If you prefer the idea of a plug-in external battery for your gadget, the Juice Pack Reserve is worth considering, and it’s compatible with the iPhone and iPod. As most people know, the primary downfall of Apple’s iPhone is poor battery life, so a back-up power unit is a must, particularly for those on the road and without access to an electricity socket to charge it in the conventional manner.
The Juice Pack Reserve certainly does the job, being small and light enough to keep in a pocket or bag or on a key ring, and slotting neatly into the power port of your electronic device to provide an emergency energy boost. In about 30 minutes your iPhone will have sufficient power to make calls and surf the web again, and you can even use it while it is charging.
Users have to charge the unit for an hour or two first using the micro USB cable supplied, and Mophie claims that it will remain rechargeable for more than 500 full cycles (topping it up doesn’t count as a full cycle). The only thing that is disappointing about the product is its poor build quality. The button you need to push to retract the connector jammed on the sample I tried and wouldn’t go back in, and it felt a little cheap and plasticky.
PROS A neat device that quickly and effectively charges your iPhone/iPod.
CONS Cheaply made.
PRICE £34 from Apple stores, apple.com, mophie.com
CONTACT morphie.com
Jenny Southan
