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(More customer reviews)This package (UltraLast Green USB On-the-Go Charger) is very compact and inexpensive, but I'm amazed by the number of functions it can provide. Here are the components included in this package:
- AC wall adapter (100-240V AC input) with an USB output port (5V 1A)
- A tiny 2-cell battery charger with USB input/output port
- USB cable with interchangeable plugs for normal-, mini- and micro-USB ports
- Two 2100mAh pre-charged AA cells
From those components, you can perform various functions such as:
1. Use the AC adapter (with appropriate USB cable) to run/recharger your USB-powered devices, such as MP3 player, digital camera or smart phone.
2. Use the AC adapter (with USB-USB cable) to power the 2-cell battery charger, and recharge 2xAA or 2xAAA NiMH cells.
3. You can also connect the 2-cell battery charger to any USB port on your computer, to recharge your batteries. This is very useful when you don't have the AC adapter around.
4. With a set of fully charged NiMH cells, you can use the same 2-cell charger to generate a 5V regulated output at the USB port, simply by flipping a switch from 'IN' to 'OUT' position. This makes a very good compact USB charger for your media player or cell phone during long trips. It is cheaper and more flexible compared to a delicated product such as the Duracell Instant USB Charger with Lithium ion battery.
5. In case of emergency, you can even power the USB port using two alkaline AA batteries, just so that you can recharge your cell phone.
On the other hand, there are several limitations with this package:
- The battery charger only charges in pair, and has no charge-termination signal. That is: it simply charges at 180mA FOREVER. It is up to you to remember when to disconnect the input power.
- The maximum output current from this battery charger's USB port is specified at only 300mA, instead of the 500mA limit for a normal USB port. Therefore it may not be unable to power more demanding USB-powered devices, such as digital cameras.(*)
- The AC adapter is unnecessarily bulky. It should be made into lower profile, like the rest of the package.
In my case, I intend to use a better travel charger (Sanyo MDR02) to recharge my NiMH cells, and only utilize this UltraLast 2-cell charger as an USB-power port. I have tested it successfully with my Philips GoGear Aria MP3 Player and Motorola W755 cell phone. So for that I'm satisfied with this package.
(*)Update on Dec 7, 2010:
After running some tests to determine the USB port's current limit, I was pleasantly surprised. The unit is actually able to supply about 500-600mA at the USB output port.
Currently, I'm using this package with my Archos 5 500 GB Internet Tablet. The AC-powered USB charger is for home, and the battery-powered USB charger is for travel.
Click Here to see more reviews about: UltraLast Green 2AA/AAA/USB On-the-Go Charger with 2 AA Everyday Precharged Batteries
Two-way charging power means flexibility-Charge AA or AAA rechargeable batteries with AC-USB wall adapter or through a USB port. - Charge electronic devices through USB port from fully charged batteries. - Compact, sliding design allows for easy storage-perfect for travel! - LED indicator light illuminates to show charging direction-LED glows red when IN/OUT switch set to 'IN", batteries receiving power. - LED glows green when IN/OUT switch set to 'OUT", electronic device receiving power from fully charged batteries. - Packaged in eco-friendly materials, including post-consumer recycled cardboard and recyclable PET plastic. - Includes:AA UltraLast Green Everyday Rechargeablebatteries - AC-USB wall adapter - Interchangeable USB cable, with USB and Mini USB connectors.
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