Technocel's PowerPak: Universal Charger and Battery Pack

[Reid Kistler]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.technocel.com/DealerBusinessTools/productlines/Chargers/PowerPak.aspx' target='_blank'>http://www.technocel.com/DealerBusi...s/PowerPak.aspx</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"This ultimate universal charging solution combines a backup rechargeable battery pack with a rapid home charger. Providing the extra juice when you need it, the <a href="http://store.technocel.com/PowerPak.aspx" target="_blank">PowerPak</a>TM will recharge your handheld device at the same time as it recharges itself via the wall outlet. If you're a frequent or long talker who constantly runs out of battery in the middle of the conversation, the PowerPak was designed for you, providing up to 3 hours of extra talk time."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1279914192.usr19541.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><p>This may be the ultimate accessory for the road warrior, allowing you to leave both your device charger(s) and extra batteries at home in exchange for a single unit. Although not inexpensive at around $50 MSRP (US), the PowerPak ships with a number of interchangeable tips that promise "compatibility for 95% of all handheld USB devices," with replacement tips available individually, and has 4-LED display that provides an estimate of its own charge status. The PowerPak contains a 1000 mAh rechargeable battery and a single USB port, and is also sold as the "Universal PowerPak." If you require more reserve battery power, Technocel has announced the <a href="http://www.technocel.com/DealerBusinessTools/productlines/Chargers/PowerPak.aspx" target="_blank">PowerPak XT</a>, with a 1600 mAh lithium ion battery, as well as the <a href="http://www.technocel.com/DealerBusinessTools/productlines/Chargers/PowerPak.aspx" target="_blank">PowerPak DUO</a>, which features a 2000 mAh battery along with dual USB ports (both of these newer products are still "coming soon").</p>

[Jason Dunn]

Quite clever - though I do have to wonder about the long-term viability of the battery given that every time you charge your device in the wall you'll also be charging the battery over and over. Still, it's a slick concept.

[Hooch Tan]

It looks like the battery is sealed, so it is probably a Lithium Ion battery. I would be very interested if they had a model that allowed you to put in your own batteries, probably NimH ones or even alkaline if you're in a pinch.

[Jason Dunn]

I would be very interested if they had a model that allowed you to put in your own batteries, probably NimH ones or even alkaline if you're in a pinch.

I think it all comes down to battery performance - I have no hard numbers to back this up, but LiIon batteries tend to be the superior solution in terms of maximum power for the space. They're also lighter, though more expensive, than NiMH.

[Hooch Tan]

I think it all comes down to battery performance - I have no hard numbers to back this up, but LiIon batteries tend to be the superior solution in terms of maximum power for the space. They're also lighter, though more expensive, than NiMH.

Agreed. LiIon definitely are more energy dense, but like anything else, they wear out, and for this device, generally not user replacable. I'd be willing to live with lower capacity over flexibility. I could carry this, plus a spare pack of batteries. Or if I'm out traveling, and it is already drained, I can go to the corner store and pick up some batteries to give it a charge.

[Reid Kistler]

Agreed. LiIon definitely are more energy dense, but like anything else, they wear out, and for this device, generally not user replacable. I'd be willing to live with lower capacity over flexibility. I could carry this, plus a spare pack of batteries. Or if I'm out traveling, and it is already drained, I can go to the corner store and pick up some batteries to give it a charge.

One reason why I like devices that handle AA or AAA batteries (in a pinch...) :D

And absolutely insist on at least having a REPLACEABLE battery on any type of device where that is at all possible (cell phone; pda; notebook computer; camera...).

"User Replaceable" is usually not a problem - but there are some devices out there that are not set up with "User Replaceable" batteries, requiring you to either return to a factory service center or simply pitch the unit when the battery dies.... :mad:

Alas, cannot find any indication that Technocel offers replacement batteries for their PowerPak. OTOH, we HAVE replaced the Non-User-Replaceable batteries in a number of devices, and an internet search will often produce either suitable batteries and / or specific instructions, at least for more popular devices.... ;)