Datexx Superbattery USB Power Bank

List Price: $115.70 Discount Price: $20.43

Features:

• SuperBattery USB Power Bank

Customer Reviews:

no razr adapter when first shipped [Posted on 2006-09-24]
The plastic package was open in the back and I did not receive the razr tip but I called and the customer service was friendly and said they would send it. I haven't gotten it yet though. I will update if I do.///
Update...Seller resolved the razr tip problem. I called them and they sent me one. They weren't sure it was supposed to come with it at first until I had them go on the Amazon website and see for themselves. They then sent me the adapter. They were helpful the entire time I might add.

Innovative idea but middling execution [Posted on 2007-07-15]
I've used this for a few weeks now since I usually carry around a whole set of USB powered devices from an iPhone to a Sony Reader. They often run out of power at the most inopportune moments (when a plug isn't nearby) as I travel for business. I thought the SuperBattery might just be the ticket so I can have USB juice anytime I need it, no matter what.

My experiences so far have been decidedly mixed, though I'm convinced that a product like this could be a real winner if the issues such as unstable charging, faster charging of connected devices, and actual support for crank charging of the internal batteries were addressed.

Here's the pros and cons of the SuperBattery I've observed so far:

PROS:

- Does indeed charge USB and other devices with adapters without an external power source
- The hand crank actually works to charge the battery and feels solid
- Surprisingly lightweight and compact
- Water resistant, including hinged rubber caps for all plugs
- Charging light that mostly tells you the state of the device

CONS:

- Instructions tell you NOT to use the crank unless there's an emergency
- Very weak USB current, devices take forever to take a charge from it
- Flimsy feeling construction except for crank
- Device seems very fickle about taking a charge, particularly from European plugs when using 110/220 adapters

All in all, I really wanted this to work and gave it a shot, but the USB current is so anemic that a small BlackBerry phone took several hours to take a charge from dead to one bar of power. That's really not going to help in most situations since by that time you can find a plug. Other devices charged slightly faster SuperBattery but not much. The instructions say that two rechargeable AA batteries comprise the energy storage for the device and I'm sad to report that's just not enough for the device to be practical at this time. So 3 stars for a really great product idea but very middling execution.

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