NuPower Charge & Sync Review — One Solution for Multiple Devices
So last month I noticed another portable device charger in the Newer Technologies NuPower Charge & Sync. I’ve been using a review unit for the past week and I’m generally impressed by this $39.95 solution. The device itself is fairly light at just over three ounces, so it’s easy to pack and carry. There a slide-out lever on the back that exposes prongs to plug the device in — that’s the method used to charge the 1400 mAh Lithium Ion battery inside. A power button ensures that you’re not leaking any energy when not in use.
Most innovative about the NuPower Charge & Sync is the support for a wide range of mobile devices, which is something I place a high value on. I’m not one to buy a single solution for one device when I can purchase a solution that works for multiple devices. The NuPower manages this through three included cables: a 30-pin iPod/iPhone connector, micro-USB and mini-USB. Each of these little cables are only eight inches long, but I find that to be a benefit. When not in use, they wrap around the battery pack in a little cutout channel, keeping the sides of the unit flush. It’s easy to swap out the cables, although I’d like to see a small carry pouch included to carry them. That small nit aside, with the cables this one charger works with my iPhone 3GS, my Palm Pre, a T-Mobile G1 and the Nokia N900 I have on loan. Due to the plastic on the connectors, I found a minor challenge using the cable with devices that have covers for their USB power ports — it took a little finagling to make this work with my Pre, for example.
This charger should work with most mobile devices using these connectors, provided that the device is compatible with the power output of the NuPower Charge & Sync. The unit’s output voltage is a fairly generic 5.1V to 5.5V and provides 650 mA through the USB cables. The Newer Technologies folks tell me that portable cameras with micro-USB or mini-USB are supported as well, but I don’t have one to test with.
When I first saw the NuPower Charge & Sync, I wondered what the “sync” part of the title meant. That’s where the USB cables come into play. The device itself is simply a battery, but the cables can be used to connect any compatible device with the USB port of a computer. So essentially, you’ve got some spare USB connections if you carry the NuPower Charge & Sync. With that kind of flexibility, I’d say this is a winner for anyone that carries multiple handsets or digital audio players.
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The Zaggsparq has 60000mah and the Proporta mobile charger has 3400mah, alot more than this.
Very true, but the Zaggs Sparq has an MSRP of $99 (street of around $70) and the mini-USB adapter is sold separately. Likewise. the Proporta solution is around $50. I’m not suggesting any one of these is better then the other, but folks should compare apples to apple when making the best choice for them.
If this could function as a netbook AC adapter as well I’d be all over this.
That background on the Pre is great, where did you find that one?
The NuPower Charge & Sync is a great idea and works as intended. It could have been much easier to use by a better design.
First the cord wraps around the device making for a great way to store and carry the one adapter you are using. Unfortunately, when the cord is wrapped around it blocks the plug for charging. Wrapping the cord around the device and using the little door takes longer then it should.
Bottom line, the door will soon be lost and the cord will always dangle.