers—and add some extra features along the way—qualifies for a place in my suitcase.
Technocel’s Powerpak Portable Battery and Home Charger is one of the latest entries in the field. And this lightweight, well-designed charger will power a wide range of devices, including cell phones, MP3 players, e-readers and Bluetooth headsets.
The Powerpak itself only weighs about three ounces and connects to an AC outlet with a built-in, flip-down plug. That charges the built-in 1,000 mAh battery and, at the same time, can recharge your portable gear. Then, when you’re away from a plug, the battery pack can still recharge your gadgets, providing up to three hours of extra talk time on a phone.
Cables are included to power Blackberry, Palm, LG and Samsung phones, and a whole host of gear with mini- and micro-USB connectors which (I hope) are becoming more of a standard. There’s also a standard USB plug on the charger/battery pack, which opens the door to charging many more devices. (Technocel recommends using Apple-supplied cables for charging iPods and iPhones.)
A row of LED lights lets you know how much power is left in the rechargeable battery. It’s a very simple design and sized just right for travelers.
The Powerpak retails for $49.99, but the street price is less at Amazon.
The design, light weight and compatibility with a wide range of gear are the standout features of the Technocel Powerpak. It can keep your gear going no matter where you travel.
Posted by JohnG in Business Gear, General Gear, Travel Light on June 22nd, 2010
Review: IDAPT i3 Charger Keeps Gear Going
It doesn’t take long to accumulate enough travel gadgets—cell phones, MP3 players, GPS units, digital cameras and more—to get frustrated with the number of chargers required to keep them all running.
Maybe one day things will improve, but right now there’s little standardization when it comes to chargers. That’s where universal charging solutions such as the IDAPT i3 come in to make charging easier and clutter-free.
One thing I like about this charging station is it’s compatible with literally thousands of different devices, including the iPhone and iPod, Blackberry and many brands of cell phones and smartphones, Bluetooth headsets, GPS navigators, cameras and even game consoles. It can even be used to recharge AA and AAA batteries.
The IDAPT i3 starts with a base unit that will handle three snap-in, interchangeable tips. Six of the most popular tips are included in the box, or you can custom choose four tips if ordered directly from the manufacturer. Other tips can be purchased separately.
The IDAPT i3 would work well on a desk at home. But its small size and light weight make it roadworthy, too, for charging up your gear in hotel rooms. It weighs just over half a pound. The base unit is 4.3″ by 6.7″ and just over an inch tall.
The unit includes three independent, self-regulated chargers allowing three devices to be charged at the same time. It would also work well for international travel, since the charger can be plugged in to either 120 volts or 240 volts.
The IDAPT i3 won’t bust the budget, with a retail price of $59.99 and a slightly cheaper street price from Amazon. It’s available in four colors—black, white, pink and silver.
My only concern about this charger is how my smartphone, for example, is held upright entirely by the charging plug. That’s probably not a concern for smaller, lighter gadgets. But I’d be a little worried that, over time, the balancing act might loosen the plug on my heavier smartphone. That might not happen at all, but you may want to consider it when charging heavier devices.
Overall, the IDAPT i3 is a versatile, affordable and travel-ready universal charger. It’s an excellent way to save space, get rid of cable clutter and keep your gadgets going.
Posted by JohnG in Business Gear, General Gear, Travel Light on May 11th, 2010
