Portable Phone Recharger: a conference survival tool

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One problem with traveling for fun or business is that you suddenly notice your phone battery isn't lasting as long. You tend to use the device a lot more:

  • Long days
  • Navigation
  • Maps
  • Itinerary
  • Communication
  • Photos
  • Social Media
  • Music
  • Reading
  • Games

Then, right when you need it the most (calling a cab, directions to the hotel), it dies. Even worse: you lose your map and translator while in a foreign country.

You also start to notice how rare outlets are in public.

I'll admit it: I've been one of those sad individuals desperately searching for an outlet along the wall and then sitting on the floor waiting for my phone to recharge.

Many times I've told myself that I need to stop acting so desperate and actually get a portable recharger. With my wife leaving for a conference this weekend, and a spring break trip not far along, I finally (way too late) decided to get her something. I don't want her iPhone or iPad failing her when she's taking notes at the conference or presenting her studies. She also has no sense of direction and I can't afford her getting lost. (It was hard enough convincing one woman to marry me. I'm sure I won't fool a second.)

The name to trust in the market of portable rechargers is Mophie. They have two main types to devices. The first is a case with a built-in battery. Many like this for the convenience it adds as you don't need to carry two items and a cord. The drawback, however, is that it carries less of a charge, you can't use your current case, and it won't charge multiple devices. Since we have multiple devices, she already has a case, and I can't stand them, I decided to get a stand-alone device. These are basically a rechargeable battery with a USB/micro USB plug.

I went for the Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation. The battery capacity is 4000 mAh for $70, which is enough to re-charge the iPhone more than 2.5 times.

They have a smaller model called the Mini with 2500 mAh for $60, and a larger model called the Duo with 6000 mAh for $100.

Now, no one say anything to my wife. It's going to be a surprise going away gift.