Review: Exspect Recharge4 portable charger

Most of us have, at one time or another, run out of charge on a mobile phone or MP3 player miles from a mains socket or any form of power.

Recharge4, from Exspect has arrived with the best solution we’ve seen yet, a range of portable chargers available for mobile phones, mp3 players and portable gaming devices.

As well as the charge unit and mains adaptor each version has a number of adaptor plugs that fit the majority of products in each category. The gaming device version is compatible with Sony PSP, Nintendo DS, DS Lite, Gameboy Advance (including the SP version) and Gameboy Micro.

An mp3 player alternative supports Creative, Apple iPod and iRiver, while the mobile phone version is compatible with most Nokia, Motorola, Motorola Razr, Sony Ericsson and Samsung handsets. In addition they all come with a mini-USB adaptor, used by quite a few modern mp3 and multimedia players for additional support.

Additional connectors can be bought separately, so after an initial outlay for one Recharge4 unit you can purchase connectors for any of the others at a lower price to increase its functionality.

A button on the front of the Recharge4 lights up a series of LEDs, indicating how much charge is left. To get things rolling you simply connect the supplied cable and correct adaptor; you’ll then see it charge in the same way as if you were to plug it into the mains.

The documentation states it has enough power for up to four full charges, although this really depends on type of battery used by the device you’re ch arging. Expect a minimum of two to be on the safe side, but even then the Recharge4 could be a lifesaver in a tricky spot.

A £39.99 retail price isn’t cheap for a battery charger, but it will no doubt appeal to travellers, commuters and others who find themselves away from mains power for any length of time and could prove invaluable.

Also consider:
Moixa USB Cells
A rechargeable battery with a difference

All gadget reviews