Posts Tagged universal power supply
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
Power for the Road: Innergie mCube Pro
I’m a huge fan of universal power supplies. Anything that can replace several different power adapters for my gadgets—and that can lighten my load—earns a place in my suitcase.
One of the latest (and sleekest) entries in the field, the mCube Pro from Innergie, debuted at the recent 2010 International CES. This next-generation adapter fills the bill for powering and charging a wide range of devices on the ground, in the car and in the air.
Innergie gave me a chance to preview the mCube Pro, which can easily replace the power supply of most laptop computers. Tips to fit most laptops, including my Dell 12″ and 15″, are included. If you need a different one, Innergie will send it out for the cost of shipping.
The mCube Pro power supply also includes a USB port that, with the right cable, will power and charge a whole host of other devices, including cell phones, MP3 players, GPS units, e-readers and more. A small part of the mCube Pro detaches for use on airplanes and in cars. Adapters are included for lighter plugs (for cars and in some planes) as well as EmPower connections used by other airlines.
The mCube Pro provides up to 65 watts of continuous power, 90 watts peak, which should power most newer laptops with up to 17″ screens. It will accept 120- or 240-volt inputs, a plus for international travelers. There’s built-in protection for voltage and current fluctuations and short circuits.
All this in a well-built unit that’s light and compact, weighing seven ounces (199 g) and measuring just under four inches (128.8 mm) long.
For those interested in saving the planet, Innergie also has a green side. The all-in-one power supply is very energy efficient, earning the Energy Star certification.
“Innergie’s adapters are more energy efficient than the chargers that come packaged with devices,” says PS Tang, Innergie’s co-founder and vice president. “Ideally, universal adapters will become an industry standard that will help eliminate the millions of obsolete power cords and chargers that end in landfills each year.”
Look for the mCube Pro—the sucessor to the award-winning, $99.99 mCube 90—to be available soon on Innergie’s website. The company is also expanding its distribution through Amazon.com, Futuretronics retail stores and other stores in the next few months.
The Innergie mCube Pro works well and looks just as good as it works. For travelers (like me) who would be lost without power for our gear, it’s well worth packing.
Posted by JohnG in Business Gear, General Gear, Travel Light on February 2nd, 2010
