Product Category: Mobile Power

Manufacturer:Tekkeon

Where to Buy: Amazon.com

Price: MSRP $69.95

Specifications: Please see manufacturer website.

Pros:

• Easily provides power for your devices;
• Can charge two devices at once;
• Long lasting battery.

Cons:

• Cheap on/off switch can accidentally be switched;
• Flashlight seems gimmicky.

Summary: Like power windows in a car, this little battery is the product you never thought you'd need, but once you have it, you won't want to live without it. The MP1860A gives you a pocket full of juice for your devices.

No More Searching for Power

Every once in a while, I stumble upon a product that I thought I would never need, only to find that product to be essential. While I never thought I would need to carry a portable battery, I've now decided I can't live without the Tekkeon TekCharge MP1860A. The product name isn't very sexy (I'll just call it the TekCharge), but its power is.

Simply charge up the TekCharge using the included A/C adapter and USB cable, then throw the TeckCharge in your bag to keep with you. Any time you need power for your device, plug it into one of the USB out ports and flip the switch to "on."

Figure 1: The TekCharge includes a USB cable and various tips to allow it to connect to a variety of devices. It can even power two devices at once.

I tend to spend a lot of time in airports for my job, and many times I would find myself searching for an available power outlet or charging station to charge or use my phone. Now, I just pull the TekCharge out of my bag, connect it and away I go. It can keep my iPad entertaining me for the duration of even the longest of flights. It even includes a small LED flashlight, though I personally don't see much value in this feature.

The TekCharge can power an iPhone for about 20 hours of WiFi, or 14 hours of 3G talk time. It can also keep an iPad running for about 5 hours. It includes an Apple Dock USB cable, as well as a retractable USB cable and adapter tips for Mini USB, Micro USB, and myCharger USB. Additional tips are available, but the included tips are sufficient for all of my devices. There's also a pouch included to keep all of your power tips from getting lost.

The on/off/flashlight switch is a small slider switch on the top of the TekCharge. I've found that when I toss the TekCharge in my backpack, the switch can accidentally move to the "on" position, inadvertently draining the battery. I wish a better design, or "hold" switch was available to avoid this.

The TekCharge has a 4,400mAH rechargeable lithium ion battery. The battery can be charged in about 5-6 hours. The LED indicator will let you know the status of the battery (blue is good, yellow means it's time to charge).

Conclusion

When I first saw the TekCharge, it took a while for me to realize why I would want such a product. After using it a while, it's become a regular resident of my backpack. I find myself pulling it out and using it in all kinds of scenarios. Whether it's to power my iPhone for while, or to simply charge my Kindle where a power outlet isn't available, the TekCharge always keeps me juiced.

Ron Hostetter is a software sales engineer by day, a gadget lover by night. He has worked in the IT field for over 20 years and loves reading about and playing with technology. He lives in Kansas City, Missouri with his lovely wife, his son and daughter, and their two dogs. He enjoys playing guitar in his band 71 South and watching the Kansas City Royals.

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