The AC power adapters that ship with Windows Mobile devices are usually bulky, ugly, and expensive to replace. Fortunately, there are a number of third-party power solutions that are more portable, more stylish, less expensive, and offer far more functionality. Because there are dozens of products in this category, you should be able to find a solution that will let you "pull the plug" on your antiquated adapter and upgrade to a more "powerful" charging solution.
Three-in-one charging systems
Perhaps the most versatile option for the mobile user is a three-in-one charging system. This type of system, available from a number of manufacturers, lets you charge your device from an AC outlet, a DC outlet (like a car's cigarette lighter or the power port available on many airlines) and a PC's USB port. Some products even include foreign adapter plugs and support the higher voltages used in some countries. Three-in-one solutions cover almost every type of power source and let you recharge your device just about anywhere.
VersaCharger Pro from the Boxwave Corporation is one of my favorite three-in-one solutions. It connects to an AC outlet or plugs into a vehicle's cigarette lighter adapter and provides power to your device through a USB port. An optional "airplane adapter" lets you connect VersaCharger Pro to the proprietary power outlets available on some airlines. (According to SeatGuru.com, 125,000 seats on 40 different airlines have these power outlets.) Boxwave has found that many of the sync cables that ship with the newer devices (like the Moto Q, AT&T Tilt, and T-Mobile Dash) are not capable of working as a charging adapter, so you might need their miniSync or DirectSync cable to connect your device to VersaCharger Pro.
Figs. 1 & 2: The VersaCharger Pro (left) combined with the miniSync cable (far left) allows you to charge your Windows Mobile device using AC, DC, or USB power.
The VersaCharger Pro (Fig. 1) has been designed so that it doesn't block the second port on a wall outlet, like the previous version did (and some other brands do). It can handle 110 or 240 volts, so you can use it just about anywhere in the world. (You will need a plug adapter to use it with European or Australia/New Zealand outlets.) The unit comes with a cap to protect the cigarette lighter plug, and the wall plug prongs fold into the housing to protect them during travel and to keep them from damaging other items packed with the charger. The system incorporates an "Intelligent Chip" that prevents overcharging of your device, and this latest version of the product provides more power (up to 5.5 volts DC) for the more power hungry devices.
The VersaCharger PRO can be purchased directly from the Boxwave Web site (boxwave.com). The charger by itself is priced at $25.95. You can purchase it with a miniSync cable for $35.95 and with a miniSync cable and the airplane adapter for $47.47.
Other three-in-one charging solutions
Other three-in-one solutions are also available, including the JAVOMetaCharger ($16.99; javoedge.com) and the Lil' Sync Penguin Charger ($24.95; PocketPCTechs.com).
Comprehensive charging systems
The next step up from a three-in-one solution is a comprehensive charging system. These units are generally larger and more cumbersome, but you only need one system for an entire bag of gadgets. Your Windows Mobile device, MP3 player, Bluetooth headset, portable GPS receiver, digital camera, and laptop PC can all be recharged from a single system.
While the iGo everywhere85 (Fig. 3) from Mobility Electronics looks a little like the standard AC power adapter that comes with a laptop PC, its stylish silver finish and retracting cord are anything but standard. But what really sets it apart from other power adapters is its ability to charge your laptop PC and a second device at the same time. This can be an invaluable benefit when you're fighting for power outlets in a busy airport!
Fig. 3: The iGo everywhere85 (bottom of the image) packs enough power to recharge your laptop and Windows Mobile device at the same time, from a single AC or DC outlet.
It's also a very versatile product. When you're on the road or in the air, you can change a cable and connect iGo everywhere to the DC outlet in your car or power outlet available on most planes. In addition, you can change the tips (small custom-designed connectors) at the end of the power cable and charge almost any mobile device on the market. The iGo everywhere automatically adjusts the current and voltage to the appropriate settings for each device.
The iGo everywhere85 is priced at $129.99 and ships with the iGo dualpower accessory (for charging two devices at once) and connector tips for many popular laptop models. Tips for most mobile phones, PDAs, MPG players, portable gaming devices, and other mobile devices can be purchased separately for $9.99 each. All of these items can be purchased from iGo's online store (igo.com) and many nationwide retailers including Best Buy, Brookstone, and Radio Shack. Other versions of the "everywhere" power kit, with higher and lower power production, are available on the iGo Web site as well.
Fig. 4: The USB Powerstick recharges when inserted into your laptop's USB port and uses a custom cable to connect to and recharge your device.
Portable battery recharging system
Another innovative idea is the USB Powerstick from Ecosol Solar Technologies. Powerstick is a portable battery that recharges itself via a PC's USB port. I realize that if you're on the road and are recharging a portable battery from your laptop PC, it's like "borrowing from Peter to pay Paul." But it does reduce the number of AC power adapters you have to bring with you. You only need one to power the laptop; you can keep the rest of your mobile devices charged via the Powerstick. It's actually a great solution for world travelers. In addition, because USB is a worldwide standard, you can charge the Powerstick from someone else's PC anywhere you are.
Because Powerstick is slightly larger than a pack of gum (Fig. 4) and weighs only 1.4 ounces, it can easily travel with you in your pocket. To recharge it, you simply insert its USB connector into any PC's USB port. Powerstick has an 8-bar LCD power gauge that indicates when it is completely charged. (It takes about 90 minutes to charge it to 90% of its 750 mAh capacity.) To charge your device, remove Powerstick from the PC, attach the appropriate cable, connect it to your device, and press charge button (the only button on the device).
The device comes with eight phone connection cables, an iPod cable, and a miniUSB cable (which recharges many of the current smartphones). A complete list of phones that are compatible with the Powerstick is available on their Web site (powerstick.com/catalog/function_compatibility.php).
Ecosol Solar Technologies Inc. claims that the sealed Lithium Polymer battery is good for more than 1,000 recharge cycles. The USB Powerstick is available directly from powerstick.com for $69.95; it's expected to be available in stores by summer 2008.
Other portable battery charging solutions
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