As some of you might know, those of us at SimpleMobileReview travel, sometimes a LOT. I personally was a Boy Scout (Eagle Rank) and I really believe in being prepared to smoothly deal with just about anything. Just pick up my Roller Computer bag and my Carry-On Back Pack and you will see what I mean. However, my wife recently request a ‘small and modest’ kit that could take care of her iPod Touch, Blackberry Tour, Sony Reader and other small electronics and could fit in her purse or in a small carry on bag. No problem. Take a look at what I chose.
USB Cables and Adapters
Some time ago, I started using retractable USB cables. What’s not to like? They are small and easy to store and they usually pull out to some 30 inches in length. Well, therein lies the problem. All that pulling out and rolling in. Somewhere along the way, just about every single one of them broke a spring, jumped the track, or tore a wire, because they of necessity have to be very thin cables. So, a couple of years ago I found what I think is a better way. Here we go:
Cables
I found that it was possible to purchase USB cables for just about anything in the 8-12” length. These are perfect for storing and yet they are really hard to mess up. Here you see a Mini-USB, a Micro-USB, and a iPhone/Touch cable. For the wife, one of each. Depending on your circumstances, you might need more. Have a portable USB Hard Drive? You need another Mini-USB cable.
Universal Mini USB to USB Data Sync and Charge Handy Small Cable – 1ft $3.95
Universal Micro USB to USB Data Sync and Charge Handy Small Cable – 1ft $4.95
RadTech ProCable Shortz 20cm Charge/Sync Cable for all iPods and iPhones Black $8.95
I discovered some time ago that a power cable for a Sony Reader is $30, but one for a PSP is $6. Guess what? They are identical. I also found a MiniUSB to MicroUSB adapter that is about 1” long and is perfect in case we have a Kindle or Nook along and need 2 MicroUSB cables. And though they come in a LOT of different formats, it is always a good idea to have a USB port splitter, so that you can charge two 5V devices from the same port.
Retractable USB Charging Cable for Sony PSP by eForCity $4.16
Amzer® Handy Converter Mini-USB connector to Micro USB Charger $4.95
Griffin® SmartShare USB Cable – Black $10.95 or Portable USB 2.0 Powered 4 Port Mini Hub with Splitter Cable $12.16
Power Adapters
And, of course, you need power to make all this work. If you have your Laptop or Netbook with you, that can help, but they are power dependent too. So, you need a small USB A/C adapter, a 12V car adapter, and I always carry a small Power Strip Liberator which lets me double up on an open A/C plug. If you are sharp, you can find both A/C and Car adapters that have two USB port. Believe me, I really helps when a friend or family member find themselves not prepared and need to borrow from your kit to recharge.
USB Adapter $9.95 or Griffin PowerBlock Dual Charger for USB $19.34 or Lenmar ACUSB4 AC Travel Adapter for 4 USB Devices $19.66
4C USB Mini Car Charger – Black $8.95 or elago Dual USB Auto Charger $17.00
Power Strip Liberator $4.99
USB Extension
Remember that we have 8-12” cables. That is not going to help a lot if you need to use the A/C or Car adapter. So, you need a USB Extension Cable. You can choose if you want to risk a retractable or if you want to fuss with coiling a longer cable. You are going to need at least 36” or so.
Zip-Linq Cable, Retactable, USB 2.0 Compatible, A-A, M-F, 48″ $7.97
Batteries, Anyone?
This is the Amzer 3500 mAh Backup Battery with Solar Recharging. It retails for about $70. You can get batteries for a lot cheaper and for a lot more money. Basically speaking, you should get as much power as you can afford. It really helps. 3500 mAh of battery will recharge your Android or Blackberry phone AND you iPod Touch. It’s just simple math. Of course, the more power, the larger it will be also. Keep in mind that several of the larger batteries come with short cables already included, so you might be able to kill two birds with one stone.
You Need A Case, too.
You will need something to put all this in. Of course, you should probably gather everything and then see what it take to fit it. Of course, pink for the wife. Pricing will range from $10-20 in cost.
What’s in My Kit?
I carry the Energizer Xp18000 (yes, 18000 mAh!). It has a 5V USB port, a 10-14V port for netbooks, and a 16-20V port for laptops. All can be used simultaneously. During my last trip, using only the 5V port, I recharged the wife’s BlackBerry Tour 3 times, her iPod Touch twice, ran my Cradlepoint Wireless Broadband Access Point for 7.5 hours, recharged my iPad fully once, my Kindle twice, also helped out with various other phones and my daughter’s Touch and when I got home after a week, I still have 30% of the battery remaining. While it is a trifle steep at $140, it is my very most favorite piece of kit that I currently own. I just KNOW that I can handle anything with it in hand.
And while we are at it, this is the one retractable cable that has been wonderful to use. I don’t carry regular notebook power cables anymore. I use only this retractable. If paired with a generic multi-tip power supply like the iGo Universal PS00125-0001 EveryWhere Max 90 Watt Power Charger, then it is quick and easy to get out and put up and everything is always in its place.
Cables Unlimited ZIP-PWR-NB ZipLinq Retractable Universal Notebook Power Cord $11.19
Summary
Figure out what you need in your kit. Not everyone will need the same. Make sure you can cover your own devices and perhaps have a bit left to help others and then package it so that you can always have it with you. It is not something that you have to go out an purchase all at once. In fact, you probably have a bit of it in hand already. Let me know what you have to have in your kit that I have left out. Enjoy!