Like the Etón FR-350 radio we reviewed recently, the Powermonkey will charge mobile phones without being plugged into the mains. Unlike that device, it can also charge various other pieces of USB hardware, but that's as far as its capabilities go.

The device comes with a good assortment of plugs, both for the included mains adapter – it claims to work in over 150 countries – and for charging. Plug the Powermonkey into the mains for a couple of hours to charge its internal battery, and it's ready to go.

To charge something, attach the appropriate adapter to the end of the Powermonkey's cable and plug it into the device. It comes with attachments for all sorts of phones, mini and full USB, and iPods. It's very easy to use, to the point that no manual is supplied – just a few instructions on the side of the box, but that's really all that's required.

It charges fine, and although it took longer than a mains charge, our test phone had a full battery after a few hours. The idea is that the Powermonkey itself can then be recharged the next time you're near a mains socket.

Also consider
Eton FR-350 radio 3/5 £35 A handy, good value wind-up radio that also charges phones