[amsat-bb] Portable Power for USB Devices

[Clint Bradford]

UPDATE 12/13/09: I have run the ZAGG spark portable power pack through  
a couple charge cycles. It is impressive. I am working on a deal where  
if you purchase one, $10 will be sent to AMSAT. Stay tuned ... I will  
be creating a Web page with detailed information. - Clint Bradford,  
K6LCS

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Ever wanted more battery life from your iPod / PDA / cell phone or  
other device
that charges via USB? Of course we have.

The company name, ZAGG, might not ring a bell with you. But more of  
you have
heard of the InvisibleSHIELD line they market - IMHO the best of the  
screen
protectors for our PDA and cellphone screens.

Well, ZAGG just introduced what appears to be the best of the  
"portable USB
device power packs" available.

Although the ZAGGsparq is marketed as being "able to charge an Apple  
iPhone up
to four times," I see it being used for a lot more applications.

Physically, it's 3.5 x 3.5 x 1" in size. Its Lithium Polymer battery  
pack is
rated at 6000mAH - that's SIX AMPS in your little pack. Only the  
Amstron PP66S
has that capacity ... but the ZAGG offers more features than the  
Amstron.

ZAGGspark works with any of your devices that uses a USB cord for  
charging.
Plus, it provides TWO USB ports for charging your mobile devices when  
plugged
into an AC outlet.

Weighs a tad over a half-pound. Four LEDs indicate the pack's power  
level
(25% / 50% / 75% / 100%).

I just ordered one, and will immediately put it to use. It's going to  
power my
Verizon MiFi 2200 and Apple 32GB iPod touch. I'll report back how it  
performs.

Clint Bradford
909-241-7666