Home > Consumer Reviews > Sanyo eneloop Mobile USB Booster for iPhone, iPod, PSP, Cell Phones and All USB Powered Devices

Specs:
Input: DC 5.0V 500mA/1A
Output: DC 5.0V 500Ax2
Built-in Li-ion Battery 3.7V/5000mAh(19Wh)
For use with Adaptor KBC L2ADU only
Figured you should look at the specs first before continuing to read since that should help you rule out whether or not this can charge your device.
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This Amazon Nov 2008 offering from Sanyo has 2 usb outlets. Got it in a good sale (instant rebate) in Feb 2008. I usually wait 6m to a yr or after warranty expires before writing a review since that gives me a better idea of how well the product a product performed. I am so happy with this product I am writing about it now with only a month of usage. Compare this to the earlier Li-Ion extenders such as Proporta(UK) or Radio Shack(US) models, MACALLY External Battery which are from 2007 or earlier. Innovation and product improvement is great. I'll report again in 90days if I find out I should have stuck to my regular writing routine.:+)

Approximately 4 charges or 240 min according to manf. specs.

Quick Guide: I only mention this because it took a little digging to other sites to find this info. As other users noted, the instructions got rather compressed in the new packaging of 2009.

Charging the Booster:
Charge with USB or Wall adaptor. LED indicator blinks blue to tell you it is charging.
Steady blue: it's done and ready to use.

Charging your device with the Booster (how to use it):
1) plug USB end into battery. Plug device end to your device. Press on LED OUT button.
It will blink a code.

2) keep an eye out on your charge time. This is like turning on a faucet to fill a bucket (your device). You have to remember to shut off the faucet or else it will keep fililng (discharging until there is no more water (electricity) in the tank). This is an analogy, please do not take it literally (there is no water in the device).

I usually allocate 1 hr to my device but that is approximate depending on how much charging is needed.
If you charge 2 devices at the same time, divide your total time left in 2.

As a newbie, I had wondered why the device doesn't just shut down charging when it's full but this seems standard for any battery extender (alkaline and Li-Ion).The only off switch is the user unplugging the device.

My Palm TX has a lightening bolt indicator to let me know the device is charging. It gives the percentage charged so I know to stop when it has reached 100%. My E2 just has a battery guage. Find out what your device uses to indicate "Power's Up!" I was surprised by one GPS user who reported no charge indicator on her device.

Pros: portability, compact palm size (smaller and stronger than older editions from other companies), 2 USB outlets, battery can be charged from wall outlet or USB port from a computer. Solar charger could also work (could depending on conditions). Flash code to tell you usability left in battery. LED indicator light is bright enough to double as a night light on the nights it's being charged. Clean white plastic casing is easy to spot in the dark.

Cons: no usage meter but you get used to understanding the flash codes with a few repetitions (see specs at end of this review). No carry kit. You can get a nice leather, cloth, canvas pouch from a street fair/ethnic store or the cosmetics section of a pharmacy for a few bucks.

***Things to be aware of*****
* Requires direct usb charger cable, trickle charge cable for Palm devices works but direct power cable charges faster. If you device, MP3, IPOD, cell phone does not have a USB charge cable option, this is not for you so check your device specs/ops before you buy this.

For Palm TX, E2 users: This charge cable works much better than the default trickle charge cable that came with the original packaging. Trickle charge can take up to 5 hrs. Direct charge is usually done in 1 to 1.5 hrs. Amazon specs it for Treo but it is the same one listed in Palm direct for a TX or E2. I have used it for both with the Booster and computer.
USB Charging Cable for Treo 3300WW
* This is for US current. If overseas, you can charge from your computer or use an overseas current adaptor. If sending as a gift, check for an overseas version before shipping this made for US current device because you will also need to include an adaptor. Google for more Sanyo Eneloop products. They also offer solar chargers which I would like to find in US to supplement the wall/usb charge options.

* If you have slippery hands (dishpan fingers) like me, then a little rhinestone stickums on the ports and some rubber paint (craft) or athletic tape (canvas) will help keep a better grip and locate ports easily by touch.

I use this for backpacking/kayaking since it is more efficient than relying on solar power in Northern CAL climes (trees and more trees block sunlight). I live in the state that has some of the oldest (bristlecone pine), the tallest (redwoods), and the largest(sequoias) trees. They are great for history but lousy for solar charging devices. Compared to their cost and still developing tech, this is a good investment but requires access to wall or usb charge source. I am usually charging my devices after sundown and in darkness hence the mods to be able to handle the charging without sight. This new device is very very useful and reliable.

Hackers should be able to figure out additional charging methods.

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Wt: 130 g
Dimensions: 62x70x22mm
It's small and fits in the palm in general.

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Recharge:
Via the power outlet or computer USB
7 hrs for power outlet
14 hrs for USB outlet

Plug in: steady blue and then flashes
When flashing stops, unit is charged and ready for use.

Voltage: five volts (5vDC) at 500 mA

**Charge your portable device:**
* 240 min total charging cap
* 120 min if charging 2 devices at the same time

Your mileage varies depending on how fast and how much your device pulls.

Flash guide:

Plug in device with device's USB charge cable.
Push DC Out button about 1 sec until LED flashes code.
1 steady flash: USB ports are ON and ready to charge your device.
* 3 flashes: usable
* 6 flashes fast: time to recharge the booster. Don't use anymore to charge your device
* No flash: definitely empty, recharge it.

Hope this helps you in the quest for portable power.

It is true, a trip to DepotEco.com for information may be necessary to get it to work, but you don't need to call. There is a great deal of information about Eneloop as well as other products. Once you figure out things like you can't charge the booster and use it to power another device at the same time, the blue light flashes when charging then goes on continuously when charged, and you must press the button to turn on the power outlets, then it is easy to use. I did not find any of this explained on the package. The five stars remain because of the on line DepotEco support. It is good to remember that it will take twice as long for a full charge from the USB power in than from the AC power supply. I really like the USB connections and the convenience of not having to fool around moving single cell rechargeable batteries from charger to device and back. The primary use for me is wireless phone back-up power.

The capacity on this battery is nothing short of amazing: 5000mAH.

Look at the standard battery capacities of the some other backup batteries for the iPhone and you'll be amazed at how this one stacks up.

I was recently on a vacation trip at a theme park where I knew I would be away from power outlets for the entire day. I used my iPhone 3G extensively, and found that the eneloop pack was good for at least two, if not three full charges of the phone. Not only that, but it charges the phone up FAST, especially compared to my car charger.

Can't recommend this one enough. It does not come with an ipod cable, you have to supply your own.

I carry this in my purse so I never worry about not having my cell phone charged. Recently we had horrible fires here and lost power so this was the only way I could charge my cell phone and my kids could play their MP3 to help them stay sane with no electricity. When I first got it I was alittle confused with getting it charged but I got it from DepotEco.com and they were great about explaining how to use the different ports.

This is a great little gadget from Sanyo .
The Sanyo eneloop Mobile USB Booster is really a little emergency power back up station. You can use it to power anything with a USB hook up like most Cell phones hand held video games, Flash Light Radios etc.. or my favorite is to use it to power the eneloop usb charger. With both of these in your Camera bag our luggage you will always have charged Batteries and extra power to charge your cell phone our the kids video game on long trips or simply away for any other power source. Now you can travel with a few eneloop's and the Mobile USB Booster and know you never need to stop for batteries.

The Mobile USB Booster is charged in one of 2 ways. You can plug it into a AC power Source. World Wild Voltage ready! or you can recharge the Lithium - Ion Batteries with any standard powered USB port!

Also because the Booster has 2 USB ports powered at 5 volts you will have enough power to run 2 devices at the same time! all on emergency back up. eneloop Mobile USB Booster