Valence N-Charge

From mobile phones to notebook computers, today's technology is designed to keep us in touch on the move. Sadly, though, even the most sophisticated communications technology isn't going to help you stay in the loop when your mobile device emits an ominous beeping noise and promptly runs out of juice miles from the nearest power point.

Help is at hand in the form of the N-Charge power system from Valence Technology, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that will extend the battery life of most portable products. The principle is simple: just charge up the N-Charge before you set off, then plug it into your mobile device when it's running low on energy. Charging the battery takes between three and four hours, and a set of LEDs on the top of it will tell you how much charge is stored.

It's a pretty basic-looking unit and very easy to use, with two power sockets: a low-voltage socket at the front for charging up any mobile device with a 12v power input and a second high-voltage socket at the rear to power notebooks.

Valence produces a variety of power adaptors that you can clip onto these two sockets to connect up various mobile devices. As standard, the pack comes with just one: a dual-lead adaptor to hook the pack up to your notebook and to the mains supply to charge the battery. You must specify your notebook type at the point of purchase so the correct lead is supplied.

We tested the N-Charge with an IBM Thinkpad T41 notebook (see p44), which increased run time by four hours 54 minutes to seven hours 54 minutes.

This increase would give the notebook an entire day's worth of use. Considering the N-Charge weighs only 1.35kg, it's a good product if you're away from your desk for long periods of time.

Contact: Valence Technology
www.valence.com

Specifications:

• Rechargeable lithium-ion technology
• 16-24v DC high-voltage power port
• 5-12v DC low-voltage power port
• 300 x 230 x 13mm (w x d x h)
• 1.3kg