I am looking for a backup battery charger for my iphone. I would really prefer it to use AAA batteries so I can continue only having to carry one size. The only one I have seen is the Griffin Tunejuice, but the reviews are not that great. Any suggestions?
Do you really need it to use AAA batteries? I've been pretty happy with a Monoprice external battery pack. I was also looking for an external battery charger that took normal batteries, but I found this easier and cheaper.
Yes. I know I can easily pick up one that uses AA ones, but I want to only carry one size battery as spares.
My suggestion doesn't take AAA or AA batteries. It is basically a large battery that charges/can be charged.
http://www.goalzero.com/shop/p/133/Guide-10-Plus-Battery-Pack/2:8/ with http://www.goalzero.com/shop/p/94/AAA-Rechargeable-Batteries-(4-Pack)/4:6/ perhaps? Haven't tested it personally, but if it can run on rechargeables it should run on alkalines as well. their earlier non-plus model used to come with the AAA insert bundled, but now they only sell it with the 4x battery pack.
Thanks Tso! I can't believe I didn't think of that! I have been thinking about the Goal Zero stuff for my camping gear, that would be perfect!
This is what I use: http://dx.com/p/aa-aaa-batteries-usb-charger-67 It's an AA/AAA battery charger/ battery pack that carges by USB. I use it with my portable solar panel, I own several and they work great with my eneloops.
Casper- What solar charger do you use? I have been looking at the Goal Zero one, but that one from Deal Extreme would save me some money.
Note that the dx.com charger only outputs 500mA via the usb port. The Goal Zero charger delivers 1000mA, so it would charger a compatible phone (recent iPhones will be just that) faster.
Yea, i think the Guide 10+ is the only device that can both output 1000mA and take AAA batteries (via the insert). The closest other i know about is the Tekkeon MP1580, but that one only takes AA.
I have 2 6W 12v panels one by sunlinq and one by ICP. Got them both new on ebay one for $30 and the other for $45... They use the same connectors and can be daisy chained to increase output. One is in my BOB and the other is in the wife's. Went with 12v so I can use standard auto adapters and trickle charge 12v automotive batteries (if needed). My battery pack is a 4 x 18650 battery box (from ebay), The AA/AAA charger is just charge the batteries for use in devices. This is because the 18650 battery box is the same size as the AA battery box but holds 4x the power... Not my pics but this is what they look like:
What model? 4 AA Eneloops will only put about 25% into an iPad 2 and around 12% into an iPad3. Probably charge an iPhone 1.5-2x. I though you wanted to use AAAs, which only have about 40% the capacity of a AA.
My guess would be that 4xAAAs will not have the current to supply 1amp required for iPads from the GZ guide 10plus - maybe 0.5A to the iPhone. Alks also cannot supply as much current as NiMh. I personally EDC an iGo PowerXtender for my iPhone... 2xEneloop AAs are good for about 80% charge, and I can use the Eneloops in my EDC flashlight, or radio.
Not sure if this is what you are after and I don't have any experience with them but have a look at Powertraveller solar chargers. They look pretty interesting and the chargers have adapters that can charge various devices.