chargers

iPhones can apparently be hacked with malicious charger

Most people have heard of malicious software as a way to hack into an iPhone, but what about a malicious charger?

Three researchers with the Georgia Institute of Technology say they have come up with a proof-of-concept malicious iPhone charger that lets them hack into the mobile device running the latest version of Apple's iOS in less than one minute. No jailbreaking required.

"Apple iOS devices are considered by many to be more secure than other mobile offerings. In evaluating this belief, we investigated the extent to which security threats were considered when performing everyday activities such as … Read more

Get a high-capacity portable battery pack for $19.99 shipped

One thing I learned during my recent travels is that you can never have enough juice for your mobile gadgets. For example, if you're relying on your smartphone for GPS navigation in an unfamiliar city, you don't need the added stress of a low or dead battery.

Solution: pack a power pack. Like this one: Tumbletrade.com has a 12,000mAh mobile battery pack for $19.99, shipped. It includes everything you need to charge virtually any mobile device -- tablets included.

Update: Sorry, folks, this sold out almost immediately after I posted. When I ordered, five colors … Read more

Get a retractable universal laptop charger for $20

I hate cord clutter. But when I travel (like I'm doing right now), I'm stuck with it, what with all the power cords I have to stuff into my carry-on.

My laptop's AC adapter is among the worst offenders (two cords!), which is why I'm thinking very seriously about this: ZipKord has the Retractable Universal Laptop Combo-Charger for $20, plus a very reasonable $3.75 for shipping. Regular price: $79.99.

This travel-friendly kit consists of two retractable cords -- one for AC outlets, one for in-dash cigarette lighters -- and a set of 11 tips. … Read more

Get a ChargeDr USB charge booster for $23.99 shipped

Sometimes the stars align in mysterious ways.

Yesterday I shared an exclusive deal on the ChargeCard, which I'd noted was one of the three things I saw at CES I'd actually buy.

Today I've got another exclusive on one of the other two. This wasn't planned; both deals just happened to fall into my lap within 24 hours of each other. Good stuff, universe!

From now through Monday, you can get the Digital Innovations ChargeDr USB charge booster for $23.99 shipped when you apply coupon code chargedrcnet at checkout. Regular price: $29.99 plus shipping.… Read more

Teensy-weensy Fuel emergency phone charger fits on a keyring

There are endless options for battery backup devices for your smartphone. There are battery cases, battery packs, solar chargers, and hand-crank devices. But they all have a common enemy: bulk. You have to find the space in your pocket or purse to keep them with you. This is where the Fuel phone charger comes in. It's as easy to carry as your car keys.

Fuel is shaped like a little red gas canister. Inside the aluminum housing is a 220 milliAmp hour battery. It's just over an inch high and half an inch thick, leading its creator Devotec Industries to claim it as the world's smallest cell phone charger. Fuel isn't going to fully recharge your battery, but it will give you an extra 20 to 30 minutes of talk time when you need it most.… Read more

Get a Powerbag messenger bag for $41.97

I haven't been in school for a looong time, but I still like to carry a backpack. To my thinking there's no better man-bag for traveling. And the pack I've carried for the last couple years is my all-time favorite: a Powerbag.

Though it looks like a regular backpack, the Powerbag (video) has places to stow a rechargeable battery and connectors for all my mobile gear. That not only saves me from having to pack a bunch of chargers and cables, but also lets me juice up on the run.

Today only, and while supplies last, Yugster … Read more

UL warns of counterfeit Apple USB power adapters

Safety science company UL today issued a warning to consumers and retailers about counterfeit Apple USB power adapters.

These adapters are designed to look just like the ones Apple includes with the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad Mini, and even bear the same model designation as Apple's legitimate USB adapter (Model A1265).

The easiest way to spot a fake is in the writing on the back of the device. Instead of saying "Designed by Apple in California," you will see either "Designed Abble in California" or "Designed by China in California."

"These … Read more

Charge your Nexus 4 without hassle

BARCELONA, Spain--Hot new handsets weren't the only products LG had up its sleeve at MWC. The phone maker also unveiled a new wireless charger, the LG WCP-300.

About the size and shape of your average bar coaster, the WCP-300 is designed to be simple and straight forward. Once connected to a power outlet (or Micro-USB port), just drop your compatible phone onto the WCP-300's disc-shaped charging pad. A small LED on the charger's edge lights up in green when juice is flowing.

Since the LG WCP-300 relies on the Qi wireless charging standard, it supports numerous smartphones … Read more

Charge your iPad from any USB port for $5

At CES last month I encountered Digital Innovations' ChargeDr, a small USB dongle that promised to do the seemingly impossible: boost the power output of a typical USB port, thus allowing it to charge an iPad (or other tablet).

I got it home, tested it, and discovered that, hey, it actually works! Technically speaking, there's no actual power boosting going on, but who am I to argue with this weird science? Without the dongle, my iPad says "not charging." With it: "charging."

And my tests bear out the claim. My iPad 3 went from 30 percent to 75 percent in about 2.5 hours. Not bad for a lowly USB port.… Read more