charger

Solar uptake for cell phones still 'limited'

Solar technology in mobile computing devices is still impeded by performance and price issues and isn't likely to entirely replace batteries anytime soon, according to analysts.

James Hines, Gartner's research director for semiconductor, told ZDNet Asia in an e-mail interview that performance is the "primary inhibitor to the practical application of integrated solar cells" in today's mobile devices.

Solar-powered battery chargers for mobile phones and other devices are already available in the market. However, they are not only expensive, but their performance is also "poor," he had said in a recent research document. … Read more

BOL 1036: Twitter Viagra?

So, Twitter has had a hard time staying up today because of a denial of service attack. But we think we have the answer. And it's available in many spam e-mails for order. We also get in a big, fat argument about whether News Corp. will win or lose by charging for all its news sites. But we can all agree on Whisky.

Subscribe with iTunes (audio) Subscribe with iTunes (video) Subscribe with RSS (audio) Subscribe with RSS (video) EPISODE 1036

Twitter DOS outage today is really becoming a big one. http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-10304633-36.htm http://status.twitter.com/Read more

Simultaneously charge PS3, XBox 360 controllers

Konnet makes a few versions of its Power Pyramid charging docks, including one that's designed to charge four wireless Xbox 360 controllers at one time and one that charges four PS3 controllers (which only come in a wireless version). However, the model we reviewed is the only one that charges both wireless Xbox 360 and PS3 controllers. That duality obviously has some appeal to gamers who own both systems and don't want to invest in two charging systems.

Wireless Xbox 360 and PS3 controllers can be charged via USB, but a dedicated charger such the Power Pyramid eliminates … Read more

Alternative Charging Methods

Your sitting there working hard at you desk and you realize you need a charge but your touchstone and or stock usb charger are at home or in the other room. What do you do now? If you had a desktop charger you wouldn't face this issue. I myself am always on the go and need chargers in different rooms of my house and at work, the desktop charger is great to have so my Pre is always with me at my desk. I have noticed some pros and cons to the desktop charger and here is what I … Read more

Charge multiple handhelds at one time with Charge4All mat

This is not for everybody, but if you have more than one handheld device (like me), you'd probably find this handy.

It's called a Charge4All portable charging mat and it can charge up to four handheld devices at a time from a single source of power. This means you won't have to fumble around to find wall sockets, especially if you share a place with another gadget hoarder.

The mat supports a large amount of (if not all) popular electronic devices, including iPhones, iPods, cell phones, MP3 players, Bluetooth devices, PDAs, digital cameras, portable GPS devices, and … Read more

Touchstone Charger, Does It Really Work?

The Touchstone charger is great in theory and a nice little take a look at what my Pre can do Iphone type of moment hahaha. but the question is does it actually work effectively? Thanks to my buddy at Best Buy for getting me the Touchstone charger so I could do a review for you all. I got as much light in the room as possible so sorry about the darker image on the video but you can still make it out without strain. Through some testing it was clear as day to see that the Touchstone charger took about 45 minutes longer to charge than straight usb. This is a bummer since you don't want to be waiting forever to charge your device. The reason that I will still be using is because it's wireless, great for having on my beds headboard, and makes turning off alarms easier in the morning. (not sure if the alarm thing is good though) Below is a video of it in action with some of the features explained a little more To make it quick for those that don't have access to videos here's a quick sum-up of the video review. There are two different kits for the Touchstone, you have the basic one which includes the docking station and the battery cover for the device. Than there is a 89.99 version that also includes new outlet plug and usb cord. The docking station has a very interesting feeling grip on the bottom, through some research I found out that they designed it after the gecko's paw so it could be placed anywhere without fear of falling. The reason for the battery cover involves a little science, the science of magnets. The new battery cover has a matte black finish with a rubbery, grippy feel, on the inside of the battery cover you will find four circles which are actually magnets. These magnets are attracted to the one in the docking station holding the phone in place. The whole wireless feature is a plus, but if plugging in the usb doesn't bother you I personally would stay with that route since the touchstone charger does seem to charge the battery at a slower rate.… Read more

Get a pair of Cellboost phone chargers for $7.99

Today only, Woot.com is offering two Cellboost disposable chargers for $2.99, plus $5 for shipping.

If you're not familiar with Woot, they offer a different deal every day--and frequently sell out of the featured product.

If you're not familiar with Cellboost, it's a disposable battery pack that powers and recharges portable devices.

In this case, it powers and recharges any device with a mini-USB port--namely most BlackBerry and Motorola phones. (Here's a complete list of compatible models.)

I've used Cellboosts before; they're insanely handy for those times when your phone battery dies … Read more

My Favorite Accessories

A selection of the accessories I have and use or would like to.

Good morning! I've scoured the web to find what--as of today--are the best accessories for the Palm Pre. Because this is my user review, I'll focus on those I chose to buy and/or would like to and why.

Case

There is a small range of case styles available (snap on, side cases, hard or rubberized, leather, fabric pouch, with and without a belt clip) but not yet a ton to choose from in each category.

The one I use and my favorite of those … Read more

Bad Ass American Rides Pt. 4: '68 Dodge Charger on a Test Drive

So far this week we've taken a look at some bad ass cars that have come from the good ol' US of A. So far we've seen some Chevys and some Fords, but I think it' due time for Dodge to represent. So here we go with video of a fine Dodge Charger to add a little spice to your system.

The '68 Dodge Charger should be up there with your classic Mustangs and Camaros for your top tier American muscle cars. Here in this video we get a prime example of classic American steel on wheels. We … Read more

Apple, others agree to universal cell phone charger standard in Europe

Apple and other big phone makers have struck a deal with the European Commission to start selling phones with universal cell phone chargers starting next year.

Under the agreement, manufacturers would start using micro-USB connections for phone chargers used for smartphones. Apple joins other big cell phone makers including LG, Motorola, Nokia, Research In Motion, Samsung and Sony Ericsson in agreeing to the new standard. Chipset makers, such as NEC, Qualcomm and Texas Instruments have also agreed to the deal.

In February the GSMA, a trade association for mobile carriers using GSM technology, said it had brokered a deal with handset makers to get the micro-USB technology into cell phone chargers by 2012. And the CTIA, the U.S. wireless trade association, backed the standard in April of this year.

The initiative has many advantages. For one it makes it much easier for consumers who no longer have to worry about losing their one and only cell phone charger. It also cuts down on waste since people can reuse their cell phone chargers when they get a new phone. Even though some cell phone manufacturers were reluctant to give up their proprietary cell phone chargers for fear that it would make it easier for customers to switch to new phones from competitors, eventually standardizing on one technology will help these manufacturers reduce costs.… Read more