Charging your devices has really become quite the industry of its own these days.  Countless companies are offering countless chargers as the list of consumer options grows on and on.  The Technocel PowerPak is a small and lightweight USB charger that ultimately falls flat because it fails to do what all chargers are meant to be.  Reliable.

From the small capacity 1000milA internal battery, to the despondent charge display button, this charger was more of a disappointing hassle than anything else.  It comes with a ton of connectors but I did all my testing with my iPhone and iPod touch.

From a totally dead battery, I maybe got about 80% back after using the Technocel.  From 20% I did manage to get back to 100% but the end result is the same.  You can’t achieve a full charge on your iPhone from the Technocel USB PowerPak.  I realize that many gadget batteries are rated less than 1000milA, but given the advertisement of phone charging on the box, it should hold up.  Most people out there will be buying after market chargers for primarily their phones and not their digital cameras and so forth.

I also notice that left to sit around fully charged, the PowerPak would lose it’s charge – after a week of sitting idle it had lost around 50% of its charge. Total weak sauce.  Having to constantly manage a charger is not what you need when you are already managing the charge of your cell phone.

Having said all that, I did enjoy the shape and the gun-metal matte finish of the PowerPak, but that was about it.  The charge indicator display was iffy at best and didn’t respond, often times requiring several concerted button presses.

Having experienced more quality chargers I really can’t recommend this one.  Granted it’s not all that expensive ($37), but the dependability is just not there, and that is the whole point of a charger.

Pros:

• Small
• Lightweight
• Attractive

Cons:

• Weak battery
• Unresponsive
• Unreliable

Buy the Techocel PowerPak here for $37

Note:  For those looking for a battery pack with more power, Technocel also has the Powerpak Duo and XT.  The Duo sports dual USB inputs with a 2500mAh internal Lithium Ion battery while the XT features a single USB port with a 1600mAh battery.  Both batteries will be on sale very soon.

Fact checking isn’t always a priority for companies when it comes to PR blasts.  Such is the case with Technocel, who is laying claim to the “first stereo headset that vibrates to the beat of your music”.  Oh, only if that were true.  Last week, Jeff reviewed the Pineapple Electronic’s Rumble K Vibrating EarBuds, which do just that.  Unfortunately, he was sorely disappointed with their performance, so thought leader claims aside, perhaps Technocel’s version will actually be half way decent.

LAS VEGAS, NV CES South Hall Upper Level Booth # 30913 – (January 6, 2010) – Technocel, a leading accessory solution provider with over 11,000 products for the wireless market, announces their latest innovation, the Technocel Ear Vibe™, the first stereo headset that vibrates to the beat of your music, providing you  with the ultimate music listening accessory. The Ear Vibe™ will literally vibrate when your tunes hit the low frequency bass, taking your listening experience to the next level. It features high-fidelity stereo sound and includes a microphone for hands free voice calls for clear conversation and music. The Ear Vibe™ is compatible with most mobile phones that have music playing capability, as well as all mp3 players including the Apple iPod. Ideal for music, movies and gaming, the Ear Vibe™ will be available starting January 15, 2010 for MSRP of $29.99 at www.technocel.com

“We are thrilled to have created the first vibrating stereo headset” says Rami Rostami, Technocel CEO and Founder. “We hope to bring all media experiences to a higher level of enjoyment with the Ear Vibe.”

For more information on product specifications as well as pricing and availability please visit www.technocel.com

About Technocel:
Technocel Wireless Accessories has soared to the top by offering one of the largest selections of accessories combined with innovative programs designed to enhance accessory sales. Founded in 1986, Technocel has enjoyed tremendous growth in its client base, service offerings and. has broadened its product base to over 11,000 SKUs. Its clientele includes Mobile Service Providers such as Sprint, as well as, mass merchants and wireless dealer/agents of all sizes. www.technocel.com

Features:

• 8 hour talk time and 150 hour standby
• Voice dialing, redial button and more