Tekkeon's myPower ALL practically does
By Paul Miller 
posted Jun 25th 2006 8:00AM
posted Jun 25th 2006 8:00AM
posted Jun 25th 2006 8:00AM
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Cool idea, but no adaptors for iPods or MacBooks... grrrr
No adapters for iPods? They've missed a big market there...
The lack of adapters for laptops and for most phones make this a non go.
IGo? It can power 2 things at once. And includes auto and air adapters. Oh and it's cheaper. this really is not an innovation. Kensington makes a multiadapter as well.
Just as a note, The iGo everywhere power adapter have been around for a while, and they power THOUSANDS of devices. I actually have the adapter tips to power EVERY SINGLE portable device I own, and a few NON portables too. Around the same price, but more versatile, and yes iPod connectors too.
Actually, I've had the 3300 model since February. It works amazingly well - it's pretty much the most useful electronic accessory I've ever had. I use it to charge my Lifebook, cell phone, PDA (iPaq HX4700 and Palm TX), my Archos AV500 and my iPods (old mini and 5G video). Almost all the adapters I needed were included with the unit. There are iPod specific adapaters for sale at the tekkeon site but I got the universal USB adapter ($4.95) which has a USB A socket and will power/charge ANY device that uses a USB charging cable with the battery's output voltage set at 5v. Works incedibly well with all my devices (saved me from taking along 6 different power adapters on a recent trip to Tokyo!).
Just saw the iGo postings above. The iGo is a universal power adapter that must be plugged in to a power outlet (wall/air/car) to power devices. The tekkeon devices are actually large capacity lithium polymer rechargeable batteries (4000/6000 mAh) - two different types of products. I decided to go with the tekkeon because it powers devices anywhere including outdoors or other places with no power outlet. I typically use the battery all day to charge/power my devices then just plug in the battery overnight to recharge it.
What's wrong with people? The tekkeon website clearly listls iPod adapters. As for the MacBook, give them time...
Yes, to restate the 2 points that have already been made:
1. This thing is different than iGo because it includes a battery to juice up your devices when you are away from a socket. I have an iGo and it works nicely, but only if you are plugged in.
2. There seem to be plenty of adapters for iPod & MacBooks, though it does seem that these devices may only be able to power certain laptops (over 16v) when plugged in.
I believe however that the ipod adapters only go up to the 3G model for the full sized ipod. Seems like a waste as the ipod video is the one that really eats your juice.
You would think they would have a USB adaptor - most phones/MP3 players can get power from USB - thousands of devices in one adaptor.
Disregard that, missed a comment above saying that they do in fact have a USB adaptor. I'd go with that one.
Okay, additinal addapters required for iPods, Dell Laptops, Motorolla, Nokia and Sony Ericsson Phones. The press copy reads "8 most commonly used adapters included." Anyone get the sense that, they are playing fast and loose with the phrase "most commonly used"? Yeah, I understand not wanting to provide the most commonly used adapters so they make an extra buck but, this is just too blatant.
All I want is a charger that can power, AND be powered by USB cable. Is that really such a tall order?
(Yes, obviously I don't mean both at the same time).
I'd love a device where I could take the USB cable and plug it into my desktop to charge it up, then unplug it and reverse the cable to charge up my portable devices while I'm on the go.
There was a little device like this that held 4 AA rechargable batteries (even better!), but at the time it was available only in the UK.
Just as a side note, their compatibility list must not be totally researched.... Our clients all use either Dell Inspiron 600m or Dell Latitude D600 laptops with the reason being that the cheaper 600m is basically the same form factor with the D600 and therefore parts compatible.
The reason I bring this up is that I noticed that their list had the 600m on it, but did *not* show any of the Latitude D series computers...all of which can use the same power adaptor (PA-10 or PA-12).
In other words I would do a little research if you really want to use this product but don't see an adaptor, it may be that one they list is compatible they just don't know it.
Cheers,
Matt