mooseboy
05-23-2009, 22:38
Hey, all!
In my various hikes, I've never brought an iPod because I figured I'd run out of power quickly, and then be unable to recharge for days. I know many hikers use them, but I didn't think they'd stay powered for long enough to be worthwhile.
Lately, though, I'd been doing a lot of comparison shopping online for comparable AA or AAA chargers for phones, iPods, etc., and this one ended up seeming the best:
I just bought this for around $20 (although not through Amazon but over-the counter):
6329
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000R1C42O/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance
It's known as the Turbo Charge TC2 (the 2 is actually "squared"), and can use any type of AA batteries to keep your iPod, cell phone, etc. charged...
For a look at their full line, look here:
http://www.adrenalinetechnologies.com/products.asp#1
I don't mean to sound like I'm advertising for this company (perhaps I missed my true calling :D), since I'd never heard of them before a couple weeks ago. But they do seem to be very comprehensive when it comes to the range of devices it supports.
Although they sell this unit in various packages (iPod, Blackberry, cell phone), they are all basically the exact same device with a different adapter cord. You can get more adapter cords from the company(the first one is FREE), so by getting this I can re-power not just my iPod, but also my cell phone, without being anywhere near an AC Outlet. According to reviewers, it also works on the iPhone-- I don't have one, so can't test this theory.
Bonus #2 for backpackers: the charger has a 2-led flashlight built in, which can be used separately, and well after the batteries have lost the full power to charge the electronic device. So you can leave a spare LED light at home (not sure if I'd use it as my one & only light, though...)!
Apparently--and this is somewhat important-- it will not charge a fully depleted battery. It's important to plug this into your device before all the power is gone. But that should be pretty easy to deal with.
I know some folks here eschew any electronic gadgets in the backcountry, and that's fine... but I have found that the majority of my fellow hikers seem to have at least a cell phone, a small radio, and more recently, an mp3 player as wel (or in lieu of the radio).
Hope this helps anyone looking for a cheap, comprehensive charger! Oh, and it's only 3 oz. This also increases the carrying possibilities for hikers who carry solar battery chargers-- combined with this they have virtually unlimited charging capability without ever seeing an AC outlet.
Sorry this was so damn long. I didn't mean for it to get out of hand. :rolleyes:
Caveat: I have not tested this device in the field yet. Once I do, I'll add a follow-up. Cheers!
In my various hikes, I've never brought an iPod because I figured I'd run out of power quickly, and then be unable to recharge for days. I know many hikers use them, but I didn't think they'd stay powered for long enough to be worthwhile.
Lately, though, I'd been doing a lot of comparison shopping online for comparable AA or AAA chargers for phones, iPods, etc., and this one ended up seeming the best:
I just bought this for around $20 (although not through Amazon but over-the counter):
6329
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000R1C42O/ref=ord_cart_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance
It's known as the Turbo Charge TC2 (the 2 is actually "squared"), and can use any type of AA batteries to keep your iPod, cell phone, etc. charged...
For a look at their full line, look here:
http://www.adrenalinetechnologies.com/products.asp#1
I don't mean to sound like I'm advertising for this company (perhaps I missed my true calling :D), since I'd never heard of them before a couple weeks ago. But they do seem to be very comprehensive when it comes to the range of devices it supports.
Although they sell this unit in various packages (iPod, Blackberry, cell phone), they are all basically the exact same device with a different adapter cord. You can get more adapter cords from the company(the first one is FREE), so by getting this I can re-power not just my iPod, but also my cell phone, without being anywhere near an AC Outlet. According to reviewers, it also works on the iPhone-- I don't have one, so can't test this theory.
Bonus #2 for backpackers: the charger has a 2-led flashlight built in, which can be used separately, and well after the batteries have lost the full power to charge the electronic device. So you can leave a spare LED light at home (not sure if I'd use it as my one & only light, though...)!
Apparently--and this is somewhat important-- it will not charge a fully depleted battery. It's important to plug this into your device before all the power is gone. But that should be pretty easy to deal with.
I know some folks here eschew any electronic gadgets in the backcountry, and that's fine... but I have found that the majority of my fellow hikers seem to have at least a cell phone, a small radio, and more recently, an mp3 player as wel (or in lieu of the radio).
Hope this helps anyone looking for a cheap, comprehensive charger! Oh, and it's only 3 oz. This also increases the carrying possibilities for hikers who carry solar battery chargers-- combined with this they have virtually unlimited charging capability without ever seeing an AC outlet.
Sorry this was so damn long. I didn't mean for it to get out of hand. :rolleyes:
Caveat: I have not tested this device in the field yet. Once I do, I'll add a follow-up. Cheers!