Energizer Instant Charger Made for iPod/iPhone

Before Hurricane Sandy made landfall, forecasters in my area warned of prolonged power outages that could possibly last a week or longer. Thankfully, my area didn't take the brunt of the storm, but it got me thinking about what I would do for communications during a prolonged outage. I have a couple external, rechargeable batteries I could use to charge my iPhone, but what would I do once they were dead? Solar chargers are available, but the technology doesn't seem to be quite there yet and most reviews indicate they can take up to a week of clear, blue skies to recharge fully.

The Energizer Instant Charger is a practical choice. Although it comes with single-use Lithium batteries (expensive), you can use any brand rechargeable AA NiMH batteries in it (I personally like Rayovac's Hybrid AA batteries, which can be found for under ten dollars for a 4-pack at many stores). This allows you to keep as many backup batteries on hand as you like in the event of a power outage (you can use alkalines as well). So if it comes down to it, you could keep your phone charged with batteries from your remotes, clocks, etc. And for times when you don't need it, you can use the batteries in your Wiimotes, digital cameras, and other devices, so you don't need to keep batteries specifically dedicated to this charger.

PROs

+ Three NiMH batteries can take my iPhone 4S to a full charge.

+ The charger only turns on when it is connected to your phone, so you don't have to worry about it accidentally turning on and draining in your pocket

+ When your phone hits 100%, this charger automatically shuts off. You can override this by hitting the power button on the charger if you want to "trickle" charge your phone.

+ No internal battery to worry about eventually "wearing out" from too many charge cycles. Simply buy new AA rechargeable batteries if the ones you have start to wear out.

CONs

Connector is flimsy, so you probably don't want to carry your phone around while it's charging for fear of the connector bending and breaking off

I know it's only a matter of time until I lose the cap for the connector

It uses the Apple 30-pin connector, so it will not work with the new iPhone 5 or any Android phones (however, I believe this is also keeping the price of the device fairly low at the time of this writing)

Nice little unit, and when you figure that the included 3 Lithium Energizer run almost $2 each even in a multipack, you have to figure it's pretty good value.

Not sure where this goes best though?

It's about the size of an older style small cellphone, so if you're carrying a backpack, or purse, no problem but you probably don't want another item in your pocket?

So, how about in your car glove box, or in your carry on bag when traveling? Well, these days if you have a spare charging lead (pretty inexpensive) or a spare USB lead (also pretty inexpensive) chances are you're never far away from a USB charging station in most airports, or even in your car (on newer models anyway) or you probably even have a USB to AC adapter?

So back to square one, if you are in the middle of nowhere, or on a camping trip for example and your phone battery dies, and you were carrying this either on your person, or in a bag or purse, Hey Presto! back up life for your phone.

For that, price, and looks I give it 4 stars.

For size, and chances of actually needing it, I knocked off a star

You might want to consider 5000mAh Solar Power Dual USB External Battery Pack and Charger for Cell Phones, iPhone, iPod, and Most USB Powered Devices or even just a spare USB Sync and Charging Cable Compatible with Apple iPhone (White).

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Let me say that this charger works well... but keep in mind, you should use this charger for emergencies only. why? Well the connection can be quite flimsy and if you have a particular case which is not completely open at the bottom, forget it... You'll need to remove your case completely. Why do I say use for emergencies? There are so many other battery/chargers around you can easily get something that would work better (like a Zagg Sparq), However, this shines when you have no access to outlets, need a charge and only have AA batteries.

Now as for does it work? Yes it works well with lithium batteries. I havent gotten the 2x performance, but will say i have been able to fully charge the device after being down to about 30%. Now keep in mind they recommend you use lithium batteries, which have a price premium hence another reason to look at other chargers for daily use.

Last thing to not... if you have an iPhone 5 don't buy this, it wont work with it unless you have the apple adapter.

All in all 3/5 stars

pros:

small

good for emergencies

cons:

poor connection

expensive batteries

compatibility issues with newer iProducts

Read Best Reviews of Energizer Instant Charger Made for iPod/iPhone Here

I'm on the road for work, a lot. Around the world, in and out of airports, cabs, hotels, and so on. I try my best to keep my creaky iPhone 3GS charged, but the darn battery wears down so fast that it's a chore. I'm consistently finding myself arriving somewhere with a dead phone, no plugs in site, and no time to hunt one down. That's where this is a godsend.

Pros:

Charges my phone completely in about an hour. I don't have to pay attention to it just hook the parts together and let 'er rip.

Takes any AA batteries. This is good, since they're ubiquitous worldwide, and I can always find them somewhere.

I know I'll have power when I need it. Worth its weight in gold just for that.

Cons:

The connection is a bit weird you won't be talking while using it, since it becomes a "Zack Morris phone."

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If you have an iPhone 4S or earlier, and you wish to prepare for disaster, this is the charger for you. It accepts alkaline disposable, NiMh rechargable, and lithium disposable batteries. Energizer thoughtfully provided a set of its own lithium disposable batteries. This type of battery is great for disasters because they will wait happily for 10 years or more for the disaster to start.

Being able to accept alkaline cells is also great. Personally, I hate alkalines because they frequently leak on me. But in an extended disaster, you will want to be able to use whatever battery type is available. Alkalines are available everywhere.

No cable to lose, and the protective cap grips reasonably well.

I like the "slide out" battery tray. When you change batteries, you do not disassemble the charger so you won't lose any pieces. Well, except for the protective cap. Watch that one.

Durability seems OK. It looks strong enough to survive a fall of a few feet. If you sit on it, you'll probably smash it.

The only negative I can find is that this charger might be too specialized for some people. It will only charge Iphones and iPod Touches, and is not compatible with the latest models such as iPhone 5. The fact that there is no cable means that your iPhone and charger form one very long and slightly unstable unit while connected. That's the trade-off for having no cord to lose.

If you do not have landline telephone service at home, then it would be useful to have this charger at home. Change the batteries every 10 years or so, and don't forget where you stashed it.