New Charger Options Vary Widely

By John Laposky -- TWICE, 1/8/2009

LAS VEGAS — The thousands of portable devices making their debut at Intenational CES all have one thing in common: They need power. And as vast as the range of devices being introduced here. so too is the range of charging devices on display.

New from Duracell, the Powerpack 450 is a portable power source with built-in air compressor and emergency flashlight. It provides 450 watts of AC power, 12-volt DC power and a USB power source.

The 450 boasts voice technology that instantly gives a user information on the expected runtime of his devices as soon as they are plugged in.

On-demand information provides battery status to ensure the Powerpack is charged. In emergency situations, the step-by-step usage instructions can walk a user through what to do to jump-start a car's battery or how to use the air compressor to inflate a tire.

Also new, the Duracell PowerSource Mini is a pocket-sized, rechargeable power source for two USB-powered devices such as a cellphone, BlackBerry or iPod. It features a mini USB pivot arm to connect directly to the device.

The Mini also includes a universal USB AC adapter and DC charger, allowing the recharging of the unit from a home, vehicle or computer through the USB port.

Duracell's Mobile Inverter 100 converts 12-volt battery power from a vehicle's DC socket into useable AC household power. This model includes a three-prong household AC outlet, a USB charge port and a flexible neck, allowing the operation and recharging of a wide range of mobile devices.

And Duracell's new Spark Plug can charge and power all USB-powered electronic devices by converting power from a vehicle's 12-volt port.

New from Mark Feldstein & Associates is the Charging Valet, a multi-device charger for cellphones, PDAs, MP3 players and more. The Charging Valet comes with a built-in power strip with surge protector hidden in back to simultaneously charge three electronic devices. In addition, the flip-open tray in front features discreet recessed notches for easy access to power cords.

The Charging Valet also includes a fabric-lined storage bin in the back and front drawer, ideal for storing small personal items like jewelry or keys. The sleek-styled valet is available in satin black and cherry wood.

It has a suggested retail of $29.95.

The company wil also show a vertical variation, the Message Valet, that hangs on a wall and includes a white board and cork board to write or hang messages as well as charging electronic devices.

Callpod will have on display its Fueltank, which can simultaneously charge two small electronic devices without the use of an outlet. It contains a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that has more than seven times the capacity of a standard mobile phone, the company said. The Fueltank utilizes device-specific adapters — the same ones used for the company's debut product, the Chargepod. Proprietary voltage regulator technology senses the amount of power required to charge each device. The LED fuel capacity indicators display when cthe harging indicator button is pressed.

The Chargepod six-in-one charger that the company debuted at last year's show, has a new suggested retail of $39.95.

Scosche Industries will be showing two products that were awarded 2009 Innovations Design and Engineering Awards, the Passport IFWA and Recoil IPCRC .

The Passport is a car charging adapter for the iPhone 3G, iPod Touch 2G and the iPod Nano 4G and utilizes a female pass-through connector to attach to any in-car iPod integration system to charge all iPhone and iPod models.

The Recoil is a mobile iPod and iPhone charger that plugs into a car's 12-volt power/accessory outlet and uses a 4-foot retractable cable with a magnetically locking dock connector that flush mounts when it's not in use.

"We are honored to be recognized by the CEA for our hard work and dedication to deliver innovative and useful product to our customers," said Kas Alves, sales and marketing VP.

The Passport and Recoil both have a $29.99 suggested retail and are now available.