John Laposky On Jan 28 2013 - 1:00am

Multiple-Device Charging Solutions In Demand

NEW YORK – The days of having to dig out that specific charger for a portable device out of a basket of similar chargers may be numbered as more powerful power solutions, designed for simultaneous charging for multiple devices, reach the market.

PNY Technologies last week announced the launch of its new portable PowerPack line of mobile chargers, including models with dual USB ports (one 2.1-amp, one 1-amp) and charging capacities of 7,800 mAh and 5,200 mAh, respectively.

The PowerPacks are universal rechargeable backup batteries with silver brushed-aluminum housings, an on/off power switch and a digital display indicating how much charging power is left.

Each model comes with an included 20-inch MicroUSB cable and also accepts Apple’s charging cables.

The PowerPack 7800 provides up to three extra charges on a single charge and retails for a suggested $79.99. The PowerPack 5200 provides up to two extra charges and retails for a suggested $59.99. A single-port 2,600 mAh model is also being offered for a suggested $39.99

iBattz introduced a small, ruggedized, water-resistant power bank offering 12,000 mAh of portable power through dual (one 2.1-amp, one 1-amp) USB ports.

The BattStation Tough Pro 12000 can charge and power two USB devices simultaneously, charging an iPhone up to eight times or fully charging an iPad with Retina display in less than an hour. The ruggedized silicon shell is drop- and water-resistant.

The 12000 has a suggested retail of $49.90. iBattz is also offering 7,200 mAh and 8,400 mAh models at $29.90 and $39.90, respectively.

Goal Zero is launching a 12-pound, plug-and-play solar- power generator, the Yeti 150, designed for camping or emergency preparedness. The generator’s 150-watt battery can power lights, laptops and portable devices via built-in AC, 12-volt and USB ports. It can be fully charged by the sun in 15 hours with the included 15-watt Boulder solar panel.

The Yeti 150 was named a 2013 CES Innovations Award honoree. Retail pricing has not yet been set.

Griffin Technology showcased a new power lineup at CES, including a solution for storing and charging up to five iPads or other devices simultaneously.

The PowerDock 5 has five charging bays designed to accommodate iPads or smartphones still in their cases. When not in use, the unit keeps all the users’ device cables tucked away and organized. PowerDock 5, retailing for a suggested $99.99, will be available this spring.

Finally, Voxx Accessories unveiled a line of RCA-brand charging products with the addition of three new multiple USB charging accessories that address the rising scarcity of power outlet space in a home.

The 2013 product line includes the RCA four-port USB wall plate charger, offering four full-speed outlets for simultaneous rapid charging of four 1-amp devices, such as smartphones and e-readers. Two of the ports provide 2.1-amp charging for simultaneous full-speed charging of two tablets. The bottom 2.1-amp outlet features a proprietary switch that recognizes and adjusts the charge to different device circuitries

The WP4UWR (white) and WP4UAR (almond) are available now, with a suggested retail price of $29.99.

RCA is also introducing a wall plate USB charger with night-light (WP2UNLW and WP2UNLA), which leaves a regular AC outlet open for regular use and adds two 2.1-amp USB charging outlets and an auto-sensor LED nightlight. It retails for $24.99.

Also offered is the RCA USB home charger and LED night-light (USBNLL1) that provides one AC outlet, one USB charging port and a night-light. It delivers a 1-amp charge for smartphones. It retails for $16.99.