This article was taken from the March 2011 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
Give your electronic kit a second wind with a portable battery.
HOW WE TESTED
We sent the chargers to Thomson Reuters' Jolie Hunt for her to test. As global head of PR for the organisation, she spent 256 days in 2009 travelling -- juggling an iPhone, BlackBerry, iPad and laptop. We also used each to charge an iPhone 4 from empty.
NON-STANDARD CHARGING
All the chargers -- apart from Kensington's iPhone 4-only PowerGuard -- can charge any USB-compatible device, by using the device's own charging cable. The Tumi, TeckNet and powergorilla chargers have standard USB ports, whereas a supplied adaptor converts the powermonkey-classic's Nokia- style plug to a USB port.
HOW WE RATE
1> A complete failure in every way
2> Barely functional -- don't buy it
3> Serious flaws -- buy with caution
4> Downsides outweigh upsides
5> Recommended with reservations
6> A solid product with some issues
7> Very good, but not quite great
8> Excellent with only a few niggles
9> Nearly flawless -- buy it now
10> Metaphysical product perfection
Check out the gallery below to see how the chargers held up.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
