America takes comfort in the fact we lead technology, but with mobile devices we are the exception.  Europe is way ahead of us and so is China.  In fact, back in Dec 2006, China made the decision to standardize cell phone charges to have a micro USB port.  The reason, to reduce waste.  Back then, you purchased a phone and you’d get a new wall charger.  The charger was loaded with lead, plastic etc.  Today, you simply get a USB cable.

Last week 17 mobile phone companies officially made the plung to accept micro USB as the connection for recharging cell phones.  This decision was based on the same reasons as mentioned above. (more…)

USBFever has a 5 port USB wall charger for those a bit light on USB ports, yet need something to charge those iPhones, iPods and PDAs.

The USB SuperTravel has 4 standard USB ports and one miniUSB port.  It’s no longer required to haul around your laptop just to power up your gadgets while on the go.

The kit includes world voltage acceptance with plugs that cover you in US, UK, AU and EU.  The charger will auto detect the voltage and adjust accordingly so no mess with figuring out which fuse or setting is needed in different countries.

USBFever is offering the USB wall charger for $26. (more…)

No pun intended, but this laptop fan is cool looking with a great design.  The Dog shapped USB cooling fan is an ideal adition to those working from laptops.  With two 6″ built-in cooling fans, it can dissipate heat away from the bottom of your laptop and cool down the the under belly of your laptop.

The USB cooling fan for your laptop comes in either a Dog or Penguin shape and acrylic top.  It’s almost a shame you cover up the design with your laptop.

Here is a side view of the laptop cooling pad: (more…)

A solar powered Bonsai tree, who would have thought?  Vivien Muller did.  Her design takes each end-point of the Bonsai tree and turns it into a small photocell.

Methodshop coined this as photovoltaic panels, but I like the term photogalactic a little better.  The unit recharges a hidden battery beneath the tray - which happens to be the same place as the wires for your gadgets - so even re-charging can take place during the night.  Of course USB support for those USB gadgets we all love.

As you can see, one could make a nice solor tree for their kitchen table or large office desk, but what if your space was a little more cramped?  Well, the USB solar Bonsai can be redesigned and shaped to any dimension of your liking.  It can spin, detach and rotate through small connectors.

So how much is this ingenious device cost?  Not much right now, it’s just a prototype.  Since this looks like such a great product, lets hope someone picks up the production rights.  Wouldn’t you say Vivien?

IOGear releases their version of the USB battery, with the GearJuice Rescue charger.  What IOGear has done differently from other battery shaped USB solution, is make a miniUSB connector for cell phones, PDAs and other handhelds rather than the traditional full sized USB connector.

The unit is just larger than a double A battery and will provide your device with an extra 15 minutes of performance.  Just enough time to call the bails-bondsman after getting the late night lock down because of too much party’in.

IOGear GearJuice Rescue Charger product page. (more…)

Power plug that charges USB style - I thought of this idea probably two years ago, no joke, but forgot about it just as quickly.  Well, yesterday I saw Technabob do a post about this exact concept - the power plug which charges via USB [from Eneplug].

As you may [or may not] know, USB will become the standard for cell phone charging.  I foresee USB branching out into other electronic gadgets as the main connectivity for juicing up.  So, this obviously means the power plug which charges via USB will only become more popular.

I think it’s a great idea, because as time progresses we can all use only  a single power cord to charge any device.  [For now, lets forget about the fact manufacturers need to jump on board with my line of thought].

In addition, I would think any serious traveler would jump at a device like this.  Look at how small it is.  This is all you’d need to charge your cell phone, iPod, PDA and even your laptop.

Eneplug is the company which makes this device and it’s currently available in Japan, but I see it coming over to the states in no time.  Shoot me an email if you see anything here - or I’ll update this when I find a US source.

Speaking of Source:  Technabob.

Irvine CA based Toshiba American (Digital Products Division) announced a newly designed Satellite laptop line with sleep and charge USB power concept…and we think it’s a winner.

The sleep-and-charge USB concepts makes it possible to charge and power electronic devices connected to the laptop without the laptop being powered-on or in sleep mode.

This is a simple yet revolutionary way USB power bus technology will begin working it’s way into our life.  With USB connectivity as the #1 method for peripheral connection to laptops and computers, the sleep-and-charge USB concept is brilliant.

 “Toshiba has long been a leader of innovation, and prides itself on creating solutions that make the digital lifestyle even better,” said Jeff Barney, vice president of marketing, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. “With the development of the Sleep-and-Charge USB ports, Toshiba has developed an innovative technology that helps ensure that our digital products are ready for use at the moment we need them.”

As you know, the major shortcoming with today’s USB ports from either computers or laptops is the lack of power support while the host device is turned off.

I have reported on USB surge protectors which do basically the same thing, but that requires more gear for a traveling business person, the sleep-and-charge is built into the host system. (more…)