|  Portable
power can be a real life saver for those on the go. BlackBerry™, iPod™, and PSP™ users often run low on power and need quick charging. Xantrex has introduced the Duracell PowerSource Mobile Mini designed to provide backup power to devices that use a standard mini USB interface. Inside the Mobile Mini is a 3.7VDC, 3Ah Lithium-Ion Polymer battery. The battery pack is compact; measuring only 3.25 H x 2.75 W and less than 1-inch thick. A charge indicator (green lighting bolt) flashes when the unit is charging from the AC adapter. The internal lithium-ion battery can be recharged
using several methods - indoors with the AC charger, in a vehicle with the car adapter,
and with a computer USB port.
Operation
We tested the unit with our BlackBerry 8830, which has good battery life, but can run down when used heavily. Charging is easy with the Mobile Mini and only requires the user to flip out the power plug, connect it to the device and press the main power button. The blue power indicator on the Mobile Mini illuminates when the unit is on. For protection, the unit has over-temperature shutdown, low battery voltage shutdown (2.5 volts DC with automatic reset) and overload shutdown.
Conclusion
The Mobile Mini is a powerful, yet lightweight powerpack that fits easily into a pocket or purse, so one can always be assured of backup power on the go. The cost is low (< $30 street) and the unit is very easy to use, so there is little reason to not have one for backup.
-
Kevin Nakano |
|
