Best Compact Battery Backup?

[vinay427]

Hi. I've been looking for a battery backup for my iPhone 3G. my price range is about $70 or lower, unless there is an amazing product for like $5 or $10 more. The lower the price is better. I need something that will last about 8 hours with 3G usage and video playback. Around 300-500 mAh. Before anyone says so, I searched the forums but nothing was what I wanted. I have already researched for about 3 hours now, and found the Imax, RichardSolo 1800, and the RishardSolo iPod/iPhone thing. I don't really like the look of the Imax, but if there is nothing else, I will go with that. The RichardSolo's aren't powerful enough for my needs. Again, the lower the price the better. This won't be a daily use thing, mostly for vacations and road trips.

P.S. Does anyone know if there is a prepaid SIM card that works in England, Germany, France, and Italy and if an unlocked iPhone 3G works there? This probably should go in the main iPhone forum, but I don't wanna start another thread just for this.

Thanks a lot in advance! I will really appreciate the help!

 

[davelanger]

There is one for $99

http://www.amazon.com/Incase-Power-...1TYC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1238028708&sr=8-4

Here a review

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbvJziV37zE

It does look like some are faulty tho.

Product Description
The Power Slider for iPhoneTM 3G is the first accessory of its kind to offer protection, expanded battery life and integrated sync and charge capabilities. While most supplemental batteries simply satisfy the need for added power, the Power Slider more than doubles the battery life of iPhone 3G while providing complete device protection and the ability to sync without removing iPhone 3G from the case. With its low profile, complementary design and innovative functionality as both a case and power solution, the Power Slider provides the best in hardshell protection and extended battery life for iPhone 3G. Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion polymer (1330mAh 4.2V); Custom designed and engineered specifically for Power Slider; Capacity equals approximately 120 percent of iPhone 3G; Efficient circuitry allows for slim design and maximum power output. USB: Custom USB 2.2 cable specifically designed for Power Silder; Provides high capacity charging and data exchange for optimal charging and syncing. Additional battery life provided by Power Slider: Standby time: up to 330 hours; Audio playback: up to 26 hours; Talk time: up to 5 hours on 3G network and 10 hours on 2G network; Video playback: up to 7 hours. Internet use: up to 5 hours on 3G network and 6 hours on Wi-Fi.

 

[Rayfire]

My vote goes for Imax even though you don't like how it looks, it is pretty reliable and does what its supposed to do. Been using it since Sept '08 I think and it's doing good.

 

[vinay427]

There is one for $99

http://www.amazon.com/Incase-Power-...1TYC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1238028708&sr=8-4

Here a review

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbvJziV37zE

It does look like some are faulty tho.

Product Description
The Power Slider for iPhoneTM 3G is the first accessory of its kind to offer protection, expanded battery life and integrated sync and charge capabilities. While most supplemental batteries simply satisfy the need for added power, the Power Slider more than doubles the battery life of iPhone 3G while providing complete device protection and the ability to sync without removing iPhone 3G from the case. With its low profile, complementary design and innovative functionality as both a case and power solution, the Power Slider provides the best in hardshell protection and extended battery life for iPhone 3G. Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion polymer (1330mAh 4.2V); Custom designed and engineered specifically for Power Slider; Capacity equals approximately 120 percent of iPhone 3G; Efficient circuitry allows for slim design and maximum power output. USB: Custom USB 2.2 cable specifically designed for Power Silder; Provides high capacity charging and data exchange for optimal charging and syncing. Additional battery life provided by Power Slider: Standby time: up to 330 hours; Audio playback: up to 26 hours; Talk time: up to 5 hours on 3G network and 10 hours on 2G network; Video playback: up to 7 hours. Internet use: up to 5 hours on 3G network and 6 hours on Wi-Fi.

I really appreciate the research you did, but unfortunately, the Power Slider didn't meet my requirements for price or power. Thanks a lot though!

My vote goes for Imax even though you don't like how it looks, it is pretty reliable and does what its supposed to do. Been using it since Sept '08 I think and it's doing good.

I probably will go with the Imax. It seems the most practical; its like 4 times more powerful than its price competitors. Thanks a lot Rayfire also!

 

[davelanger]

No problem vinay427 you are welcome, its always good to have options. The imax looks really good.

 

[Bobioden]

I have the RichardSolo 1800 and highly recommend it. Very lightweight, charges the iPhone in no time, and you can charge them both at the same time. I use mine all the time, and it has never failed me.

 

[sparrky]

I have this one http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.21235 which is great and you can't beat the price! Good for about 2 full charges and then some.

 

[jake36wi41]

SOLID deal on this one. It's Energizer, so it probably doesn't completely suck. I'm giving it a shot for $10!

http://www.buy.com/prod/energizer-i...loc/111/205835291.html?adid=17992&dcaid=17992

 

[vinay427]

I have the RichardSolo 1800 and highly recommend it. Very lightweight, charges the iPhone in no time, and you can charge them both at the same time. I use mine all the time, and it has never failed me.

Thanks a lot for the research and stuff, but again, it doesn't meet my "power to price" ratio due to my super low budget.

I have this one http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.21235 which is great and you can't beat the price! Good for about 2 full charges and then some.

Sweet! I think I may go for this! Fits all of my needs.

SOLID deal on this one. It's Energizer, so it probably doesn't completely suck. I'm giving it a shot for $10!

http://www.buy.com/prod/energizer-i...loc/111/205835291.html?adid=17992&dcaid=17992

Nice! If sparrky didn't post the other one, I would have got this.

Does anyone know what last's longer? sparrky's or jake36wi41's? Thanks a lot so far guys!!!

P.S. Does anyone have an answer for my other thread?
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/676468/

Or this one?
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/676486/

 

[sparrky]

Does anyone know what last's longer? sparrky's or jake36wi41's? Thanks a lot so far guys!!!

I think with the one at jake36wi41's link, it depends on the batteries you use. There are reviews for something similar on amazon where some people say they can only get about 50% charge, and others say 4-5 full charges.

Here's another one sorta similar --uses AA batteries. http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.15926 I haven't tried it, but for the price I guess it wouldn't be horrible if it wasn't fantastic

 

[ravencr]

What about Mophie?

Chris