Inspect A Gadget! Reviews Of Portable Power Packs For Back Packs
http://www.itechbot.com/articles/4330/1/Inspect-A-Gadget-Reviews-Of-Portable-Power-Packs-For-Back-Packs/Page1.html
Dominic Donaldson
Dominic Donaldson is a retailer of all gadgets and provides advice on all hardware. By Dominic Donaldson
Published on 10/30/2008
This article reviews the latest in gizmotic delights for those on the move. Whether you are a seasoned traveller or a high flying business person we tell you which
How often have you found yourself on the move, for work or pleasure, and need a bit of a boost? I'm not talking about necking a pro-plus or sinking a nice cold beer, although hat would be pleasurable! No, I'm talking about a power boost for your electrical goods. There are so many things we rely on that need to be powered up to operate, from MP3 players to laptops to phones, hair straighteners, cameras, gameboys, ad infinitum. Usually a bit of a charge at home can see these techy beasts operating until we get back to our homely hub of power to plug it all back in again; but sometimes us kids of today like to stay out a while.
Whether it is to trek across the Andes, hitchhike through Europe or to go and dance at a music festival for a couple of days, there is no need to go gadgetless while we are at it. Investing in a portable charger can make all the difference between getting a good shot on the digital camera and being able to take a career changing phone call to missing a shot worthy of Nat Geo and joining the dole cue. Harsh and extreme maybe, but a point never the less. Here we take a look at three products that could keep you teched up on your travels whether it's on the 8.15 to London Victoria or a tuk tuk to Timbuktu.
The Solio Magnesium Edition rechargeable power pack is a dual fuel portable battery. It can be charged via mains adaptor whenever you are near one, or by solar power if you aren't. This also make sit an interesting option for eco bods out there who do not want to stamp their carbon footprint all over the planet. Although the Solio takes a while to charge due to it's Li-ion cell, it will happily keep mobile phones, MP3 players and Blackberry's charged from a full battery over a number of days. The range of connectors that come with the device cover all types of connection with the exception of mini usb, a problem we are sure Solio will rectify.
Next up is the Phillips SCE7640 Power2Go rechargeable power pack is charged by mains power, but it's large storage capacity means that it is suitable for taking away and keeping your tech topped up. The range of connectors charge PDA's notebooks, laptops, music players etc. but it is recommended that you check the Power2Go website to ensure the right adaptor cable is available for the devices you want to charge.
Finally let's take a look at the UniRoss USB charger. Although, not strictly a portable rechargeable power pack, it is a portable battery charger, and mightily useful addition to one of the above for any devices that require AA or AAA battery power, for example beard trimmers, lady shaves, and even 'old school' CD players and MP3 players. It works by plugging into a USB port on a computer to recharge the batteries 2 batteries at a time. This could be used while using a laptop that is being charged by one of the major portable power packs, or whilst using an internet cafe computer on your travels. However, the charging times are incredibly long, requiring being hooked up for at least 3 hours.
Our advice is that if you are going on a hike that will be taking you well off the beaten path, go for the solar powered Solio. You can give it a good charge when you stumble across a power supply, or else keep your juice topped up in the desert if not. The Power2Go is preferred choice if you need more hefty charging capabilities and will be near a mains power every few days. As for the battery charger; best invest in a gadget that doesn't need AA's!
Whether it is to trek across the Andes, hitchhike through Europe or to go and dance at a music festival for a couple of days, there is no need to go gadgetless while we are at it. Investing in a portable charger can make all the difference between getting a good shot on the digital camera and being able to take a career changing phone call to missing a shot worthy of Nat Geo and joining the dole cue. Harsh and extreme maybe, but a point never the less. Here we take a look at three products that could keep you teched up on your travels whether it's on the 8.15 to London Victoria or a tuk tuk to Timbuktu.
The Solio Magnesium Edition rechargeable power pack is a dual fuel portable battery. It can be charged via mains adaptor whenever you are near one, or by solar power if you aren't. This also make sit an interesting option for eco bods out there who do not want to stamp their carbon footprint all over the planet. Although the Solio takes a while to charge due to it's Li-ion cell, it will happily keep mobile phones, MP3 players and Blackberry's charged from a full battery over a number of days. The range of connectors that come with the device cover all types of connection with the exception of mini usb, a problem we are sure Solio will rectify.
Next up is the Phillips SCE7640 Power2Go rechargeable power pack is charged by mains power, but it's large storage capacity means that it is suitable for taking away and keeping your tech topped up. The range of connectors charge PDA's notebooks, laptops, music players etc. but it is recommended that you check the Power2Go website to ensure the right adaptor cable is available for the devices you want to charge.
Finally let's take a look at the UniRoss USB charger. Although, not strictly a portable rechargeable power pack, it is a portable battery charger, and mightily useful addition to one of the above for any devices that require AA or AAA battery power, for example beard trimmers, lady shaves, and even 'old school' CD players and MP3 players. It works by plugging into a USB port on a computer to recharge the batteries 2 batteries at a time. This could be used while using a laptop that is being charged by one of the major portable power packs, or whilst using an internet cafe computer on your travels. However, the charging times are incredibly long, requiring being hooked up for at least 3 hours.
Our advice is that if you are going on a hike that will be taking you well off the beaten path, go for the solar powered Solio. You can give it a good charge when you stumble across a power supply, or else keep your juice topped up in the desert if not. The Power2Go is preferred choice if you need more hefty charging capabilities and will be near a mains power every few days. As for the battery charger; best invest in a gadget that doesn't need AA's!