I like to watch movies on my iPod Touch on long flights, so after looking into a number of dedicated iPod battery solutions that cost $75 or more, I found this nifty solution for a fraction of the cost. Since I wasn't sure how much extra juice I would need for video playback for up to ten hours, I picked up three of these when they were on sale for $15, figuring that would be enough to do the job.
I ran the fully charged iPod with one of these batteries connected from the outset (as opposed to waiting for the iPod to drain and then recharge it later), and, surprisingly, made it through an entire long haul flight from L.A. to Tokyo with only one battery. In fact, there was still plenty of charge left on the iPod when I landed, so the other two batteries turned out to be unnecessary. Since these Lithium-Ion batteries are so lightweight, it didn't matter anyway -- I see no downside to a little overkill when it comes to reserve power. The only minor gripe I have is that it's easy to accidentally hit the ON/OFF switch when stuffing these into my bag, which seems to allow them to discharge more rapidly over time. A little care when packing should prevent this.
This product is an example of a simple, elegant solution that's also very low cost compared with dedicated recharging products. I'd recommend investing in a couple of these to anyone who depends on portable devices that can be charged via USB. Duracell Instant USB Charger with Lithium ion battery / includes universal cable with USB and mini USB,
I've been extremely happy with this product! With the unit fully charged, it will take my iPhone 3G from about 1/4 charge to a full charge in about 45 minutes. It's an extremely simple design. It has a mini-USB connector on the bottom labeled IN which is where you plug it in to charge, and then a full-sized USB connector labeled OUT on the top where you connect your device's USB cable. The IN port has an LED indicator which is RED while the unit is charging and GREEN once it's fully charged. On the face of the unit near the "copper top" there's another indicator light that is GREEN while charging your iPhone/Blackberry/RAZR and RED once charging is complete and the unit is drained.
I would highly recommend this unit for heavy iPhone users on the go. It's not the most optimal solution, but until Apple makes an iPhone with interchangeable batteries, it's the best option we've got.
Been looking for a solution like this and my thought process was to buy a battery from a battery manufacturer rather than a Belkin or Griffin. Works perfectly and is a great spare battery. It is also very very light so you can keep it plugged in while using the phone that's being charged!
I used to use a "MintyBoost" power supply, but the thing always seemed to have dead batteries and it is rather heavy, so I reluctantly decided to look for a replacement. This Duracell looked like the most responsive to my needs--others are beefier but they are much bigger and heavier--so I took a run at this one and have been pretty pleased. It's feather light and will charge off of just about any USB output, and it provides enough juice to charge and/or operate most USB appliances at least partially. The on-off switch is handy and not overly easy to flip on by accident. It has a charging state indicator on one end next to the "input" and a power state indicator on the top fascia next to the Duracell logo. I have gotten it to work successfully and consistently with my 3G iPod, Blackberry, and Plantronics Blue-Toof earbuds. I have gotten it to work with my 2G Kindle only once, with difficulty, and slooooowly--I don't know what the problem is here, still troubleshooting on this; it could be something about my USB micro adapter. Since the Kindle's battery life is EXTREMELY long and since I classify the Kindle as not-quite-essential during travel--there is wailing and gnashing without it, but I survive and am not fired--this is not a huge big deal, though it is annoying. Hence, 4 instead of 5 stars (for now at least).
Something I had trouble confirming from Duracell's website--which, by the way, is not overly informative as it is mostly MARKETING HYPE about their AWESOME PRODUCTS and how many MILLIAMP HOURS they all offer, and doesn't provide device compatibility or current capability info that I can find--is that there is an A-type USB female on one end that is the "output" and a 5-pin B-type USB mini female on the other end that is the "input." This is the layout you would expect but I had a deuce of a time confirming it before purchase. Thus, for most appliances, the plugs, adapters, and gee-gaws you already have will let you use this unit-no need to buy more. It ships with a wee little A-type male to 5-pin B-type male that is actually kind of handy itself.
Recommended, but be wary if you want to use it with a Kindle.
LATER ADDITION: Now eight months later and I've had some time to use it. I weigh it at 1.5 ounces, and it has 1100mAh capacity with 0.6A / 3W max load printed on the label. There is an indicator on it that tells you when it's on, when it's charged, and when it needs charging. You can get a well-reviewed 5000mAh supply for about 5 ounces, but I'm thinking of buying a second one of these so that I have a backup around if I screw up and discharge one and because I am tired of lugging heavy crap all over the world's largest airports on a regular basis. These performance numbers seem reasonable to me; I get about a third of a tank if I empty it into my iPhone 4, and my older Blackberry would accept it, too (you know they're crazy at AIM about having 500mA on their charger input), so the 600mA seems plausible. - Cell Phone Battery Charger - Battery Charger - Cell Phone Accessory - Charger'
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