Duracell PowerSource Mobile 100 - 100 Watts, Model# 852-0281-07

I give a brief overview of this product and it's great features, as well as explaining the whole "Duracell/Xantrex" branding issue.

Some people don't know the details about power supplies like this. This one requires a long answer.

The PowerSource will provide about 45 Watt Hours. It has a limit of 60 watts from the battery and 80 watts from the 12 volt input. It has a 100 Watt surge limit for a short time.

Translation: the run time depends on your computer and the existing charge level when you plug it in to the PowerSource.

If your laptop batteries are run down, the PowerSource probably will NOT operate it.

If you remove the batteries it may work. It may also work to charge with the laptop off.

If you run it with the 12 volt input it may operate your laptop.

The reason for this is; your laptop uses twice as much power to run if it charges the batteries at the same time.

It will work, if you plug the laptop into the PowerSource before you run down the batteries.

I tested my HP dual core laptop watching movies over the WIFI link. It ran 1 hour and 35 minutes on the PowerSource then 2 and a half hour on its own batteries. Same test, next day, same results.

This would be 4 hours on an airline flight. It will power a Zune or IPod for a long time.

The more powerful the laptop, the shorter the battery life. Your mileage may vary.

It includes a special plug that work on some airlines power jacks.

Many smart phones use a specially wired charger to charge from the wall and will only charge from a computer IF the computer has a data connection to the smart phone. A different USB cable will not help, unless it is wired special. A cheat that works on some Smart Phones is to plug it in then reboot the smart phone.

I recommend it.

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This unit charges my two ipods and my camera as I expected it would. It would not charge my friend's iPhone through the USB port although it would charge through the iPhone AC adapter. It extended my laptop by 30 to 45 minutes -I had expected more. One thing I didn't like is that when the device itself is plugged into AC, it will not charge anything.

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I purchased both the xantrex Powersource mobile 100 and then this Duracell labelled model a little over a month ago. They are both made by Xantrex, and identical in every way, except the Xantrex works great, and the Duracell version doesn't work at all. With the Xantrex model, I charged my itouch 2G and 4 different cell phones using the usb port from the internal battery, and ran my small 13in TV using the 120V port and the internal battery. Basically runs everything I tried (though I have not tried out the inverter function in my truck cigarette lighter yet). Later I saw this duracell version costing much less, and thought I'd found a winner (Xantrex $100, Duracell $42) From day one the duracell one won't hold a charge and I get the alarm and red light as soon as I try to turn it on. Guess you get what you pay for, but the duracell isn't even worth 2 cents. Maybe it's a lemon, or maybe Duracell thought they were getting a good deal. BTW, the manufacture date on the xantrex was Oct 2006, and the duracell was Nov 2006. That's right, I said 06! Perhaps the Duracell was stored in a hotter warehouse all that time and ruined the battery. Regardless, 3+ years is a long time for any electronic device (especialy with rechargable battery) to sit around. Hey Amazon and vendors, clear out your old inventory somewhere else!

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Good product, it has done all I expected, powered my Dell Latitide D630 for a bit over 2 hours, so that gives me plenty of battery power on the go.

Also since is can work as a inverter with plane and car adapter, it's perfect for me. The 2 USB ports also are great you can charge your phone or any other gadget and laptop, it's great!

If you're looking for a nice product for multiple uses, this is it.

;-) hope this review helped.

Schumacher PS-120A Mity-Mite Jump Starter Charger

Want to feel like a superhero? Keep one of these devices in your trunk. The next time you see someone stranded at the trailhead or in the mall parking lot with a dead battery, waiting for dad or hubby or AAA, you'll make their day. Pop the hood, connect the cables, crank the key, unhook the cables, and they're on their way. The whole thing takes less than a minute. If you're the dad or hubby who's always running out to the rescue, this handy piece of equipment will make your job a lot easier. And if you're the one who's found himself stranded, here's a simple, self-sufficient solution to keep it from ever happening again.

The local auto parts places often advertise similar no-name units for lower prices. They're usually bright yellow. I've owned a couple, and have had mixed results. The power switch broke on one the first time I used it, and the battery wouldn't hold a charge either. What's more frustrating than pulling out a portable jump-starter to rescue someone with a dead battery and discovering that the jump-starter also has a dead battery? The other "no-name" model I bought is still working well, but a 50% success rate isn't anything to brag about. You can look at the reviews for similar units sold here on the site and see what I mean.

I grabbed this model because Schumacher is a well-established brand much less likely to sell no-name poorly-made junk. It seems well-built, is very compact, and hasn't given me any problems yet.

I'm surprised more small businesses don't own these. If I owned a bar, restaurant, or retail store, I'd keep one of these charged and ready behind the counter -think of the goodwill they could generate.

One disadvantage to this unit: some models include additional features like a flashlight (which makes it easier to see under the hood in the dark), an air compressor, or a cigarette lighter outlet, which lets you use the device as a portable power supply. I've even seen one model with an integrated voltage inverter, which lets you power standard 120 volt household products. However, these all add size, weight, cost, and complexity to the product. If you're looking for a compact jump-starter that does its job well, this one's a good choice.

This device has saved my old car from a non-start once, and given me peace of mind continuously since I purchased it.

One note: the green "charged" light never goes on the first time it is charged, but will after it's been charged, used at least once, and charged again. It seems to need to "learn" what the full charge is before it can register properly.

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Seems ok at first, charged fine as advertised. Used it 3 times in the first day i had it charged (lucky timing!) and the negative terminal connector flew apart each time. Had to reassemble each time and it still is shakey. Very frustrating in that attaching to anything of any size causes it to self-destruct. Now I've taken to just holding it on to something a la a defribulator and hoping for the best. Would not buy again.

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i wouldn't recommend this product. The positive terminal clamp broke in half the first time i used it... I, as I was stranded, rigged up a method to make contact with the terminal w/ the remaining half of the clamp. Then the charger (which was charged fully the previous night) didn't provide enough power to actually turn the engine over. I will be returning to the store tonight, returning this item, and purchasing a different charger.

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Did a good job, but initial charging took a while. Instructions said to charge it over night but it never switched from "charging" to "charged". After 24 hours, I gave up and used it anyway, no problem. Cables are a bit short (1 ft long) but I had no trouble connecting them to the battery and car. Car started just fine. A couple things to note, although other jump starters may be the same: Instructions say the cables contain lead, so don't lick your fingers after using it. Instructions also say you can extend it's life by recharging it every three months (a bit inconvenient to do/remember considering I probably won't use it for another three years). Over all it did good and I recommend it to others. Good price too.

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Schumacher PST-900X DSR ProSeries Battery Tester with Printer

Remember people......this is not a $2000 machine....handle with care.......it works great in our shop!!.....really like the print out it gives......shows the customer in black and white whats up.......

It is very easy to work with, we love the printout option to show customers. Also at a great price.

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Mazda MIATA Battery

I have a 92 Miata and the old Westco died after only 4 years of service. Since this battery is so much cheaper than Westco's now $133 pricetag for something that's made overseas, I figure I'd get this item which is reported to be the same exact unit as the old Westco made by EastPenn Deka with the exact same dimensions. Since mine was the first generation Miata with round vent tubes, the venting outlets should also fit perfectly.

I ordered the item straight from BatteryMart, which uses Google checkout. They also shipped out the package the same day they received my order in the morning. As I need the battery to start my car, it was much appreciated.

However, UPS delivery had a problem since the address was missing my apartment number. I called Batterymart since I was sure I entered the apartment number in the original order (shown in email confirmation), batterymart rep claimed that I would have to pay a $10 fee to correct this error, which I found outrageous (regardless of whose error, since it's really just a simple call to UPS to change the information).

After explaining and verifying that it was something amiss between Batterymart and Google Checkout that they used, the manager was able to "waive" the address-change fee. A bit cynical, I asked for a discount, which the manager named Anthony was nicely able to get (probably through Google) a day later by waiving my shipping charge.

Then the package finally arrived, even though it was delivered to the wrong building (again fault of UPS). The carton looked worryingly small, barely bigger than the battery. Opening it, the suspected problem unraveled: The package was padded by 1/2" of spacer at the top and two longer sides (not four), but the bottom was only padded by a single layer of thin corrugated board with a few crushed shipping foam peanuts. Two corners of the battery was thus damaged, obviously pushed in with creases in the plastic and outer box.

I called UPS to file a damage report, but also contacted BatteryMart via email. I think the damage is as much attributable to UPS as it may be to the woefully inadequate packaging. The battery had been tested to have the proper voltage and appeared functional, though I was not sure if these damages would have repercussions in the long term. I will update if I get a follow-up from the vendor (or not) on replacements or compensation.

Also notable is that the top of the battery doesn't really look like the one in the Amazon photo, which looks exactly the same as the old Deka/Westco battery. The one I received has a slightly different design, arguably looks a bit cheaper with plastic layers instead of an entire block with grooves as the hold-down bar guides; although it's a minor quibble. I also cannot verify from any of the markings that it is indeed made by East Penn (except the shared 81MU1R model number which is also shared with an Autozone wet cell miata battery among others, telling nothing of its true origins).

Nonetheless, it is an AGM as there are no watery slushing noises, or this sort of damage with the package obviously been rolled around would probably have caused a leak already. The hold down clamp in the Miata also fits perfectly over the plastic top pieces. The battery is the exact same size as the old Westco, fitting nicely into the battery tray as well, with some room left over (as Westco is a bit smaller than the original Panasonic AGMs).

I have searched various sources for the proper AGM battery, and most are either much more expensive, or have been replaced by Wet-cell types that are serviceable yet undesirable due to Miata's peculiar battery location in the trunk. It's a pity that if not for the damages, I would have declared this my new source of replacement Miata batteries.

8/20/10

Batterymart responded to my email, less than a day after I dispatched my request. A product specialist named Brad kindly offered to ship me a replacement at no cost, and noted that UPS will probably pick up the damaged package. He also instructed the shipping department to pay extra attention to packaging to avoid damages. I also received a UPS shipment notification, suggesting the package is going out today.

Initially I almost did not expect a reply, much less a positive one, due to the aggressive pricing of the battery itself and that "$10 address-change surcharge" incident. Therefore this level of painless customer service had taken me a bit by surprise. I hope this wraps up nicely, and will update once the replacement arrives.

8/24/10

The replacement battery arrived today. The package is almost 3 times as big as the original that got damaged, suggesting ample padding material. Opening it up, I had to chuckle: the battery was packed to make a point! There was at least 2" of thick corrugated boards protecting the top and bottom, and between 3" and 4" of similar padding by the four sides (see photo). I imagine even the most anal-retentive (e.g. yours truly) would be put at ease with this kind of packing. It would probably survive a drop from a UPS truck while moving!

Needless to say, the battery arrived in perfect condition and tested to be in expected working order. The customer service at Batterymart proved to be responsive and thorough, and promptly righted what could be a messy problem. It's probably a quality most valued from any online vendor, and I appreciated it.

Bought this to replace a 7 year old Mazda battery in my 96 Miata. Battery was the same size and poles are correct. The only minor issue is the Battery vents are round and smaller than the Mazda battery. I had to cut the square ends off of the vent hoses and they fit into the round holes on the Marathon replacement battery. Other than that was a quick replacement and has been working well.

Good replacemnet and cheaper than the dealer.

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According to a number of threads on Miata.net, as well as manufacturer data on other sites, the Marathon MAR-8AM-U1R battery is in fact an Absorption Glass Mat (AGM) battery, NOT a lead-acid type as stated in the description here on Amazon. This also appears to be the same unit sold elsewhere under the Deka brand name, item number 8AMU1R. In any case you can buy with confidence, this is the right battery for your Miata.

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BatteryMart replacement battery (made by Marathon Batery) was easy to install and took only about 10 minutes.

I cut the original two "rubber" vent tubes at the top of the round tubing where it met the rectangular section which fitted over the rectangular battery vent (I was replacing a Jhonson Control's battery).

The new battery (Marathon) had circular vent holes so the round "rubber" tubes fit perfectly over the battery's vents.

The new battery had the same terminal orientation as the old battery so the cables fit perfectly.

So for $101.95 (including shipping) and 10 minutes installation timeI was very satified with this purchase. The local Miata dealer had quoted me almost $200.00 for replacing the battery on my Miata.

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This battery is a great sub for the Gen 1 (Classic) Prius battery.

It costs less, has vents required for trunk mount and is jell cell.

Length and width are the same, height needs to be shimmed 2 inches.

I used pieces of pressure treated wood pickets for that.

The battery terminals need to be changed to standard auto terminals.

Less than 10 dollars at Auto zone.

A good deal

Coleman Cable 08471 12-Feet Medium-Duty Booster Cable with Non-Polar Glow Clamps, 8-Gauge

very bare bones but fully functional jumper cables to throw in the trunk of your car. lacks the fancy safety heavy coverings on the grips you will find in much higher priced versions. if you know what you are doing and understand the protocol for safely jump starting a vehicle, don't spend the extra money on a heavier set, this set will serve you just fine.

The Coleman jumper cables are great good quality material. Five stars.

I'm posting this review specifically to remind other potential buyers to review the "Cable Type Selection Guide" (which is featured in one of the product photos). Don't make a dumb mistake like me and buy 8-gauge cables for your full size pickup truck. I am giving these 8-gauge cables to my wife for her sedan and buying Coleman 4-gauge for my vehicle...

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For the price of this product, you can't go wrong if you need to jump start your car in a hurry or emergency. My car battery dies often and in the last 3 weeks we've had to jump it 4 times. This does the job. The cable is a little short so you just need to make sure the cars can be relatively close together.

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this item was not the same item as picture there are no glow positive and negative tabs on clamps like it is pictured and the teeth on clamps are not the same as picture not so happy

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I ordered these for emergency purposes in my 3rd car. The cable is fine, but the clamps on each end are flimsy and I am not sure how well they will clamp to a side terminal battery, if at all. Since my Toyota used top terminals I decided to keep them and hope if I ever need a jump, they will also have top terminals available. Checked Walmart website after buying and they have similarly priced items, so consider looking at brick and mortar before purchasing these "name brand" cables.

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Goal Zero 19010 Guide 10 Plus Small Adventure Kit

The Nomad7 and Guide10+ solar battery charging kit is a pretty good product that aims high, but fell somewhat short in performance in my use over a period of several weeks. The kit consists of the foldable Nomad7 solar panel unit with an output pack and zipper pouch, and the Guide10+ batteries and recharger. The thing to understand about solar panels is ... they really need direct sun to work well. If it's bright but pretty hazy, if it's partly cloudy, if you can't get a direct straight on view of the sunshine ... all of these factors impact the recharging times. A partly cloudy day and an off angle for the panels can double the amount of time it takes to recharge the batteries. And in my experience, obtaining optimum conditions is challenging. Read on for a discussion of pros and cons I experienced during my product testing.

(Pros and Cons are tagged with "Kit" if the observation is for the whole kit, "N7" if it pertains to just the Nomad 7 solar panels, and "G10+" if the comment pertains to just the Guide 10+ battery pack/recharger.

Pros:

N7 Cool Design: The 2 solar panels fold like a book, and a wraparound Velcro tab secures the panels closed. The panels are inside the closed case, and the outside contains a zippered mesh pouch that contains the solar converter and port panel, and lets you store the accessory cables, AAA adapter, instructions, and the Guide10+ battery charger. It's a brilliant design that puts everything you need right there in a fairly compact package weighing around 1.5 lbs.

G10+ Multiple Recharge Options: You can recharge the batteries from solar energy with the N7 or N3.5 panels or from USB (8-10 hours per spec.).

G10+ Charger Has a Flashlight: Pretty cool, and pretty bright too (100 mW).

Kit Multiple Accessories Included: A solar cable lets you charge the battery pack most quickly. Other accessory cables let you charge electronics that use a 12v car charger, and a standard USB type mini-B cable. Also included is a AAA battery adapter that lets you charge them in the G10+ charger. If you want to charge phones or Bluetooth headsets, you'll need to get a microUSB cable ... I purchased one separately from the auction web site for just a couple of dollars for several 1 ft cables.

Kit Having a Power Source Wherever/Whenever: This is the usefulness of the N7 solar panel: you have a power source wherever you are, whenever you need it. When the power goes out after a storm, you can recharge batteries as long *as the sun is out*. If you're on the beach, or camping or backpacking, you've got juice. Just realize, it's not really going to save you money using the sun to recharge your batteries.

Cons:

G10+ Battery Charge Doesn't Last: The rechargeable batteries appear to be good quality, but they do not seem to hold up under use. The AA batteries are rated at 2300 milliamp hours. Using a pair in a Logitech cordless mouse, a pair depleted in less than a week. Other AA rechargeable batteries of similar mAh ratings have lasted 3+ weeks. In addition, multiple times that I tried to use a fully charged set of these with the G10+ to recharge my phone; it could not even complete one full phone charge. It seems like my set of batteries must be defective.

Kit Takes Longer than Expected to Charge: Unless you live in a super-sunny place, you'd be surprised how rarely you get a full sunny day. I was. During my testing period of this product, I was confined to weekend solar charging (I'm in an office cubicle during the week with no sun). I rarely had a full sunny day to use the panels for charging. When those puffy white clouds come along, you're not getting much if any charge action. So the recharge times are extended each time a cloud comes by. Overcast day? Fuggedaboutit. This isn't a *product* weakness per se, it is a product class weakness ... today's solar panels just aren't hugely efficient, and smaller panels are even less so. I'm in the mid-Atlantic area, which generally has lots of partly/mostly sunny days, and I found charge times to take at least the maximum time the manufacturer suggests, and usually much more time. They say 2-4 hrs to charge with the N7 panels, real life charging took typically 6-8 hrs for most of the batteries to get to 80-100%. Once I got a 4-hour charge time. It's also harder than you think to be able to lay the panels flat to get the best angle. On the beach, sure that works. In your house or workplace? Mmmmm, not so much. Lay it on the floor, and the cat/dog/child may step on it, besides which you need to keep the G10+ charger out of the direct sun, so that's going to be underneath. Cool idea, but harder to achieve the best setup to get the stated charge times.

G10+ Battery Charger Has No Status Lights for Individual Stations: Batteries rarely discharge evenly, and so recharging occurs unevenly too. Without individual status lights, the batteries that finish first continue to receive charge, and those that aren't finished are likely unplugged too soon since there is one general status light. And the range for the indicator lights is too broad: 0-50%, 50-80%, 80-100%. Not very precise.

G10+ Less Recharge Power than Expected: See results below for phone charging. The first number represents the mAh rating of the batteries used. 2300 are the Guide10+ batteries. The others are other brands of rechargeable batteries. The phone being charged is a GSM Samsung Galaxy Nexus, battery rating of 1750 mAh.

2300: Phone charge: 22% G10+ charge: 9200 maH Time to shutoff: 2 hours Ending charge: 39%

2300: Phone charge: 10% G10+ charge: 9200 maH Time to shutoff: 1.3 hours Ending charge: 29%

2400: Phone charge: 25% G10+ charge: 8280 maH Time to shutoff: 2.5 hours Ending charge: 64%

2400: Phone charge: 26% G10+ charge: 9200 maH Time to shutoff: 2.5 hours Ending charge: 74%

2150: Phone charge: 20% G10+ charge: 6880 maH Time to shutoff: 3.5 hours Ending charge: 91%

What the figures mean are: what the phone's initial charge was, what the aggregated charge of 4 AA batteries in the G10+ was, how long until the G10+ stopped charging the phone, and the phone's ending charge. Basically, I never even achieved 1 full charge from any battery pack, so the claim of 1-3 phone charges per G10+ charge did not bear fruit. Maybe with a feature phone with a tiny battery, eh?

Kit Tablet charging? Not likely to happen. Most have proprietary chargers with molded cables. Besides which, their batteries often have 2-3 times the capacity of my phone, which wouldn't even charge once from the battery pack.

N7 Direct Charging from Panels Not Successful: I tried charging a couple of different phones directly from the solar panels. None would go into charging mode. Their circuitry evidently has a minimum voltage it has to receive to start charging. This might work if you're in full sun, with optimum panel angle, but many, if not most of us, are going to find perfect conditions nearly impossible to achieve. In this case, the manufacturer recommends connecting the Guide10+ pack to the Nomad7 and the device to the Guide10+. That's fine, but don't mislead folks into thinking that direct charging from the panels is likely, because it really isn't.

Kit Using Solar Charging Isn't a Money Saver: Using rechargeable batteries sure IS a money saver, but charging with solar panels really isn't. It takes mere pennies to use a conventional charger to recharge 4 AA batteries.

Bottom Line:

The usefulness of this product is in having a power source at hand wherever you are, provided there is sunlight. The amount of sunlight directly correlates to the amount of charge power the Nomad panels provide, and consequently, the ability of the product to charge batteries. It is important to understand that this is the product's strength. Saving money on charging batteries is not its strength. Being able to charge a lot of devices -or even one smartphone one time -is not a strength of this product. You may be able to boost a depleted phone's battery enough to make some calls after fully depleting the Guide10+ batteries, but that takes several hours.

I recommend the product within those parameters described above. However, I would suggest buying more powerful, more reliable rechargeable batteries to use with it. I found Immedion batteries rated at 2400 mAh to be the best performers in my testing. If you are just looking for backup power to tote around to recharge some devices that run out of power, then I recommend a rechargeable Li-Ion power pack rated around 7500 mAh. I have used such a product to successfully recharge the same phone 3 times on a single charge. Just something to consider.

I made the mistake of buying the Goal Zero 19006 Guide 10 Adventure Kit with 4 Goal Zero AA Batteries, not this one, which is the Guide 10 PLUS Adventure Kit. The Guide 10 Plus is iPad compatible, whereas, the Guide 10 is not.

I bought this kit mainly for camping. I find myself needing to charge my iPhone and iPad and knew this company made a good product. In April 2011, I went to Overland Expo in Amado, AZ and the Goal 0 reps had a big booth and gave away some small solar powered led flashlights. I was very impressed with their presentation of the products. This kit fits perfect in my bug out/backpacking/camping bag. I weighed the item, as I do with all items that go in my pack, it weighs 1 lbs 6 oz with: the solar panel, all cables, battery pack and batteries. EVERY OUNCE COUNTS when backpacking. So, for me, this was a good option compared to having to pack batteries and then maybe having to worry about scavenging more, if in a survival/bugout/zombie/post-apocalyptic situation, lol.

NOTE!!!!

I can charge my iPhone(4) directly from the Nomad 7 solar panels or with the Guide 10 Plus battery pack. But I can ONLY charge my iPad (1st Gen) with the Guide 10 Plus battery pack, I CANNOT get the iPad to charge when directly plugged into the Nomad 7 solar panels...this was disappointing for me, but I'll make do. Furthermore, I plan on buying 2 additional Guide 10 Plus battery packs with 4x AA batteries and 3 packs of 4x AAA batteries. I plan to use the AAA's in my flashlight, lantern and head lamp, and to use the AA's in the Guide 10 Plus packs to charge my electronics.

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The Guide 10 plus adventure kit is a nice, compact solution for battery and device charging. It includes the solar panel, the battery pack, a few cables, and a AAA battery insert (so you can charge those). Note that the unit I received was a little different than depicted in the stock Amazon photos (single mesh pocket on reverse of panel rather than on the flap as shown). See my video for more.

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This solar charger works great as a way to charge my AA batteries when away from home. Now I can recharge my AA's and even AAA's when on the trail. There are loops you can strap to your backpack while hiking if you need every minute of sun to keep your batteries topped off. To charge AAA's you'll need to buy a small adapter that snaps into the Guide 10 Plus. The required adapter is now packed with all Goal Zero AAA's. There are combo packs available that include the Nomad 7, Guide10Plus, 4-AA's, AAA adapter, 4-AAA's and a Luna light as bonus features.

First I'll discuss the Guide10Plus unit:

The Guide 10 Plus battery holder has a 3 position switch. Off, On and Light.

Off = USB Output disabled

On = USB Output is ON (1.0a max)

Light = LED Light is on, USB output is disabled.

Store in the Off position, charges in any switch position.

The Guide 10 Plus must be in the On position to charge your phone or whatever you have plugged into the USB. The LED light is very handy in camp for finding things in the dark, plugging things and so forth. I wouldn't consider it my primary light but it is a very useful feature, and a rather easy way to make sure your batteries are charged up too.

There is a red/green LED that lights when charging. It blinks slow red when the batteries are 0-50% charged. It blinks slow green from 50-80% charged and fast green blinking from 80-100% charged. When the power Output is enabled, the status LED shows Solid green when power is available, solid orange when running low and solid red when no power is available.

There is a dedicated plug for charging the Guide10 unit from the solar panels. Thus, you can be charging the batteries while they are also in use. There is an additional mini USB port for charging the batteries from a USB power source. This is handy for topping off your batteries before leaving on a hike or trip where you'll be using the solar charger.

Goal Zero AA batteries:

I've cycled my Goal Zero AA's and they came in at 2400mah, pretty nice. I also use Eneloop batteries in my Guide10Plus with no problem.

Nomad 7 Solar panels:

You can use the special Guide 10 Plus charging cable and charge the batteries directly from the solar panels. There's a handy pocket for storing the Guide 10 Plus right next to the solar panels too. It includes an opening to easily feed the charging cable right to the battery holder. The Nomad 7 panels are nicely made, fold nicely and fit easily in a backpack.

The rating information on the solar panels shows:

USB output: 5v, 5watt max

12v output: 13-15v, 4 watt max

Guide 10 output: 6-6.5v 7 watt max

Monocrystalline solar technology.

There are 3 outputs from the solar panels. 1 for charging the Guide 10, next to that a USB port, and on the opposite side a 12v output. My setup came with a 12v cig type adapter that plugs into the Nomad 7 so that I can take the 12v directly from the panels and use it.

My Nomad 7 panels weight in at 14.9 oz. With the Guide 10 Plus and Goal Zero AA's installed I have an all up weight of 21.2oz.

Since I own several other Goal Zero systems, I want to point out that mixing the systems does work in a slightly indirect fashion. Let me explain. Due to the different plug sizes used (which is intentional I believe) the systems don't plug into each other. I believe this is due to the abilities of the charge controllers in the different devices, to avoid overloading things. If you want to use the larger panels to charge the Guide10Plus, you can connect it up by using the USB output options. The Nomad 27 Panels have a USB output, which you can then plug the Guide10Plus into directly using it's included cable. It's nice to know that via the USB output options and in some cases the 12v Cig adapters you can mix the Goal Zero systems. The USB cross connections aren't full power and are thus slower but hey it works!

When comparing these units, there is an older Guide 10, and now the Guide 10 Plus. Make sure you get the Guide 10 Plus. The plus version supports 1.0a output at the USB port so you can charge newer iPhones and iPads. A few very early Guide 10 systems had an overheating issue, my Guide10Plus works fine with no problems.

Wow, this is getting long, but these are the nice details to know when choosing between systems. I rate this 5 stars for working to charge my AA's and AAA's on the trail. Feels like a required purchase for any Grab-n-Go kit.

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The first thing I did when I received this product was to label all the cords with id that they belong to this kit. The USB cord looks like every other one you own, but is for charging the battery pack and I did not want to confuse it with my zillion other cords. There is a nice zippered pouch for storing all these bits and pieces.

I could not find any way to remove the "protective film", I believe that these panels did not actually have any film on them. If they do, then they are working fine with the film on them.

We live in New Mexico at 7300 feet altitude, and that that altitude we get some serious solar energy. In fact the GoalZero Guide 10 Plus adventure kit was able to charge 4 Eneloop 1900mAh AA batteries from drained to full in 1.75 hours. The slow green light (50 -80% was actually lit after 50 minutes) It charged 900mAh batteries AAA from drained to full in about 45 minutes at midday, when laid flat on a cloudless day.

Some devices will complain if they sense the charge is too low (notably Apple products), in that case you run the charge through the battery pack (while still being able to charge the batteries).

We were able to charge (without sending the power through the battery pack) the following items on a sunny day in New Mexico.

Kindle Keyboard

2 kinds of Samsung phones

Sansa clip

Battery pack for a TI Inspire

Creative Zen mp3 player

Tom Tom GPS

Using the battery pack we were able to charge an Ipod 4G. I tried charging my ASUS laptop (one can dream, right?) by using the cigarette adapter and a plug I have for the car. That was not successful.

I also accidentally left the solar charging panels out in a rainstorm, and they still worked fine after drying out. (I had the panels outside the patio door with the Kindle inside the house). You do need to think about this, your device you are charging may not stand up to the rain as well. The battery pack instructions state that you should "shield it from direct sunlight" and that "unexpected rain storms probably won't harm it". I do wish the charging cable were a little longer so that shielding it would be easier.

Overall, I love this product. I love knowing I will be able to charge my cell phone, the batteries for my nieces insulin pump and necessary items (like my Kindle!) even if the power is out for an extended amount of time.

I am going to type up some info from the instructions, that might be useful in making a purchase decision and is not listed above in the Amazon page. Everything below this is from the manuals.

Nomad 7 (the solar panels)

USB output port: Accepts any standard USB cable for charging USB devices.

Solar Output Port: Charges Guide 10 battery pack faster than USB.

Car adapter and 12V output port: Connect the car adapter (included) to charge small 12 V devices.

*FAQ from Nomad 7 (solar panel)

What will my NOMAD 7 charge?

The NOMAD 7 will directly charge most USB and 12 V devices (not tablets).

Can I use the USB and 12V ports to charge devices simultaneously?

Yes. The Nomad 7 will split the incoming solar power between the two ports to charge devices simultaneously. Some devices may not be compatible.

Why am I having trouble charging my smart phone?

Smart phones require very specific, consistent input. If your NOMAD 7 is angle perfectly, there should'nt be an issue. However, most charging issues with a smart phone are made simpler by incorporating a Goal Zero power pack as an intermediary (such as Guide 10 Plus) (*note, this is the battery pack).

Is the Nomad 7 waterproof?

The nomad 7 is weather resistant and will not be harmed if exposed to rain or snow.

What kind of solar cells do you use in the Nomad 7?

We use state of the art monocrystalline technology in the Nomad 7 because it delivers more power per square inch than any other solar technology on the market.

Can the Nomad 7 be chained with other devices?

No.

*FROM THE FAQ for the Guide 10 plus (the battery pack)

What batteries can be used?

Any AA or AAA NiMH can be sued and recharged, we do not recommend other types of batteries. 4 same sized batteries MUST be charged at once, but not all batteries need to be empty.

How do I charge?

From solar: use GOAL ZERO Nomad 3.5 or Nomad 7 with solar charge cable for fast charging.

From USB: Use any USB power source, such as computer or and GOAL ZERO power pack.

Is it waterproof?

No, but it is weather resistant. Care should be taken to shield it from direct sunlight and the elements. Unexpected rain storms probably won't harm it.

How is it protected? Usage is plug and play. The built in battery management system prevents overcharge and over discharging of batteries. The USB output will only supply the amount of power needed.

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Escort Mobile Digital TV (Black) for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch

• Escort Mobile Digital TV uses broadcast airwaves reserved for digital TV to deliver video to your iOS device.
• No 3G/4G, Wi-Fi, or data plan is required, and it does not use your existing data plan.
• Access major network TV with Dyle mobile TV coverage - no subscription fee
• Built in battery with approx. 2.5 hours of viewing and 30 hours of standby (up to 9 hours of viewing with iPad 2)
• System Requirements: iPhone 4S: iOS 5.1 or later, iPod touch 4th / iPhone4 / iPad2 / iPad1: iOS 4.3.3 or later, The new iPad: iOS 5.1 or later

Very easy to use with my iPhone 4S. Charge it, plug it in, download the free app (one time), scan for available channels, watch TV. I had it on the highway at 70+ MPH, with no loss of signal; normal TVs don't work when moving over 3 MPH. This is a special "Mobile" broadcast, only available in major cities. You REALLY need to check the coverage map for your area or you will be disappointed (no broadcast = no reception). I am outside of Detroit and get Fox Channel 2 and a children's network with good reception. Closer to Detroit, I pick up Channel 4 NBC really well. Further away from the city there is no "Mobile" signal broadcast, so no TV. Not quite the channel selections you get with cable, but it's pretty cool that you can view it on the road, in the park, in the office, on the bus, in a parking lot, etc. Also, my phone has a limited data plan, so I am glad this type of TV does not tap my data plan.

Buy Escort Mobile Digital TV (Black) for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch Now

I can say I wasn't expecting much from this, but still was disappointed. Even if you've got the money to waste, you'll want to skip this product. What's wrong with it? First, the antenna is a short, weak extendable metal whip that falls out constantly. For a little more effort they could have provided a screw in adapter for a cable. Then the battery life is pathetic. You'll spend far more time recharging than watching. Unless you live in a perfect reception area, you won't receive much. I live outside Philly, and a half decent antenna gets me a few dozen stations. On three iDevices, two got nothing at all, and one got a single station occasionally.

Given the $100 price I paid, it went back to Amazon as completely unacceptable.

Unsatisfied with this purchase, but delighted with Amazon's excellent return policy and understanding customer service. I complain about Amazon a lot, but they more frequently come through in the end. But the rating is on the product, not the vendor (and 1 star is the minimum rating I could give).

Read Best Reviews of Escort Mobile Digital TV (Black) for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch Here

Unlike many of the other reviewers, I haven't had many problems connecting this product to my iPad. The antenna isn't flimsy, though I do my best to keep in stationary with my iPad in the dock of its keyboard. The problem is that even with it working, it's really not that great.

I didn't have a problem connecting to any of the channels in my area. There weren't many to choose from, but all of them seemed to work. I didn't put any information into the app either, so I'd definitely say that it was easy to use.

There were a few radio stations that came up and didn't work. I didn't really care about that, but I guess it's worth mentioning. I doubt anyone looking at this product cares about its radio abilities.

The problem is that that the limited channels makes for limited appeal. Does anyone really want to spend over a hundred dollars to get a few basic television stations on their iPad or iPhone. At that price, you could get a Netflix, Hulu, or ESPN subscription for a while.

At that kind of price, I simply cannot recommend this product. There's nothing here that's worth more than twenty dollars and even then, with its limited appeal I wouldn't give it five stars. If there's some reason that coerces you to really want the ability to watch basic TV on your iPad, go ahead. But this is a huge waste of money.

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First, be sure your market is listed before you buy the product. However, just because your market is listed doesn't mean you'll get good reception. I have a portable, battery operated digital TV so I know what a "good" portable antenna digital signal can give you. My other TV is not great, but it's watchable with some maneuvering. I didn't have unreasonable expectations for this product. I just wanted a signal. That being said, it only picks up one, maybe two, channels (depending on where you are, at some locations around the house, no channels are picked up).

Also, I noticed in the manual that it has an * on the "no subscription fee" that says "subject to change at any time." Their website says, "Is there a subscription fee for Dyle mobile TV? Dyle mobile TV is available with no subscription fee through the end of 2013." So, my guess is that there will be a subscription fee in the future.

This product is a great idea. I've always said a TV Tuner (like is built in to many computers) for an iPad would be a great idea, especially in areas where the power goes out frequently. However, this is not a plain TV Tuner that just picks up digital signals. This depends on some sort of propriety subscription service's signal. If someone could make a plain TV Tuner, it would be well worth the price of this device. Don't be fooled into thinking it is a TV tuner.

I live in a major city in the Southwest this product picked up only 1 local channel and that was intermittent. Sorry Amazon but you can have this junk back.

Solid Brass Battery Terminal Heavy Duty

• Heavy duty brass construction
• Suitable for 1 gauge - 6 gauge battery wire
• Fits all standard top post batteries

I really do like these brass terminals. I have been using them for connectors to a couple of deep cycle AGM 55AH 12 volt batteries I set up along with some solar panels, a regulator, etc. etc. that I am working on as a "pet project" of mine.

They fit the terminal posts on both the deep cycle batteries, and one AC Delco old car battery I had that I "brought back to life" that I had never used but had been sitting around dead for five years just taking up space.

Of course you don't try to combine a car battery with a deep cycle battery. The results will be disastereous. I worked on the Delco separately. My point being that the battery posts on my deep cycle batteries are not the standard rounded terminal poles that are on an average car battery. They are flat and have a hole through the middle of each pole.

These brass terminals fit perfectly with both types of battery posts, and they are very easy to work with. Ya can connect them up from a few different points on each terminal, so I consider them very user friendly.

They have a fairly good heft to them. Solidly built, good metal, and they feel very "right." I highly recommend them!

And I liked them so much compared to some others I tried that I have kept ordering more of them. I must be using four or five sets now, and have a spare for my next battery. And this may be a trivial point to make but the "brass" finish on them has not faded the slightest bit. Even after a half year of constant use.

Duracell 813-0281-07 100 Watt DC to AC Pocket Power Inverter

I bought this unit because it has a cord on the 12 volt end so that it can be plugged into our tightly quartered cigarette lighter outlet. It also meets my power needs. Be aware, this is really only an 80 watt unit that handles 100 watts for no more than a couple of minutes. At 80 watts it will draw about 6 to 7 amps from the lighter, or accessory outlet so be sure the outlet can handle it. Our new car has three such outlets but only the lighter outlet is really up to the task (15 amps or about 15A * 14V = 210 watts). The others are fine for devices that draw only a little power like a GPS, cell phone, MP3 player, etc.

The unit has a small fan inside that comes on when the electronics inside get too warm. Be sure not to block the vent slots in the case, especially the circular ones on the bottom since this is the only intake for the fan. I don't find the fan too loud, being just barely perceptible when it comes on while I'm driving. Mine feels solid, well made, is simple to use and does what it's suppose to.

It is 100 W 0.8 A for 5 minutes only, all the rest of the time is 80W 0.65 A. Consider this when buying it.

It is made by a company called XANTREX in china for DURACELL.

On the picture is looking better than actual.

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The unit is well made and the long cord adds to its flexibility. The cord is actually 35" long.

It powered my Dell Studio Laptop with Earthmate GPS unit flawlessly on a recent 1000 mile trip. It didn't get overly warm and it is quiet.

The laptop is rated at 75 watts.

On/off button means you don't have to unplug when you stop.

With this unit you only need an AC charger for your cell phone.

I am very happy with this unit.

Read Best Reviews of Duracell 813-0281-07 100 Watt DC to AC Pocket Power Inverter Here

Great product. I used it with my laptop (dell inspiron 1420), my blackjack charger and my ipod in the USB plug.

Explanation: This product is not 100Watt is 80watt according to the manual.

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Duracell's power inverter is a durable buy. I have used it a couple times in the last 2 yrs. It still works perfectly and is very useful as it can charge my laptop and my USB device at the same time. Highly recommended

Crimestopper SP-501 SecurityPlus 2 Way Remote Start Paging Alarm System with FM 2-Way Rechargeable

I ordered this alarm system and having been a professional auto technician, found that the instructions were not always on target with regard to wiring it up. Even after contacting the factory technicians, I was sent by email a vehicle specific diagram which didn't quite coincide with wiring colors and connections. Getting return calls was slow and then some of the spoken instructions given incorrect. Following them has made the remote start of the system non-operational and further calls went un-returned as did the email sent.

This product is very good for the price, but it also depends on what kind of vehicle you have as well. Like I said before it depends on your car, because my remote start sometimes start and sometimes it doesn't. I would still recommend it to someone.

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Installed bye a professional which was me and i got to tell ya this alarm system works like a charm would recommended to anyone looking for an alarm .

Read Best Reviews of Crimestopper SP-501 SecurityPlus 2 Way Remote Start Paging Alarm System with FM 2-Way Rechargeable Here

the system is tricky but works as described has saved my vehicle from several attempts to break in I love the remote starting on cold days .

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I was very skeptical about buying this unit after reading the past reviews. This unit does need professional install I had mine done for me it did take some time due to not real good instructions. But its in and works awesome remote start works at over 1/2 mile range very impressed with that feature. Starts from the back of our Walmart through walls and wiring this is a great unit

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DLO TransPod All-in-One Car Solution for iPod (Black)

• Play, charge and cradle your iPod with one simple, secure device
• Transmits iPod's music to your existing radio already in your car (using FM channels 88.1 to 107.9)
• 4 assignable presets let you jump to commonly used frequencies
• Plugs into any available auto power outlet
• Compatibility: iPod nano 1G, 2G, 3G; iPod mini; iPod 4G, 5G, 5.5G, 6G; iPod touch

I wasn't expecting a great solution when I purchased this item. I have tried similar products by other manufacturers and was disappointed. However, the Transpod gave me the sound I was looking for in an easy to install and use package.

Interestingly, I bought a direct connect via tape player type unit as well which is theoretically suppossed to deliver better sound quality. However, I found this was not the case at all. The Transpod does a much better job.

My unit also came with an extension bar so it could be mounted higher. This gets it up away from the ashtray. However, the criticisms about getting it to a place where it is safe to operate while driving is a real issue. It's not a big deal for me because I could make changes at lights or before I set out to drive somewhere. For others this may be a more serious problem, but really it isn't a bigger deal than fumbling with a cell phone while driving.

In order for this product to work properly, you need a very clean FM station that is not broadcasting. This is usually not a problem at the extreme ends of the FM broadcasting band in most locations. If this is a problem in your area, you may get static even on a fairly clean channel. I live in the Bay Area and I was able to find several useable channels.

I also think the design is well thought out in terms of travelling and needing to change channels. The device also you to set a number of alternate broadcasting frequencies as presets. This gives you the ability to change your channels easily while commuting. It is also very easy to change channels directly and the display is large and attractive.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy this product. I'm a musician and pretty fussy about sound. I'm completely satisfied with this product and would recommend it to anyone.

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I forked over the not insubstantial sum of money for the Transpod with intense skepticism. Having purchased, and been extremely disappointed by, two other iPod FM transmitters (Griffin iTrip & XtremeMac AirPlay), I was not expecting much from DLO. However, based on the recommendation of cNet and other generally good reviews on the web, I decided to take a chance.

Two weeks in and I haven't been disappointed. The Transpod seems to have a much stronger signal than my prior transmitters and I rarely hear any static or have trouble finding a strong frequency. Since finding the best frequency for my area (88.9 in Washington, DC), I have never had to change the setting. And the cradle is quite convenient for operating the iPod and is quite stable. (Some of this will depend on the location of your power jack, however).

Obviously, as with all FM transmitters, the sound quality is less than what you would expect from a casette adapter or, even better, direct wiring to an AUX jack. For me, the reduction in sound quality is most apparent in the bass and for tracks ripped from my CDs (songs bought on iTunes tend to sound great). Even with the reduction in sound quality, the sound of the Transpod is miles ahead of what I experienced with my other transmitters.

All in all, I'm pleased with my purchase.

Read Best Reviews of DLO TransPod All-in-One Car Solution for iPod (Black) Here

Do not believe what anybody tells you about FM Transmitters (except me of course). This product works like a charm. You might hear people say that FM Transmitters don't work or that the sound quality is horrible, don't listen. It works great on the first channel (at least in central Jersey). The sound quality is fine and it is incredibly easy to use. It really fits in any car too. In my car I have a unique situation. The ciggaret lighter is jammed in a small corner right next to the gearshift. I thought there was no chance on earth that it would fit. I couln't have been more wrong. The extendable arm really dose the trick. It fits fine and doesn't even go near the gearshift. So don't worry about this product not fitting in your car, which is another thing people might tell you. This really is the perfect solution for listening to your iPod in the car. Put all of your worries aside and get it.

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I have 3 of the older, white Transpod units. I purchased this one to better match my black video iPod. I was very pleased with the quality of my older Transpod units and have even given several as gifts. Honestly this one sucks. For my taste it is unusable. Maybe it would be passable for rap music, but for instrumentals or music other than gangster type, the music is not clear. It is not static or interferance, and I tried all frequency ranges. The quality of the output signal is terrible. I tried my old one again, and while it is not as pretty, it works great. Unfortunately I cannot return it because I threw away the packaging not expecting it to be junk. If you purchase one of these you will be very disappointed with the quality of the sound. If you can find one of the older Transpod units for earlier iPods you will be much better off.

This was my second DLO transpod. I had an older white one that I bought used. I figured I would "upgrade" to this one since my iPod and my car's interior are black. overall the thing performed similarly to my previous one, but with a few little changes.

For one the output of this unit is much lower than its older counterparts. That normally doesn't matter if you choose a good empty frequency, but as you start traveling you notice interference much more than you would expect.

Next, I can't turn it up any where near the volume I used to be able to on the older one without getting hissing and static. It seems that the decreased level on the output also increased the amount of electronic noise when using it.

Last, the most annoying part of this whole product, is that it turns off the radio transmitter after a period of no use. I have paused my iPod to take a phone call only to have very loud (since the level is so low on it you have to make up for it with stereo volume) static and sometimes radio stations coming through. Very embarrassing. Or when you stop your car and then come back, as soon as the radio turns on you are met with the same very loud noise.

Since my car doesn't leave me many options for stereo replacement, this is the best product for my specific situation, though I may try and get that old one back from my friend...maybe an "upgrade" to a newer one will settle the deal.

GOgroove FlexSMART 4i Car Mount System Hi-Fi FM Transmitter and Charger for Apple iPhone 4S , 4 , 3

• DOCK, CHARGE, and PLAY your favorite Apple iPhone or iPod - Works with NEWEST and PREVIOUS Models: iPhone 4
• Latest Enhanced FM Chipset maximizes signal strength and clarity!
• The Flexible-Neck is made to conform to many different vehicle interiors and to give good support to your device while driving.
• iPod and iPhone charging feature lets you enjoy your music without draining your battery life
• QUALITY GUARANTEED - All GOgroove Audio Products are backed by Accessory Power's Industry-Leading 3 YEAR Warranty

Overall, two thumbs up. I typically don't write product reviews, but I looked around and tried a number of methods and devices to do what I describe in the following, and after much time and mistrials, the only product I found that does it all is the GoGroove FlexSmart.

I wanted the product to do three things: (a) First, I wanted a car charger for my iPhone 4. The FlexSmart does that just fine, and the price of the item is about the same as an Apple car charger. (b)I wanted a iPhone holder for the car; it's OK for that. A little bit wobbly, but I feel safe mounting my device to it. Its gooseneck neck isn't too long, which probably adds to the stability, but it also makes it somewhat crowded around my car's dashboard controls (e.g., heater knobs). I can live with that. (c) I wanted an FM tuner base. I tried the only FM tuner presently suggested by Apple for iPhone 4, the Belkin, which contrary to what Apple states, did not work with my iPhone 4. The GoGroove tunes my iPhone 4 just fine.

A couple of minuses: (1) the materials the GoGroove are made from aren't top notch. It's worth the $40 I paid, but not much more than that. (2) I have to take my iPhone out of its bumper to properly seat with the GoGroove. The same was true with the Belkin tuner, so that's probably a problem with Apple's bumper.

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My previous FM transmitter/charger for the iPhone 4 was the NEEWER FM Transmitter, which I do NOT recommend. I purchased two of these over a one year period because the 12V adapter stopped working in the first one. The second one worked for a time, but after a few months, the charger began blowing the fuse for my radio/cigarette lighter. I went through ten fuses before I finally decided to buy the Flexsmart 4i.

--Hardware--

When I received the product, I was very impressed with the packaging and detailed instructions a good hint as to the quality of the product. Installation was a snap. I have a '96 Honda Accord, where the cigarette lighter is located near the bottom of the dash panel and to the right of the shifter. I had no problems inserting the adapter into the cigarette lighter, a common issue I've seen in other reviews. The gooseneck mount made it easy to keep it out of the way, plus you can orient it in landscape for GPS navigation. The ability to adjust the side-grips allowed me to keep my inCase plastic case on as well as keep it securely in place. I live on a mountain, so I drive on lots of windy, bumpy roads and never once had it slip. It's also very convenient (and safe!) to have my iPhone at arm's reach. Releasing the side-grips to remove the device was also very simple and quick.

--Features--

The four preset buttons are very useful for quickly changing stations. Selecting one instantly jumped to it with no skip. I haven't tested the autoscan feature though. Music came through very clearly on my selected channel with very little static, which is excellent considering there are several radio towers and lots of interference on the mountain. Bass reproduction was no problem for me either. The feature I was most impressed with was how quickly it charged. The Neewer FM transmitter was barely capable of charging the device faster than the battery was being drained. With the Flexsmart, my battery charged from 89% to 100% after only 20 minutes, even with music, GPS, and 3G/Edge/WiFi enabled.

My only complaint with this product is that the LCD readout for frequency is very difficult to see even in moderate sunlight (I don't have any tint on my windows). However, the preset feature partially solves this as I already know the four stations that have the clearest sound in the areas I commonly travel. Overall, this is an excellent product and I highly recommend it to anybody with an iDevice.

Read Best Reviews of GOgroove FlexSMART 4i Car Mount System Hi-Fi FM Transmitter and Charger for Apple iPhone 4S , 4 , 3 Here

I bought this mount in preparation for a vacation that was going to involve a lot of driving. I use my phone in conjunction with the free MapQuest app as a GPS unit, and I learned the hard way that I really need some kind of mount for it. My old mount cost about $20, and uses a suction cup system to adhere to the dash, with sticky gel to "hold" the cell phone in place. After about six months of rattling around in my pickup, the suction cup doesn't hold any more, and the sticky is long gone from the gel pads. I had no confidence that it would hold my expensive iPhone 4 safely.

One of the other problems I had with my original mount was with the cords. I had a power adapter plugged in to keep the device charged, and was using an audio cable to connect the phone's headphone jack to the Aux in on the car stereo in order to listen to MP3s, and to hear my GPS program's friendly computer voice through the car stereo. I found that the cords were always getting in the way, and one or both of them would frequently get bumped and unplugged, causing distraction while driving. So I decided that since I was going to buy a new mount anyway, I might as well see if I could combine at least one of these features with the mount system.

The GOgroove FlexSMART mount works very well for my needs. The arm is strong, and holds the phone securely in place, and the padded clamping system makes me much more comfortable about the safety of my phone in all but the most dire of scenarios. I was dubious of the FM Transmitter at first, having tried a cheap one in the past, with which I was completely dissatisfied. I am happy to report that this one works very well. On long trips, I do have to occasionally switch frequencies, but overall that has not been a big deal. Shopping around for a new frequency once every 200+ miles really was not much of an inconvenience. The price-point on this unit was a little higher than I expected, but I have been very satisfied with the product, so I can't complain.

I did experience the issue reported by some of the other reviewers of this product, wherein the iPhone 4 displays an error message stating that the add-on is not compatible with the phone. However, I discovered that the error seems to only appear when the "bumper" case is on my phone. Apparently, it puts a bind on the docking port (probably not a good thing) causing a mis-alignment which makes the phone "think" that you are attempting to connect an incompatible third-party product. Luckily for me, my bumper case is a two-piece design, with the bottom third easily removable for docking the phone with something like an iHome station, and as long as I remember to remove the bottom piece before sliding the phone into the GOgroove, everything works perfectly. So if you happen to experience this issue with an iPhone 4, try removing the bumper from your phone before you return the item.

Another nice unsung feature of this mount is the ability to switch off the charger, so that you can safely leave it plugged into your dashboard power accessory outlet when not in use.

Overall, I am very happy with this device. I highly recommend this mount.

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Although this item worked great with my Android phone using the optional headphone jack cord, it was a nightmare for my Iphone 4. First, I got a warning that the Gogroove was not compatible with the Iphone as soon as it was directly mounted. For some reason, despite the warning it still lets you open up and play your music files. After a while though the iphone began to get really hot and another warning that I've never seen before appeared stating that the iphone was overheating. After just 2 weeks of use with iphone 4, the Gogroove completely overheated the iphone and blew a circuit in my car, shorting out the radio and my cigarette lighter. Fortunately, the iphone was fine, it just shut itself off to cool down.

I had to replace the fuse which I was not happy about. And I called Gogroove's customer service and they told me the 3-yr warranty they keep praising on their product description wouldn't cover a refund, only a replacement device which I'd lost all faith in. They just referred me to Amazon to see about a refund. Amazon of course has wonderful customer service and gave me a refund no problem. Bottom line-this device very well may short out a circuit if you attempt to connect it to an iphone 4.

I read reviews that the plug gets stuck in the cigarette lighter it is true. I read reviews that it would stop working after a week or two it is true. Finally, I read reviews that the flexible arm is too loose it is true. A waste of money.

GM Keyless Remote 16245100-29 w/ Program and Free WWR Guide

i really expected a key fob that looked like it was a copy of the real one. honestly,it looks just like the one that came with the car. I was also surprised by how easily it probgammed into my car. I know some cars would be difficult and the directions looked scary but once i started i was done in less than five minutes!

Works great for the vehicle I have. Although I only gave it 4 stars because the directions for putting your vehicle into "learn mode" was way to confusing and did not work for me. I had to look up and recall a youtube video that short circuits a path between your OBD port with a paper clip *(port 4 and port 8)* and accomplishes the same task... WAYYYY easier and it is the system I have seen certified GM mechanics use. The instructions tell you to key off this key on hold a button and switch the key on/off three quick times...= GOOFY! Watch the youtube vid on jumping port 4 and 8 or print it off its findable on the web. The horn/locator/panic button doesn't work or my car isn't compatible with it or never had a factory alarm setup no biggie. I just wanted to replace the key fob so I had extra set of keys and such. Has greater distance than my original although I'm writing that off to fresher batteries in the new unit. Fit and finish is OEM.

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Great replacement remote. Worked well for my 1998 GMC Yukon. Like others posted, the horn button does not work, but that's expected as the original does not have this button. My previous remote kept falling apart. Used some quick fixes (i.e. aluminum foil on the inside of the buttons) but that only worked temporarily and it was still inconsistent. Finally made the decision to get a new remote and wish I had a while ago! Much greater distance and no more pushing the buttons multiple times to get the key fob to work.

I used the programming method of jumping terminals 8 and 4 in the Data Link Port and it worked like a charm. Less than 2 minutes to program and all you need is a paperclip.

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The remote for my 97 Chevy Tahoe stopped transmitting so I needed a replacement. I bought this and so far so good. It arrived on time and was easy to program.

My original remote didn't have the "horn" button, so I wasn't expecting that to work and it doesn't. The other three buttons work just like the original.

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Received item very fast, but it did not come with instructions on how to program as promised in the ad. After call the tech line remote still didnt work. My money was refunded but i still need a remote that works.

Mini 10W Car / Auto DC Charger for the Cowon J3 with Gomadic Brand Power Sleep technology - Designe

• Charger provides a full 10W (2,000mAh) of available current in a small form factor a little over 1 inch long. Flexible, straight cable measure 50 inches in total length.
• Gomadic TipExchange Technology protects your investment by providing a means to change/upgrade your charger by simply swapping the physical charging tip. (Charging tip for Cowon J3) included with additional tips sold separately)
• Intelligent circuit provides precise output voltage and resistor configuration specific to the Cowon J3. This ensures battery is safely and efficiently charged without affecting battery longevity.
• Integrated advanced charging technology protects the device from power surges, overcharging and short-circuiting.
• Uses latest state of the art advancements in charging and surge suppression technologies to deliver a unique product in an unbelievably micro-sized form factor.

This charger works great with the Cowon J3. I leave the display turned on and the volume all the way up (to achieve a better signal-to-noise ratio, I think) and the battery remains topped off. The charger seems to be constructed in a quality manner, the adapter tip works perfectly with the J3, and the green LED is not too dim and not too bright.

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TomTom Go 720 Battery Replacement Kit with Installation Video, Tools, and Extended Life Battery.

The directions for this kit are on a DVD. The DVD makes the installation process seem much easier than the actual installation itself. A piece of double sided tape was included in the replacement kit to hold the new battery in place. I used the tape to re-secure the new battery after removing the old one. What was not mentioned in the instructions was the double sided tape was too thick to allow the TomTom to be closed and the halves screwed back together. The TomTom had to be disassembled again and the tape removed before it could reassembled properly. A little more detail explanation would have helped otherwise, it would have gotten 5 stars. As it is the battery works well and my TomTom functions flawlessly.

Certainly was less expensive that replacing my Tom Tom ( which I considered). You tube instructions were complete and easy to follow. No fancy packaging here, but the battery appears to be fresh and holding the charge. Highly recommended

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It was simple to do and all the tools included, along with a great instructional video. As advertised. The new battery works great and it is like I have a new GPS again.

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Install of this package was a breeze. Considered purchasing new gps, glad I didn't, this is a great gps once again. Thanks!

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Just finished installing the new battery. Had a problem getting the GPS open. The plastic tool quickly bends our of shape because the material is too weak at the tip. Had to use a small screwdriver to pry things open and managed to scratch the screen. Don't notice it when it is turned on. The old battery in the TomTom GPS is held by very strong double sided tape. Hard to get out. Had to use again a micro screw driver to pry it open. I found a micro screw holder very handy as my fingers are big and fat. Also used tweezers and forceps to help me with the tiny parts.

Although not perfect, this product is better than having a dead device and since mine still works after changing the battery, scratching the screen, and being a little rough with the motherboard, I am happy.

If I can find a used Tom Tom just like it super cheap, I may try it again but just try to locate the battery somewhere as I don't need another full kit.

Schumacher SSC-1000A SpeedCharge Battery Charger and Maintainer with 50-Amp Battery Clips

First, let me say that this charger performs flawlessly and deserves five stars when it is in charging mode. I have used it for three years and hundreds of successful charging cycles on a dozen different batteries of various sizes and types.

However, on two different occasions and with two different batteries (both brand new when hooked to the charger) I left them in "trickle charge" mode. The batteries were part of an emergency communications station that must to be ready at any time with full batteries. This charger burned up both batteries after three months of trickle charging. This mode is supposed to allow a battery to be hooked up indefinitely and maintain it at peak performance. Not destroy it. Other folks in the emergency communications service use other chargers and leave them in trickle mode for years. DO NOT use this charger for that kind of operation.

Battery chargers and I have never gotten along. I actually once sold, what turned out to be, a perfectly good old snow plow truck because I thought something serious was wrong with the engine. The charger showed the battery was good, so I figured it had to be the engine and it was too old and rusty to put more money into it. The guy came to pick it up, gave me $200...stuck a new battery in it, and drove it away. It was a bad charger not a bad battery.

Recently, using what I thought was a more reliable charger, I couldn't get my batteries to fully charge. Rather than blaming the batteries this time, I purchased the Schumacher. I read good things about the brand on the web and took the plunge. I couldn't be happier. This is a hi-tech charger with all the bells and whistles. It is "stupid proof" as well, and lets you know what is going on as it charges. I love it! I am now able to fully charge all my batteries, and the other charger went into the trash. I highly recommend this automatic speed charger.

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Build Quality:

* Great build quality. Has the look and feel of a well engineered product, not some cheap stuff.

* I smiled when I lifted it first as it wasn't feather light and appeared to have decent enough weight to it an indication of a decent power supply.

* This one seems to be rated for marine use and hence should be more resistant to corrosion.

* The connector cables are thick enough and the clamps have enough spring action/grip to them to securely lock on a battery terminal.

Design:

* Very user friendly with direct 1 touch access to most features.

* I liked the case design. Has a neat little pocket to store the power chord and the connecting cables. The chord and the cables do need to be tightly rolled up first before they can fit in the pocket.

* It's got a neat little handle that you can use to hang it up on the wall. Neat design if battery charging is something that you do more frequently and want to have the unit easily accessible, ready to use but out of the way off the floor.

Features:

Well, I haven't used it extensively enough (Used only twice since I got it a month back), but here are some features that were used (and so experienced) when I used the charger:

* Shows level of charge on a battery both in percentage as well as volts. Big readout makes it easy to read all the numbers.

* Has user selectable 2/6/10 amp charging options good for most batteries. Would have liked a 1 amp option as well (for smaller motorcycle batteries), but then that's a different product from Schumacher. The 2 amp option, though slightly higher than recommended, worked great for the motorcycle battery though. So this unit really allows charging a wide range of batteriesfor motorcycles, cars, boats. Nice to have just one charger around rather then 1 for each type of vehicle/battery.

* The electronics worked just as mentioned. Once I selected the primary amp setting, everything else was handled automatically by the charger electronics. It switched to a trickle mode charge automatically once the battery was completely charged. Neat feature, keeps your batteries from being damaged by overcharging.

* Has a desulfation mode that desulfates a battery. Of the two instances when I used this charger, it kicked into this mode on my car battery which was completely drained and was left in the completely discharged state for quite some time that resulted in sulfation in the battery. This charger automatically detected this state of the battery and desulfated it first and then automatically switched to charging mode once the battery was desulfated and accepted charge. (I will be honest with you I don't really know the chemistry and process behind this, but I have read that sulfation can render a battery useless)

* Has a cooling fan to keep the charger cool. Not exactly whisper quiet, but not something that's louder than expected (YMMV) for the application.

Reliability:

Have only owned it for a month and used it twice, so can't really comment on long term reliability. But it has worked perfectly on the two instances I had to use it including it's "automatic" features. So, for the price (I got it when it was about 50% of MSRP at Amazon), it's one awesome, feature-rich charger.

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Bought the Schumacher SSC-1000A for a "weekender" automobile that spends most the time in the garage. As obligations build up, sometimes too much time goes by between start-ups and significant drives to recharge the battery. The last time, the battery completely died... not even a dim glow of the dome light, nothing, zilch, nada. Sometimes the jumpstart devices don't have enough power to crank a very low battery, so I was looking for another type of solution. The SSC-1000A works great. It's a plug-in machine, feeding off electricity from a household outlet. It's compact and lightweight, about the size of a box of chocolates. Connect the SSC-1000A to the positive battery terminal and the ground post (on the vehicle), plug the SSC-1000A into the power outlet, and the charging process begins automatically. Walk away, and in a couple of hours you have a charged battery! There is a display that can alternate between voltage and % of battery power, as well as a selector for charging rates of 2A (slowest charge), 6A, or 10A (fastest charge.) My 0% battery was resurrected to 100% in about two hours using 6A and 10A. There is another selector to choose between regular, deep-cycle, and AGM gel cell batteries.

The Schumacher SSC-1000A works exactly as I thought and hoped it would. I am most satisfied with the purchase and highly recommend the SSC-1000A to others who might be looking for a similar solution.

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Simple and intuitive to use. % of charge in battery, and toggle to voltage is a natural.

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ChatterBox CB-50 Tandem Pro Communicator Kit - --

Have actaully had this sytem for a few years and enjoy it everytime i ride 2 up. You still need to buy an additional speakers and mike kit for the passenger helmet but the days of shouting out at your passenger are gone. This system is CORDED but now my bride and i can talk, discuss things while we enjoy the rides we go on. The clarity is great and battery life lasts a full 5-6 hours of solid riding. 7-8 if you shut off when not in use. Now both of you can enjoy music piped in thru your phone and answer and take calls with the push of the button located ontop. Only draw back is that its really not waterproof. I have an XBI2 as well when i ride so on another helmet but when i ride 2 up i like the sytem best. I know blue-tooth is the future but for the price and piece of mind this is the best route to go when riding 2 up.

wires all over my neck was the least of my problem. the packaging was good. Installing the unit is easy and as you work the wires. connctin the unit to the phone and mp3 is a little different. mp3 connected with its own wire and jack. the phone is a proble since it needs a adapter and I could not find one to fit it. I called the manafacturer and they told me that they are not making the jack anylonger so I am out of luck with this one. the communication with the passenger requiers switching the chnnel with switch that means taking your hands off the bike and serch for the right switch to togel," distracting".

The speakers are good but the supllied hardware not good and they are constantly falling. I gave up on the unit and that is why I did not prossued to fix the problem. it is not hard to fix if you want to keep the unit.

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