Can someone recommend a good USB charger device?

EDC Gear for Flashlight Carriers USB Power Devices
1

Id like to get something like this, but Im just researching it now. Can someone recommend a good one please or what I should look for?

It would be for emergencies or when my cell dies, or I want to listen to my Ipod, or read the Kindle etc. It looks like a neat thing to have. Also how long do they retain a charge, is like like an Eneloop shelf life?

If you have one, how do you like it?

Many thanks...

2

I have a couple (Not Duracell branded) and use them a lot. Both of mine are small LiPo cells and hold charge well enough that I only charge them when I've used them to charge something. I also own a wide range of adapters for them so I can charge most phones and other devices that patients forgot to bring the charger for. In a recent week, an LG phone, a portable TV, and iPod and a Samsung phone. So mine have quite a lot of cycles on them over the last couple of years.

For more obscure devices with strange charging plugs I pull out their cells and make up adapters with sticky tape and paperclips and use a hobby charger on them.

3

i've got a couple. I'd suggest choosing one that either uses regular batteries (some take AAs) or has twice the capacity of the device you want to charge.

for example, I have one that's supposed to be 2000mah (harbor freight, no longer listed)

my phone is 1400mah. It was sufficient for a full charge for awhile, but as it gets older and cycled more and more times, it will only charge the phone half way - then the two actually balance out (it will drain the phone if you leave it plugged in).

but...it will still charge my mp3 player like 3 or 4 times...

4

http://www.ebay.com/itm/160674401212?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Seems to charge my Sony X8 ok with two AAs installed.

5

I highly recommend this device.

http://www.goldengadgets.com/led-lights/led-flashlights/high-power-led-flashlights/2200mah-portable-usb-cellphone-charger-with-1-watt-led-flashlight.html

6

How about the Xtar WP2. Use your stock of 18650s for power.

7

Was thinking along the same line. ML-102 from intl-outdoor. If 18650 capacity is not sufficient, pop in a 26650.

8

This is a great item. I use one every day and it works great. The plastic and build quality is better than you would expect by a long shot. Has an auto shut off so it doesnt discharge an 18650 to low. Charges batteries from a usb port. I highly recommend this product.

http://www.intl-outdoor.com/ml102-usb-charger-for-18650-26650-battery-p-243.html

9

Also pick up one of these off ebay and most of your mobile devices will be covered. Not sure if it'll work for bigger screen tablets though.

10

Should use the same batteries as your EDC.

Lennart

11

Thanks for the link - ORDERED !!!

12

I like!

13

I like the fact that you can use 26650s on this one as well as the 18650s because the one I linked to only uses 18650s, but for a dollar more the one I linked to has a battery gauge and an included flashlight head as well as all the cables and adapters you could ever need and it ships from California not HK and it also charges your 18650 when you plug into a powered USB port. Am I missing something here?

http://www.goldengadgets.com/led-lights/led-flashlights/high-power-led-f...

14

nope

did you mod the head?

15

My Duracell CEF23DX4N charger is my 2nd most used all-around AA & AAA NiMH battery charger. You can charge AA & AAA NiMH batteries via wall socket, usb and automobile outlet. Plus it works as a charger for anything usb. Just charge 4 AA batteries in it then turn around and use it to charge a small usb device. I use it for my mp3 player all the time but it's a bit expensive and hard to find nowadays. It stays almost permanently in my glove box with 4 eneloops in it.

http://www.amazon.com/Duracell-Charger-Rechargeable-Batteries-CEF23DX4N/dp/B000XSA5WW

Hope this helps.

16

Thanks FF, Im looking for something like this. I dont have any 18650 to home-brew my own set-up.

17

I use it almost as much as my C9000 and sometimes even more. It's the perfect all-around aa/aaa portable charger. I had a chance to buy 4 of them for around $23 each when walmart was phasing them out but didn't know any better back then. Oh well....live and learn.

18

Thanks, thats the one Id like to get...but its like over 50$ now, and too hard to find in Canada. :( Im glad you found yours when you did, I wasnt into flashlights and batteries at the time.

19

Thanks everyone for the comments, I appreciate it.

20

Thanks Len, I just ordered this one now for 2.38USD shipped...