Cingular Go Phone: Sanyo eneloop Mobile USB Booster for iPhone, iPod, PSP, Cell Phones and All USB Powered Devices Review

Specs:
Input: DC 5.0V 500mA/1A
Output: DC 5.0V 500Ax2
Built-in Li-ion Battery 3.7V/5000mAh(19Wh)
For use with Adaptor KBC L2ADU only
Figured you should look at the specs first before continuing to read since that should help you rule out whether or not this can charge your device.
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This Amazon Nov 2008 offering from Sanyo has 2 usb outlets. Got it in a good sale (instant rebate) in Feb 2008. I usually wait 6m to a yr or after warranty expires before writing a review since that gives me a better idea of how well the product a product performed. I am so happy with this product I am writing about it now with only a month of usage. Compare this to the earlier Li-Ion extenders such as Proporta(UK) or Radio Shack(US) models, MACALLY External Battery which are from 2007 or earlier. Innovation and product improvement is great. I'll report again in 90days if I find out I should have stuck to my regular writing routine.:+)

Approximately 4 charges or 240 min according to manf. specs.

Quick Guide: I only mention this because it took a little digging to other sites to find this info. As other users noted, the instructions got rather compressed in the new packaging of 2009.

Charging the Booster:
Charge with USB or Wall adaptor. LED indicator blinks blue to tell you it is charging.
Steady blue: it's done and ready to use.

Charging your device with the Booster (how to use it):
1) plug USB end into battery. Plug device end to your device. Press on LED OUT button.
It will blink a code.

2) keep an eye out on your charge time. This is like turning on a faucet to fill a bucket (your device). You have to remember to shut off the faucet or else it will keep fililng (discharging until there is no more water (electricity) in the tank). This is an analogy, please do not take it literally (there is no water in the device).

I usually allocate 1 hr to my device but that is approximate depending on how much charging is needed.
If you charge 2 devices at the same time, divide your total time left in 2.

As a newbie, I had wondered why the device doesn't just shut down charging when it's full but this seems standard for any battery extender (alkaline and Li-Ion).The only off switch is the user unplugging the device.

My Palm TX has a lightening bolt indicator to let me know the device is charging. It gives the percentage charged so I know to stop when it has reached 100%. My E2 just has a battery guage. Find out what your device uses to indicate "Power's Up!" I was surprised by one GPS user who reported no charge indicator on her device.

Pros: portability, compact palm size (smaller and stronger than older editions from other companies), 2 USB outlets, battery can be charged from wall outlet or USB port from a computer. Solar charger could also work (could depending on conditions). Flash code to tell you usability left in battery. LED indicator light is bright enough to double as a night light on the nights it's being charged. Clean white plastic casing is easy to spot in the dark.

Cons: no usage meter but you get used to understanding the flash codes with a few repetitions (see specs at end of this review). No carry kit. You can get a nice leather, cloth, canvas pouch from a street fair/ethnic store or the cosmetics section of a pharmacy for a few bucks.

***Things to be aware of*****
* Requires direct usb charger cable, trickle charge cable for Palm devices works but direct power cable charges faster. If you device, MP3, IPOD, cell phone does not have a USB charge cable option, this is not for you so check your device specs/ops before you buy this.

For Palm TX, E2 users: This charge cable works much better than the default trickle charge cable that came with the original packaging. Trickle charge can take up to 5 hrs. Direct charge is usually done in 1 to 1.5 hrs. Amazon specs it for Treo but it is the same one listed in Palm direct for a TX or E2. I have used it for both with the Booster and computer.
USB Charging Cable for Treo 3300WW
* This is for US current. If overseas, you can charge from your computer or use an overseas current adaptor. If sending as a gift, check for an overseas version before shipping this made for US current device because you will also need to include an adaptor. Google for more Sanyo Eneloop products. They also offer solar chargers which I would like to find in US to supplement the wall/usb charge options.

* If you have slippery hands (dishpan fingers) like me, then a little rhinestone stickums on the ports and some rubber paint (craft) or athletic tape (canvas) will help keep a better grip and locate ports easily by touch.

I use this for backpacking/kayaking since it is more efficient than relying on solar power in Northern CAL climes (trees and more trees block sunlight). I live in the state that has some of the oldest (bristlecone pine), the tallest (redwoods), and the largest(sequoias) trees. They are great for history but lousy for solar charging devices. Compared to their cost and still developing tech, this is a good investment but requires access to wall or usb charge source. I am usually charging my devices after sundown and in darkness hence the mods to be able to handle the charging without sight. This new device is very very useful and reliable.

Hackers should be able to figure out additional charging methods.

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Wt: 130 g
Dimensions: 62x70x22mm
It's small and fits in the palm in general.

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Recharge:
Via the power outlet or computer USB
7 hrs for power outlet
14 hrs for USB outlet

Plug in: steady blue and then flashes
When flashing stops, unit is charged and ready for use.

Voltage: five volts (5vDC) at 500 mA

**Charge your portable device:**
* 240 min total charging cap
* 120 min if charging 2 devices at the same time

Your mileage varies depending on how fast and how much your device pulls.

Flash guide:

Plug in device with device's USB charge cable.
Push DC Out button about 1 sec until LED flashes code.
1 steady flash: USB ports are ON and ready to charge your device.
* 3 flashes: usable
* 6 flashes fast: time to recharge the booster. Don't use anymore to charge your device
* No flash: definitely empty, recharge it.

Hope this helps you in the quest for portable power.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sanyo eneloop Mobile USB Booster for iPhone, iPod, PSP, Cell Phones and All USB Powered Devices

Product Description:
New eneloop Mobile USB Booster allows you to charge your USB powered devices. Instant back-up power for all your mobile needs. Recharge your mobile booster with any powered USB port or any AC wall outlet. World wide voltage ready! The Mobile USB booster comes equipped with two USB outports, allowing you to power two USB devices at the same time! Using Lithium ION technology which is more powerful than most device batteries you can leave the wires at home with the eneloop Mobile USB Booster, take the booster with you anywhere and anytime. Lightweight hand held size makes it convenient for travel and it complies with travel regulations. Never be caught without a charge. The Mobile USB Booster, with a modern design for mobile terminal devices such as MP3 players or portable game consoles, expands the eneloop product range. Once charged via the USB port of a computer or via any AC power outlet, the Lithium-Ion batteries of the eneloop Mobile USB Booster solves power shortages of mobile/hand held devices. When traveling or outdoors, the white eneloop Mobile USB Boosters are the ideal emergency companions when the batteries of the hand held / mobile devices are drained and no power outlet is available for charging. The eneloop Mobile USB Booster charger supplies an MP3 player or a mobile telephone with power for up to 70 minutes via the 2 USB ports Lithium-ion batteries and, as a result, offer an even higher capacity. The KBC-L2S is particularly powerful due to its two lithium-ion batteries and has two USB output connectors so that two mobile devices can be simultaneously rendered operational again for approximately two hours. Another feature is the AC connector with which this versatile Mobile Booster can also be recharged via the power outlet while enabling the charging time to be reduced from 14 to seven hours. eneloop Mobile USB Booster has a voltage of five volts (5vDC) at 500 mA.