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The Mophie Juice Pack Air is a slim, protective case that adds life to the iPhone, promising to double the amount of time you can be away from an outlet.
November 25, 2009
Get a charge out of these technology gifts
Blaine Kyllo
For bchydro.com
There's nothing better than giving – and getting – electronic gadgets and gizmos during the holiday season. Improvements in technology and a greater awareness of conservation issues means that you've got a great variety of options when it comes to making your lists this year.
From managing your use of power to having more control over your power-using mobile devices to stylish accessories that are created from recyclable materials, here's a round-up of some of my favourites.
Space saver
The iLuv power adapter lets you charge up to three devices at the same time, so your wall outlets won't be so crammed with plugs, drawing electricity that they don't need. And because the prongs fold down for packing, they are a perfect gift option for the busy executive who finds herself on the road every other week.
Style and sensibility
The be.ez LEvertigo notebook bag is made from re-engineered materials and has been designed vertically, so it hangs off your shoulder and down the length of your body, preserving the all-important line. It comes in a variety of colours, too, from graphite black to prune purple to lime green to pearl white. Additional pockets and compartments mean that you can carry more than your notebook computer, too. There's plenty of room for your accessories, be they fashion or computer.
Waste-free stocking stuffer
You know what's even better than reducing the amount of packaging that consumer products are shipped in? Getting rid of the packaging altogether. So why not consider a gift of music and video that can be selected and delivered digitally? iTunes gift cards provide recipients with access to thousands of songs, television shows and movies, without you ever having to wrap a box. Unless you want to throw your nosy brother off track.
Power down that printer
Own a computer? Of course you do. And you know full well that newer computers turn themselves off when you're not using them. But what about your printer? Those speakers? How about your monitor? The PC TrickleSaver automatically turns on and off all peripherals when it senses the computer is on or off. And it works with both Windows computers and Macs.
Charging without cables
Powermat is a new system for charging your electronic devices. Wirelessly. That's right, you can charge your Blackberry or Nintendo DSi without plugging them in. Which means that you can charge multiple devices using only one power outlet. You plug a small transmitter into your gadget, and then simply set it on top of the Powermat. Zap, it charges while it's sitting there.
Note that some reviews of this product have cast some doubt on the energy efficiency of this and other wireless chargers, citing standby power issues among the concerns. Check out reviews in the Wall Street Journal and at gadgetreview.com for details.
A real bright light
Joby Gorillatorch comes from the company that engineered the brilliant and adaptable tripods. The ultra-bright LED with this flashlight is powered by 3 AA batteries and you can adjust the brightness to meet your needs at the time. And if the bendy tripod legs aren't enough to get the Gorillatorch to adjust to your needs, it also has magnetic feet so it can literally hang around while you get the job done.
Smart recharger
Panasonic's new battery charging kit, the BQC01AKM40, is smart. It won't charge batteries that don't need to be charged. It adjusts the power it sends to batteries to ensure an optimum charge. And it automatically turns itself off when the batteries are charged, or if things get too hot. The rechargeable batteries are better, too. They can be stored for up to a year while retaining 80% of their charge, and they can be charged up to 1,200 times. We all need to use batteries, but using rechargeables means reducing your battery waste.
Power on the go
Ecosol Powerstick is a portable charger for when you're on the go, you don't have access to an electrical outlet, and your mobile/MP3 player/smartphone/camera needs some juice. It comes with nine adaptors so it can accommodate almost any device. When the Powerstick itself runs out, it can charge up to 90% of its capacity within 90 minutes. And it's no vampire: When it's fully charged it stops drawing electricity.
Added bonus: the Powerstick was designed and is manufactured in Canada.
Talk time extended
For the iPhone users in your family, the Mophie Juice Packs are essential. They are easily the best option available when it comes to adding life to an iPhone and they double the amount of time you can be away from an outlet.
The basic Juice Pack is a sleeve into which you slide the iPhone and it fits so well you might not even realize its there. The Air doubles as a protective hard case and is equipped with an on-off switch for those times when you don't need the power supply.
Blaine Kyllo is a Vancouver-based freelance writer and regular contributor to the My Generation section of bchydro.com.
Views expressed in this story do not necessarily reflect those of BC Hydro or BC Hydro Power Smart.
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