Bought the Sanyo Eneloop Mobile Booster KBC-E1S for SGD$34.90 (member price) from Challenger. Need the extra battery juice for my iPhone 3GS when I am in Taiwan and Hong Kong!

I was deciding between the KBC-E1S and the KBC-L3S. The KBC-E1S uses 2x AA batteries while the KBC-L3S uses the built-in lithium-ion battery. I was thinking that AA batteries are more readily available outside and hence I am able to buy any AA batteries and use it to charge my phone. Also the KBC-E1S includes 2 rechargeable eneloop batteries.

Packaging Front

Packaging Back

Packaging Contents

2 Eneloop Rechargeable Batteries Included

Back Of The Mobile Booster

*Update* My iPhone 3GS is on 25% battery and I started charging at 00:00 (midnight) exactly. The Mobile Booster KBC-E1S was drained completely at 1.20am and my iPhone 3GS was charged till 71%. So that makes it 80 minutes to charge 46%.

*Update 2* More detailed review over at http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2009/01/icharging-on-the-go-with-the-sanyo-kbc-e1.ars

Got to know this really cheap external battery charger for iPhone 3G from Hardware Zone Forums. The seller, free-4-flying, is based in Hong Kong. Once in a while he will have a sale on that. The cheapest I saw is USD$6.99 but unfortunately when I bought that time it is USD$8.48 (SGD$11.87). The price stated includes shipping which makes it real cheap!

I bought it on the 18th September 2009 and it was shipped on the next day on 19th September 2009. Took 17 days to reach me, arrived in my mailbox yesterday on the 6th October 2009. This is technically the first item I purchased from eBay. The very first item I bought is the Apple Care for my MacBook Pro =D

Description

• Light-weight, super-slim design to carry with your iPhone or iPod Conveniently charged via any USB ports
• High-capacity, rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• LED indicator for battery power level
• No memory effect, Li-ion battery built-in

Specifications

• Battery Type: Lithium-ion battery
• Capacity: 1900MAH
• Rated input: 5V 800mA
• Rated Output: 5V 500mA max
• Charge time: Around 2 hours
• Dimension: 67x62x15 (mm)
• Color: Black

Compatibility

• iPhone 3GS 16GB/32GB
• iPhone 3G 8GB/16GB
• iPhone 4GB 8GB 16GB
• iPod Touch
• iPod Nano
• iPod Classic
• iPod Video

Packaging – Front View

Packaging – backView

Front View

Back View

Input

Output

Got myself the Sanyo Eneloop Mobile Booster KBC-L2S after my previous Sanyo Eneloop Mobile Booster KBC-E1S could not give me enough juice for my iPhone because it is using only 2x AA batteries which only gives you.

The recommended retail price (RRP) for the KBC-L2S is SGD$69.90, but I got it for SGD$57 from ebay and paid additional SGD$2 for delivery. The seller name is Desmond Han (tecpoint2139). His service is excellent and efficient, I ordered at 10pm on Friday, 9th January 2010 and it was delivered to me at 1pm on Saturday, 10th January 2010! That is less than 24 hours and furthermore it is on a weekend! In the Eneloop paper bag, there are several goodies as well like the Eneloop 2010 calendar and the Eneloop Product Catalogue.

If you are skeptical about ebay, you can get it from onlineshop.com.sg for SGD$59.90 and it includes free delivery. The reason I prefer ebay to onlineshop.com.sg is because I can use PayPal and not because it is cheaper.

The iPhone 2G has a battery capacity of 1,400 mAh, the iPhone 3G has 1,150 mAh and the iPhone 3GS has 1,219 mAh.

It is stated that each AA battery has 2,000 mAh so if I am using 2x AA battery, I should have 4,000 mAh? But unfortunately it is not true as it can charge my iPhone 3GS to only 71% which makes it 866 mAh, so I presume there is some maths formula which I have left out or because it is using AA battery.

The KBC-L2S has a capacity of 5,000 mAh and uses lithium-ion battery which technically should be able to charge my iPhone battery at least 4 times on a single charge. I did read up on HWZ Forums and apparently what is stated is true and I can charge up to 4 times on a single charge. In additional, the KBC-L2S comes with an AC charger which speeds things up because charging a 5,000 mAh lithium-ion battery is going to take a very long time using USB.

Eneloop Goodies

Packaging

Packaging Contents

Front View

Back View

DC In (Left View)

DC Out (Right View)

The Sanyo Eneloop Mobile Booster KBC-L2B is an upgrade of the Eneloop Mobile Booster KBC-L2A. The model number is a little confusing as it only increment from A to the letter B. I think Sanyo would be better off creating a new model number so that consumers like us can better differentiate which one is new and which one is older.

In terms of design, it is identical except that the Sanyo logo has been replaced by a Eneloop logo. The battery output has been increased so that instead of just producing 2x 500mA, it is now able to produce 1x 1A (1,000mA) to charge high consumption gadgets such as the Apple iPad and Blackberry. However the lithium-ion battery capacity still stays the same at 5,000mAh and can roughly charge your iPhone 4 which has a battery capacity of 1,420mA about 3 times in a single charge. The package now also includes a MiniUSB to MicroUSB adapter.

The Sanyo Eneloop Mobile Booster KBC-L2B will be available by 15th December 2010 at major electronics store such as Best Denki and it retails for SGD$89.90.

Packaging Front

Packaging Back

Contents

Front View

Back View

Right View

Left View

Packaging Contents

• 1x Mobile Booster KBC-L2B
• 1x Charger input USB cable
• 1x Micro USB attachment
• 1x AC adapter

Output

• Output (1 Port): 5.0V/1A
• Output (2 Ports): 5.0V/500mA

Output Time

• Output Time (5.0V/1A): 2 Hours
• Output Time (5.0V/500mA – 1 Port): 4 Hours
• Output Time (5.0V/500mA – 2 Ports): 2 Hours

Charging Time

• Charging Time Adapter (AC Input): 7 Hours
• Charging Time Adapter (USB Input): 14 Hours

Size/Weight

• Size: 70(W) x 62(H) x 22(D) mm
• Weight: 130g

My Hong Kong cousin gave me the MiPow Power Tube 6600 (online store) which is retailing for SGD$125. It boosts a battery capacity of 6,600mAh and is made from aluminum case with durable anodized colors.

The package includes charging tips for iPad/iPhone/iPod, Blackberry, HTC, Motorola, LG, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, Samsung Galaxy, PSP, Nintendo DSL/DSi/3DS and Female USB.

The MiPow Power Tube design is similar to that of Sanyo Eneloop Stick Booster KBC-D1BS which my mom’s business friend got it for me from Japan.

According to iPad 2 Wi-Fi Teardown, iPad 2 battery has a capacity of 6,930mAh which means the MiPow Power Tube 6600 can almost fully charge the iPad 2 on a single charge.

On the other hand, based on iPhone 4 Teardown, iPhone 4 has a battery capacity of 1,420mAh and hence the MiPow Power Tube 6600 can charge an iPhone 4 a total of 4.5 times on a single charge.

• Output Voltage: 5V
• Output Current: 1A
• Capacity: 6,600mAh
• Cell type: lithium-ion battery
• Cycle life: 500 times
• Operating Temperature: -10°C to 45°C
• DC Charging Time: 7 – 9 hours
• Dimension: 23.5mm (D) x 242mm (L)
• Weight: 280g
• Colors: navy blue / charcoal gray / gold / silver / royal blue / peach / black / wine red

Box Front

Packaging Contents

Charging Tips

Power Tube

Charging Indicator

Bought the Mophie Juice Pack Boost from Apple (Singapore) Online Store for SGD$69.90. I can’t seem to find it in any Authorized Apple Reseller stores in Singapore. Instead they are still selling the older model, the one with 1,500mAh battery (Amazon Link) instead of this 2,000mAh one.

The Mophie Juice Pack Boost is bigger and much lighter than it looks. I was expecting it to be more compact in size and heavier, but surprising it is lighter than any of my Eneloop Chargers that I bring along in my bag whenever I am out (which is a good thing).

Another advantage of the Mophie Juice Pack Boost is the built-in Apple 30-pin dock connector‎ and hence you do not need to carry an extra Apple Dock Connector to USB Cable along with your backup battery which normally allows you to charge via USB port.

As mentioned earlier, the battery in the Mophie Juice Pack Boost has a capacity of 2,000mAh and this allows you to fully charge any iPod/iPhone models even if the battery is totally empty in your device.

It does charge your iPad but at an extremely slow rate since it only output a maximum of 1A. The iPad requires at least 2.1A for a proper charge.

The Mophie Juice Pack Boost also acts like a dock which holds your iPhone upright while it charges (see the last picture embedded in the post).

Packaging Front

Packaging Back

Packaging Contents

Swivel 30-pin Apple 30-pin Dock Connector‎

Charging The iPhone

The Sony CP-ELS USB Portable Power Supply will be launching today at IT Show 2012 (8-11 March 2012 at Suntec Singapore). It will be retailing for SGD$29.90 and it will be available in 2 colors (black or white).

Sony CP-ELS Poster

It has a battery capacity of 2,000 mAh and only weights 87g. According to my brother, it can charge Blackberry 9900 (not many portable battery chargers can do that).

There are 2 USB ports, one on each end of the Sony CP-ELS. On one end is the Micro USB Port which it used to charge itself and on the other end is the normal-sizezd USB Port which is used per normal to charge mobile devices.

Box Front

Box Back

Sony CP-ELS (White)

Sony CP-ELS (Black)

Micro USB Port For Charging Itself

Normal USB Port For Charging Mobile Devices

Sony CP-ELS Charging Itself

Sony CP-ELS Leaflet – Front

Sony CP-ELS Leaflet – Back

Charge Capacity
The Sony CP-ELS USB Portable Power Supply is enough to give these devices at least 1 complete charge:

• Apple iPhone 4 (1,420mAh)
• Apple iPhone 4S (1,432mAh)
• Samsung Galaxy S II (1,650mAh)
• Galaxy Nexus (1,750mAh)
• Nokia Lumia 710 (1,300mAh)
• Nokia Lumia 800/Nokia N9 (1,450mAh)
• Sony Xperia S (1,750mAh)
• Sony Xperia P (1,305mAh)
• Blackberry 9900 (1,600mAh)

If you are using the bigger Galaxy Note (2,500mAh), it will only charge till about 80% full.

Technically you can use it to charge bigger gadgets like tablets (Apple iPads and Samsung Galaxy Tabs) but since the max output is only 1A, charging those devices might take slighly longer than usual.

Specifications

• Dimension (WxHxD mm): 28 x 125 x 26.5
• Weight: 87g
• No. of USB output ports: 1
• Output Source: USB 5V 1.0A
• USB Authentication: No
• Batteries Capacity: Li-ion 2000 mAh
• Charging Source: USB
• Charging Time: Approx. 6 hours
• Cycle Time: 500
• Output Time (5V/1.0A constant) (Varies depending on each application): 60 min

Giveaway
Thanks to Sony, I will be giving out a pair (1x white and 1x black Sony CP-ELS USB Portable Power Supply) worth SGD$59.80 (2x $29.90) to 3 lucky winners.

To particiate, all you have to do is the following:

• Follow @gamerz
• Tweet about the moment you wish that you have #InstantPower with you.
• Ensure that your tweet contains #InstantPower (giveaway hashtag) and http://lc.sg/1io (link to this blog post).
• Be as creative and original as possible as entries will be judged based on these 2 criteria.

Example (true story, it happened to me):

Phone left 6%, was outside, needed to do iBanking. While waiting for OTP SMS, it went into standby mode! #InstantPower http://lc.sg/1io

Fine Print

• This Giveaway is open to all readers of lesterchan.net who are based in Singapore.
• Li Xiang and I will be the judges for this contest, entries will be judged based on creativity and originality.
• Winners will be announced by 23rd March 2012 and contacted via Twitter.
• Sony will be sending the prizes to the winner directly.
• Details of winners such as name and winning tweet will be posted on lesterchan.net.
• My decision on all matters related to this giveaway is final and no correspondence will be entertained.
• I reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at anytime without prior notice.
• This giveaway ends on 11:59pm (23:59), Sunday, 18th March 2012 (GMT+8 Singapore Time).

Not many of you are aware (myself included) that Pansonic has acquired Sanyo about 3 years ago.

From Wikipedia:

On December 21, 2009, Panasonic completed a 400 billion yen ($4.5 billion) acquisition of a 50.2% stake in Sanyo, making Sanyo a subsidiary of Panasonic. In July 2010, Panasonic announced that they would acquire the remaining shares of Sanyo.

Sanyo created the Eneloop rechargeable battery brand which is pretty popular around the world. Eneloop Mobile Booster is Sanyo’s answer to portable battery charger for your mobile phones, I am a huge fan of that as you can see from my featured page to Eneloop.

It seems that Panasonic will be taking over the Mobile Booster brand over from Eneloop and that explains the similarity in the design as well as the name Mobile Booster.

At launch time there will be 2 Mobile Boosters available, the Panasonic Mobile Booster QE-QL101 (2,700mAh) retailing for SGD$49.90 and the Panasonic Mobile Booster QE-QL201 (5,400mAh) retailing for SGD$89.90. No word on the RRP yet, I wil update this post when I have that information.

The Panasonic Mobile Booster QE-QL101 is equivalent to the Sanyo Eneloop Mobile Booster KBC-L3AS but with an additional capacity of 200mAh (2,700mAh vs 2,500mAh). The output Ampere has also been increased from 500mA to 1A.

The Panasonic Mobile Booster QE-QL201 is equivalent to the Sanyo Eneloop Mobile Booster KBC-L2B but with an additional capacity of 400mAh (5,400mAh vs 5,000mAh).

The USB charging method of the Mobile Booster has been changed from Mini USB to Micro USB. This is a much welcomed change as these days all mobile phones manufacturers (except Apple) uses Micro USB. But nevertheless you still can charge the Mobile Booster over a regular electrical outlet with the bundled AC Adapter.

Panasonic Mobile Booster QE-QL101 Specifications

• Input: DC 5V 500mA/1A
• Output USB x 1 port, DC 5V Max 1A
• Size: 39mm x 70mm x 22mm
• Weight: 78g
• Battery: Li-ion 3.7V 2,700mAh
• Battery Charging Time: 7 hours (Micro USB), 3.5 hours (AC Adapter)

According to the press release of Panasonic Japan back in April 2012, there will be more models of Mobile Boosters available including three wireless charging ones. But do note that not all Mobile Booster will be for sale outside of Japan. Another model that caught my attention is the Panasonic Mobile Booster QE-QL301 which boost 10,260mAh, I hope they do bring that to Singapore.

Official Site: Panasonic: Go The Distance

Panasonic Mobile Booster QE-QL101 – Packaging Front

Panasonic Mobile Booster QE-QL101 – Packaging Contents

Panasonic Mobile Booster QE-QL101

Panasonic Mobile Booster QE-QL101 – Back View

Panasonic Mobile Booster QE-QL101 – Right View

Panasonic Mobile Booster QE-QL101 – Left View

The Innergie PocketCell Duo was showcased at CES 2013 back in January 2013. It is the successor to the Innergie PocketCell which is retailing in Singapore for SGD$79.

The Innergie PocketCell Duo is a very light portable battery charger weighing 132.5g and has a capacity of 6,800mAh. It is capable of outputting 2.1A for each USB port. This makes charging high capacity devices like the iPad, iPad Mini, Samsung Galaxy Tab and Samsung Galaxy Note 2 faster than most portable battery chargers. You can even charge 2 iPad at that same time without compromising the charging speed.

A single charge of the Innergie PocketCell Duo will be able to charge your iPhone 5 (1,440 mAh) 4.5 times, Galaxy Note 2 (3,100 mAh) 2 times and Galaxy S3 (2,100 mAh) 3 times.

I am currently using the Sanyo eneloop Mobile Booster which has a capacity of 5,000mAh but unfortunately it can only output 1A and this makes charging the Galaxy Note 2 very slow (I experience this when I am in Hong Kong).

The Innergie PocketCell Duo will be available by end April 2013 for SGD$139 and if things goes according to plan, it will come included with the Magic Cable with Apple Lightning tip.

In my Innergie Magic Cable Trio – Charge & Sync 3-in-1 USB Cable post which I blogged about last February, I did mention that the magic cable is extremely short. During the media event of the Innergie PocketCell Duo, Daniel Lee, Marketing Director of Innergie did explain to me that it is done on purpose. Shorter cable ensure lesser energy is lost between the charging process also it is designed to be used in conjunction with the PocketCell / PocketCell Duo while charging and using the mobile device at the same time.

Specifications

• DC Input: 5V DC / 1.5A
• USB Output: USB 1: 5V DC / 2.1A; USB 2: 5V DC / 2.1A
• Output Power: 21W
• Power Capacity: 6,800mAh
• Dimension (L x W x H): 93.3 x 42.2 x 23 (mm)
• Weight: 132.5g
• Efficiency: 85%
• Built-in Protection: OCP (Over Current Protection), OVP (Over Voltage Protection), OTP (Over Temperature Protection), OPP (Over Power Protection), SCP (Short Circuit Protection)

PS: Innergie is derived from the words “inovation” and “energy” and is founded in 2008. It is part of Delta Group. Delta Group makes MagSafe for Apple among many other things.

Innergie PocketCell Duo – Packaging Front

Innergie PocketCell Duo – Packaging Back

Innergie PocketCell Duo – Packaging Contents

Innergie PocketCell Duo – Included Magic Cable

Innergie PocketCell Duo

1x Micro USB Port For Charging The PocketCell Duo and 2x USB Ports For Charging Your Devices

Using The PocketCell Duo With Magic Cable Attached To Apple Lightning to 30-pin Adapter For iPhone 5

Innergie PocketCell Duo – Charging The PocketCell Duo

Got the Powerocks Stone 3 which is a 7800mAh Dual USB Power Bank from my cousin in Hong Kong. I am not too sure of the local retail price, but on Amazon, it is retailing for USD$48.50 (SGD$62.50).

As the name “stone” implies, this power bank is pretty heavy (like a stone) due to the 7800mAh battery and it weighs 500g.

The build is also solid (like a stone), there are practically no openings. It felt like a solid block of plastic. It measures 7.5cm x 7.5cm x 2.7cm.

There are two input ports for charging this power bank, Micro USB Port and Mini USB Port. The charging time varies: more than 8 hours (computer USB port = 500mA), about 7 hours (USB charger = 1A), about 5 hours (quick USB charger = 2A).

There are two output ports as well, and each of this port can output a maximum of 2.1A, which is enough to charge an iPad.

The light on the individual alphabet on the logo “P-O-W-E-R-O-C-K-S” determine how much power is left in the power bank. I think the indicator is pretty nicely put, though I have to figure this out from the user manual.

• P = 11% – 22%
• PO = 23% – 33%
• POW = 34% – 44%
• POWE = 45% – 55%
• POWER = 56% – 66%
• POWERO = 67% – 77%
• POWEROC = 78% – 88%
• POWEROCK = 89% – 99%
• POWEROCKS = 100%

Powerocks Stone 3 – Box Front

Powerocks Stone 3 – Box Back

Powerocks Stone 3 – Box Contents

Powerocks Stone 3 – Front View

Powerocks Stone 3 – Back View

Powerocks Stone 3 – Side View

Powerocks Stone 3 – Ports

Powerocks Stone 3 – Glowing Logo

The Energizer XP3000A Portable Charger is retailing for SGD$59.90. It has a capacity of 3,000 mAh which is able to charge your iPhone 5 about two times before needing a recharge and it weighs 130g.

What makes the XP3000A special is the built-in lightning cable. This means you do not need to bring along another cable if you are using it with your iPhone 5.

If you have an Android phone as well as an iPhone 5, the XP3000A also comes with another USB port as well, but you have to bring along your own micro USB cable. Alternatively, you can get the Energizer XP3000M which has a built-in micro USB cable instead of a lightning cable. Both The Energizer XP3000A and XP3000M are available in two colours, black or white.

What I don’t like about the XP3000A is that the maximum output is only 1A instead of the standard 2.1A which you will see on most portable battery chargers these days. If the output is 1A, it will increase the charging time of your phone by about 2 times (when compared with 2.1A) and you will not able to use it to charge an iPad.

The consolation prize is that you can charge two devices at one time. I tried charging my iPhone 5 and my HTC One at the same time and it works fine as both ports are able to output 1A each.

In the packaging, there is this thing call Gecko. It is basically a small rubber pad with suction cups on both side for you to stick your phone against the XP3000A (that explains why the surface of the XP3000A is glossy/fingerprint magnet).

Energizer XP3000A – Box Front

Energizer XP3000A – Box Back

Energizer XP3000A – Box Contents

Energizer XP3000A – Font View

Energizer XP3000A – Back View

Energizer XP3000A – Ports

Energizer XP3000A – Ports

Energizer XP3000A – Gecko

Energizer XP3000A – Gecko Sticking iPhone 5

Energizer XP3000A – Charging Indicators

In my blog post about Panasonic Mobile Booster QE-QL101 last year, I did mention about the large capacity portable battery from Panasonic which has a capacity of 10,260mAh. I did not manage to find that in Singapore. Instead I saw it in Thailand and I bought it for 3,990 Thai Baht (SGD$160.40) and after a 7% VAT refund, it cost about SGD$150.

Don’t let it’s huge physical appearance deceive you, it is actually pretty light weighing at 490g. It is slim as well, the thickness is almost the same as a standard USB port.

The only downside is that it is able to output a maximum of 2A only and if you are using one port only, the maximum is 1.5A. This is pretty low but still acceptable when compared to the standard 2.1A per port you will find in the higher end portable batteries these days.

Specification

• Input: Micro USB DC5V 1.5A
• Output: 2 Ports DC 5V 2A (Max) (1.5A Max on 1 port)
• Dimension: 2211mm x 153mm x 11mm
• Weight: 490g
• Battery: Li-ion 3.7V 10,260mAh

It takes about a day to fully charge the battery pack via USB port and about 9 hours using an AC adapter.

Panasonic – USB Portable Power 10,260mAh (QE-QL301) – Packaging Front

Panasonic – USB Portable Power 10,260mAh (QE-QL301) – Packaging Back

Panasonic – USB Portable Power 10,260mAh (QE-QL301) – Pacakging Contents

Panasonic – USB Portable Power 10,260mAh (QE-QL301) – Front

Panasonic – USB Portable Power 10,260mAh (QE-QL301) – Back

Panasonic – USB Portable Power 10,260mAh (QE-QL301)

Panasonic – USB Portable Power 10,260mAh (QE-QL301) – Ports

Panasonic – USB Portable Power 10,260mAh (QE-QL301) – Battery Indicator

Panasonic – USB Portable Power 10,260mAh (QE-QL301) – Charger

IonBank is the name of the range of portable battery packs from Moshi. Right now, there are 3 products in the category, the IonBank 10k, IonBank 5k with Lightning Connector and IonBank 5k with Micro USB Connector.

The IonBank 5k has a battery capacity of 5,000mAh and has two integrated cables, one of them is either the Lightning or Micro USB cable and the other is a normal USB cable to charge the battery pack. It also has a spare USB port to charge another USB device.

The IonBank 10k on the other hand has a battery capacity of 10,000mAh but only has one integrated cable which is the normal USB cable used to charge the battery pack. Because of this, instead of having one USB port, the IonBank 10k has two.

The Moshi IonBank 10k is retailing for SGD$150.90 and weighs 319g which is lighter than Panasonic’s USB Portable Power 10,260mAh (QE-QL301) which weighs 490g.

The total output for both USB ports is 18W/3.6A but it is enough to charge two iPads simultaneously. Apple recommends at least 2A to properly charge an iPad. However, as long as the power source is able to output more than 1A, the iPad will still charge, but just at a much slower rate.

Moshi has something called DPS (dynamic power sharing) built into the IonBank, it will intelligently detects and delivers the optimal charge rate to each connected device. I am guessing that the DPS will overwrite what the connected device request from the power souce.

If you are charging two iPads simultaneously, technically it will draw a total of 4.2A but since the IonBank only output a maximum of 3.6A, depending on which iPad ypu plugged in first, normally the first iPad will charge at 2.1A while the second iPad will charge at 1.5A. But with DPS, I think both iPads will get the power evenly distrubted between them which is 1.8A.

Most portable battery packs are using Lithium-Ion batteries, but for IonBank, it is using Lithium-Polymer batteries. Lithium-Ion batteries have high energy-densities and cost less to manufacture but it does not hold charges well, whereas for Lithium-Polymer batteries, it is lightweight, safer to use and hold charges well but have lower energy-densities and cost more to manufacture (read more: Lithium Ion vs. Lithium Polymer).

The Moshi IonBank 10k is encased in aluminium and comes with a carrying pouch with a front pocket to carry cables.

Features

• Stylish aluminium casing with push-button battery level indicator.
• Dynamic Power Sharing technology (DPS) for optimised charging efficiency of 18 watts across two outputs.
• Two USB ports for charging for 2 devices (i.e. 2 iPads) simultaneously.
• High-endurance 10,000 mAh lithium-polymer cells.
• Includes travel pouch for easy storage and portability.

Where To Buy
You can get the Moshi IonBank 10k, Moshi IonBank 5k with Lightning Connector or Moshi IonBank 5k with Micro USB Connector from physical stores such as EpiCentre or online from Ban Leong’s eStore.

Moshi IonBank 10k – Box Front

Moshi IonBank 10k – Box Back

Moshi IonBank 10k – Box

Moshi IonBank 10k – Box Contents

Moshi IonBank 10k – Top View

Moshi IonBank 10k – Front Side View

Moshi IonBank 10k – Battery Level Indicator

Moshi IonBank 10k – Left View

Moshi IonBank 10k – Back View

Moshi IonBank 10k – Slide Out View

Moshi IonBank 10k – Integrated USB Cable

Moshi IonBank 10k – Integrated USB Cable

Moshi IonBank 10k – Integrated USB Cable Head

Moshi IonBank 10k – Carrying Pouch

Moshi IonBank 10k – Inside Carrying Pouch

Moshi IonBank 10k – Carrying Pouch Front Pocket

Moshi IonBank 10k

Bought the Anker Astro E4 13000mAh External Battery from Amazon at a promotion price of USD$36.99 (SGD$46) excluding shipping. The usual price is USD$43.99 (SGD$54.56).

The Anker Astro E4 is my third Anker Product and I must say, I am really love this up and coming brand. It seems very popular in the US. The Anker Astro E4 tops the Gizmodo’s Five Best External Battery Packs.

The Anker Astro E4 uses a lithium-ion battery, weighs 308g and measures 126 × 77 × 24mm. It is the first portable battery pack that I have that came with a built-in LED Flashlight. The flashlight is able to last up to 600 hours on a full charge. To switched on the flashlight, just press the power button twice.

It has 2 USB output ports for charging your devices, one USB port is able to output a maximum of 1A and the other USB port is able to output a maximum of 2A.

The Anker Astro E4 requires at least 1.5A to be charged though its micro USB input port and it’s charging rate is at 1,500mAh per hour.

The package includes a carrying pouch and a USB cable with different charging adapters (which I will probably never use since I got my own cable).

Anker Astro E4 – Box Front

Anker Astro E4 – Box Back

Anker Astro E4 – Box Open

Anker Astro E4 – Box Contents

Anker Astro E4 – Charging Head Adapters

Anker Astro E4 – Top View

Anker Astro E4 – Bottom View

Anker Astro E4 – 2x USB Output Ports & LED Flashlight

Anker Astro E4 – Flashlight Switched On

Anker Astro E4 – Micro USB Input Port For Charging Itself

Anker Astro E4 – Battery Level Indicator

Anker Astro E4 – Carrying Pouch

Anker Astro E4

5,000 units of the Xiaomi Mi 10,400mAh Power Bank was put on sale for the first time in Singapore at 12pm on 24th April 2014. If you miss that sale, Xiaomi Singapore will be having another sale tomorrow, 6th May 2014 at 12pm!

The Xiaomi Mi 10,400mAh Power Bank retails for only SGD$13.99 and shipping is an additional SGD$5 via UPS.

Yes, 10,400mAh power bank for only SGD$13.99. It is so cheap that you just need to get it. Whether you really need it or not is a question for another day.

It was sold out after 4 minutes. One Xiaomi account is allowed to buy two power banks. I managed to get two, one for myself and the other for my brother.

Total order came up to 2x SGD$13.99 + SGD$5 = SGD$32.98 and payment is by PayPal.

Placed my order at 12:02:53 on 24th April 2014. That is 2 minutes and 53 seconds after the sale had started. It can be even earlier if not for the multiple error pages when checking out due to the high traffic.

It was shipped on 26th April 2014 from Hong Kong and I received it on 29th April 2014.

The power bank casing is made up of a single-piece aluminium, created by high precision CNC digital cutting. It can fully charge your iPhone 5s for 4.5 times and your iPad Mini for 1.5 times.

The design is simple, the power button, indicator lights, micro USB input port and USB output port are all located on the same side. Do note that it has only one USB output port instead of two and that means you can only charge one device at a time.

Specifications

• Battery type: Lithium-ion rechargeable cell
• Power source: DC 5V
• Input voltage: DC 5.1V
• Input current: 2.0A
• Output current: 2.1A
• Rated capacity: 3.6V/10,400mAh
• Charging time: 5.5 hours with 5V/2A plug and standard cable, 12 hours with 5V/1A plug and standard cable
• Size (mm): 90.5 x 77 x 21.6
• Weight: 250g
• Safety: Temperature Resistance, Input Overvoltage Protection, Output Overvoltage Protection, Protection from Short Circuit, Protection from Incorrect Insertion, Protection from Overcharge and Over-discharge, Protection from Output Overcurrent, PTC Protective Circuits for the Cell

*UPDATE* 4th August 2014 Checkout my review on the Xiaomi Mi 5,200mAh Power Bank in comparison with this.

Xiaomi Mi 10,400mAh Power Bank – Packaging Front

Xiaomi Mi 10,400mAh Power Bank – Packaging Back

Xiaomi Mi 10,400mAh Power Bank – Packaging Contents

Xiaomi Mi 10,400mAh Power Bank – Front

Xiaomi Mi 10,400mAh Power Bank – Back

Xiaomi Mi 10,400mAh Power Bank – Ports

Xiaomi Mi 10,400mAh Power Bank – Bottom

Xiaomi Mi 10,400mAh Power Bank

Xiaomi Mi 10,400mAh Power Bank

Xiaomi Mi 10,400mAh Power Bank – LED Indicators

A lesser known brand of portable batteries, Mactrix, is a product of Singapore by Mactrix Creations.

Mactrix Creations is a young innovative company focused on providing revolutionary power solutions for the tech-savvy. We offer a vast variety of mobile power that is suitable for most mobile devices in the market. With range of power output encased in trendy designs and luxurious metallic finishes, available in a spectrum colors.
Our products aim to delivery a sense of perfect companionship for everyone constantly on the move, whether to work, school or traveling around the world. Our products create a sense of fashionable and luxurious lifestyle with the use of colorful, trendy and high quality materials.

When I mention that it is a product of Singapore, it means it is designed in Singapore but assembled in China (Apple always used designed in California but made in China). Rest assured that the battery inside are original Samsung cells from Korea and it has overheating protection.

The Mactrix Dual is a new range of portable batteries offering two USB output ports (1.0A and 2.1A). There are two different capacity right now in the Mactrix Dual range, the Mactrix Dual 5200 and the Mactrix Dual 9000. The 5,200 mAh capacity is available in four colours: red, blue, black and champagne gold for SGD$69.

You can get it at the usual authorized Apple Stores like Epicentre, Nubox or istudio. It is also available in Robinsons and Isetan as well as smaller stores like X Gear, Audio Ace Electronics, Sim Guan Electronics and Mobile8.

The Mactrix Dual portable batteries are made up of lightweight aluminum which feels solid when you hold it. However, the plastic at the top where the ports are looks very cheaply made. I hope that can be improved in the next iteration.

In case you have not notice, there is a digital LCD indicator in front that shows the input/output voltage and battery capacity left which is pretty useful. There is also an LED torch light which can be switched on by pressing the power button twice.

Specifications

• Battery Type: Lithium ion (Original Samsung Cells)
• Capacity: 5,200mAh
• No. of USB Output Ports: 2 (1.0A and 2.1A)
• Input Voltage: DC 5.0-6.0V
• Output Voltage: DC 5.3±0.3V
• Input Current: Max 800mA
• Output Current: Max 2.1A
• Charging Time: Approximately 5-6 hours
• Life Cycle: More than 500 times
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 95 x 50 x 20mm
• Weight: 140g
• Colors Available: Red, Blue, Black and Champagne Gold
• Packaging Contents: USB Cable, Carry Pouch and User Manual

Mactrix Dual 5200 Portable Battery – Packaging Front

Mactrix Dual 5200 Portable Battery – Packaging Back

Mactrix Dual 5200 Portable Battery – Packaging

Mactrix Dual 5200 Portable Battery – Packaging Contents

Mactrix Dual 5200 Portable Battery – Flat USB Cable

Mactrix Dual 5200 Portable Battery – Front

Mactrix Dual 5200 Portable Battery – Ports

Mactrix Dual 5200 Portable Battery – LED Light

Mactrix Dual 5200 Portable Battery – LCD Indicator – Backlight

Mactrix Dual 5200 Portable Battery – LCD Indicator – Charging

Mactrix Dual 5200 Portable Battery – LCD Indicator – Being Charged

Mactrix Dual 5200 Portable Battery

The Mactrix Dual 9000 is the larger sibling of the Mactrix Dual 5200. It is retailing for SGD$99 and comes in three colors: red, black and champagne gold.

Similar to the Mactrix Dual 5200, you can get it at the usual authorized Apple Stores like Epicentre, Nubox or istudio. It is also available in Robinsons and Isetan as well as smaller stores like X Gear, Audio Ace Electronics, Sim Guan Electronics and Mobile8.

Specifications

• Battery Type: Lithium ion (Original Samsung Cells)
• Capacity: 9,000mAh
• No. of USB Output Ports: 2 (1.0A and 2.1A)
• Input Voltage: DC 5.0-6.0V
• Output Voltage: DC 5.3±0.3V
• Input Current: Max 800mA
• Output Current: Max 2.1A
• Charging Time: Approximately 5-6 hours
• Life Cycle: More than 500 times
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 95 x 75 x 20mm
• Weight: 250g
• Colors Available: Red, Black, Champagne Gold
• Packaging Contents: USB Cable, Carry Pouch and User Manual

Mactrix Dual 9000 Portable Battery – Packaging Front

Mactrix Dual 9000 Portable Battery – Packaging Back

Mactrix Dual 9000 Portable Battery – Packaging

Mactrix Dual 9000 Portable Battery – Packaging Contents

Mactrix Dual 9000 Portable Battery – Flat USB Cable

Mactrix Dual 9000 Portable Battery – Front

Mactrix Dual 9000 Portable Battery – Ports

Mactrix Dual 9000 Portable Battery – LED Light

Mactrix Dual 9000 Portable Battery – LCD Indicator – Backlight

Mactrix Dual 9000 Portable Battery – LCD Indicator – Charging

Mactrix Dual 9000 Portable Battery – LCD Indicator – Being Charged

Mactrix Dual 9000 Portable Battery

5,000 units of the Xiaomi Mi 5,200mAh Power Bank was put on sale for the first time in Singapore at 12pm on 22nd July 2014 (2 weeks ago). If you miss that sale, Xiaomi Singapore will be having another sale tomorrow, Tuesday, 5th August 2014 at 12pm!

The Xiaomi Mi 5,200mAh Power Bank retails for SGD$8.99 and in comparison, the Xiaomi Mi 10,400mAh Power Bank still retails for SGD$13.99. Regardless of which battery capacity size you buy, shipping is an additional SGD$5 via UPS or Fedex.

Similar to buying the 10,400mAh power bank, one Xiaomi account is allowed to buy two power banks of the same capacity (you can still buy 2x 10,400mAh and 2x 5,200mAh). I managed to get two 5,200mAh Power Bank, one for myself and the other for my mother.

Total order came up to 2x SGD$8.99 + SGD$5 = SGD$22.98 and payment is by PayPal.

Placed my order at 12:01:12 on 22nd July 2014. I got quite a bit of experience buying from Xiaomi and hence it only took me 1 minutes and 12 seconds from adding it to my cart and paying for my items.

It was shipped on 24th July 2014 from Shenzhen, China and I received it on 29th July 2014.

The build of the 5,200mAh power bank is the same as that of the 10,400mAh, the casing is made up of a single-piece aluminium, created by high precision CNC digital cutting. It can fully charge your iPhone 5s for 2 times and your iPad Mini for 1 time.

The design is simple, the power button, indicator lights, micro USB input port and USB output port are all located on the same side. For the 5,200mAh power bank, the micro USB input port is above the USB output port whereas on the 10,400mAh power bank they are placed side-by-side because there is more space.

Note that the max output current for the 5,200mAh power bank is 1.5A instead of 2.1A found in the 10,400mAh power bank.

It seems that after 3rd July 2014 (need someone to double confirm), Xiaomi’s power bank no longer comes with a transparent plastic casing as shown below:

Xiaomi Mi 10,400mAh Power Bank – Packaging Front

It now just place everything in a cupboard box to cut cost. Not that it matters to me, I am just pointing it out.

Specifications

Xiaomi Mi 5,200mAh Power Bank – Box

Xiaomi Mi 5,200mAh Power Bank – Box Open

Xiaomi Mi 5,200mAh Power Bank – Box Contents

Xiaomi Mi 5,200mAh Power Bank – Front

Xiaomi Mi 5,200mAh Power Bank – Back

Xiaomi Mi 5,200mAh Power Bank – Top

Xiaomi Mi 5,200mAh Power Bank – Bottom

Xiaomi Mi 5,200mAh Power Bank

Xiaomi Mi 5,200mAh Power Bank – With 10,400mAh

Xiaomi Mi 5,200mAh Power Bank – With 10,400mAh

Xiaomi Mi 5,200mAh Power Bank – With 10,400mAh

The newly launched Sony CP-B20 USB Portable Charger is a 20,000mAh power bank that comes with four USB ports and that allows you to charge four devices at a time!

It is capable of outputting 6.9A in total and that means you can charge three iPads or four mobile phones at one go!

It will come in black and will retail in Singapore from mid-August 2014 for a RRP of SGD$149.

The aluminium body houses a Sony-made Lithium-ion battery that utilises a proprietary Hybrid Gel Technology to allow it to retain more than 90% of its capacity even after 1,000 charges.

Similar to Xiaomi Mi Power Bank, it supports pass through charging. Pass through charging means while your power bank is being charged by a power source, any devices that is being plugged into the power bank will be charged by the power source as well.

Note that there is a physical on/off button on the power bank itself and you need to switch it on before it will charge your device.

In terms of weight, it is about the same weight as two Xiaomi Mi 10,400mAh Power Bank combined.

Specifications

• Battery Capacity: 20,000mAh (3.7V)
• Input: DC 5V, 0.5A ~ 1.5A
• Output: Maximum of 6.9A (Total of 4 ports)
• Size (W x H x D mm): 84.4 × 175.0 × 23.5
• Weight: 550g
• Supply Time: 100 min at 6.9A
• Charging Time: 15 hours (AC adaptor), 50 hours (USB Port)
• Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ 35°C

Sony CP-B20 20000mAh USB Portable Charger – Packaging Front

Sony CP-B20 20000mAh USB Portable Charger – Packaging Back

Sony CP-B20 20000mAh USB Portable Charger – Packaging

Sony CP-B20 20000mAh USB Portable Charger – Packaging Contents

Sony CP-B20 20000mAh USB Portable Charger – Top

Sony CP-B20 20000mAh USB Portable Charger – Bottom

Sony CP-B20 20000mAh USB Portable Charger – Ports

Sony CP-B20 20000mAh USB Portable Charger – Ports

Sony CP-B20 20000mAh USB Portable Charger – Powered On

Sony CP-B20 20000mAh USB Portable Charger – Charging iPhone 5s

Sony CP-B20 20000mAh USB Portable Charger – Charging It

Sony CP-B20 20000mAh USB Portable Charger

I always wanted to get the thecoopidea 10.6A Power Block but just no impulse to buy it. The Coop Idea was co-founded by two friends who grew up ​in New Zealand who currently resides in Hong Kong.

The recommended retail price (RRP) of the thecoopidea 10.6A Power Block is SGD$99, however MobyShop is selling it for SGD$79.90. That is the cheapest I could find till I went to Sitex 2014 and saw it being sold at SGD$79 at Nubox booth.

DK and I bought it and we were surprised that we got an additional 10% discount if we bought two together. We ended up paying SGD$71.10 for it. I seriously doubt you can get any cheaper than that in Singapore.

The thecoopidea 10.6A Power Block is a 5-port USB charger capable of outputting a total of 10.6A (4x 2.4A port and 1x 1.0A port). That means that you can charge four iPads and an iPhone together at the same time. This is great for travel because you just have to bring one charger and it can charge almost all the devices that your family have when travelling.

There are two Smart USB ports out of the five USB ports, one for the 2.4A and one for the 1.0A. The Smart USB ports contain a built-in smart chip that auto-detects the connected device and provides a suitable charging solution by adjusting the way of power supply and charging current.

It comes in three colours, Yellow, Grey and Blue. I bought the Yellow and DK bought the Grey.

It measures 88 x 75 x 33 (mm) and weighs 210g.

thecoopidea 10.6A Power Block – Box Front

thecoopidea 10.6A Power Block – Box Back

thecoopidea 10.6A Power Block – Box Open

thecoopidea 10.6A Power Block – Box

thecoopidea 10.6A Power Block – Box Contents

thecoopidea 10.6A Power Block – Stickers

thecoopidea 10.6A Power Block – Front

thecoopidea 10.6A Power Block – Back

thecoopidea 10.6A Power Block – USB Ports

thecoopidea 10.6A Power Block – Power Port

thecoopidea 10.6A Power Block

thecoopidea 10.6A Power Block – Charging