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(More customer reviews)I now have a HTC EVO and my wife has a Palm Pre. I previously had a Palm Pre as well. The battery life on the Pre (with a stock battery) is actually much worse than the EVO (at least 2-3 hours less in a normal day). However, that is not really saying much for either phone. I ran across this device in a review and was intrigued by the high mAh and the fact that it had two USB charging ports. This allows my wife and I to both charge our phones (if needed).
For background, I have used Tekkeon MP1550, MP1800 and Duracell/Energizer Charging devices.
The MP1550 is handy because you can find AA batteries just about anywhere or carry a few with you (eneloops are great in this). With those devices I get about 1.5 full charges out of them and they are about the same form factor as this device (different shapes and a couple are a little smaller but similar).
For the splash intense:
PROS:
1. Two USB ports - This will charge multiple devices and both charge ports are USB. This allows you to use cables other than those provided and any unusual cables. You are not stuck with having to purchase a tip for everything you need to charge.
2. Excellent charging capacity and good charge time. Based on my testing the ports charge at the normal USB rate (.5A) so this will likely charge a little slower than the charger that came with your device (especially if it is a new smartphone; iPhone, Droid, HC EVO, etc). I was however was very pleasantly surprised to find that it can charge devices with high output demand (> .5A) simultaneously with no negative impact on the charge rate. I was able to fully charge both the EVO and Palm Pre in just over 2 hours (both from less than 10%). I was able to get just over 4 full charges from this device.
3. Size - the device is smaller than I expected. It's slightly smaller than the EVO and about the same size as the MP1550 (but much more stylish imo) I mentioned earlier.
CONS: (VERY minor and more of a wishlist/tip list)
1. I would agree with the AC charger comment others have mentioned but it is only a slight issue. The charge port is mini-usb (most common) and the device includes two retractable cables (with tips).
2. I initially charged the device with my HTC EVO charger (rated at 1A). This seemed to throw the device off, not charge it properly and it drained very quickly. I then drained it and charged it using a USB port (takes longer at .5A) but it seemed to help with this issue and increase the capacity. I would recommend when charging this for the first time that you use something that charges at ~.5A (standard USB). The device has worked flawlessly since then and I have since charged the device with both my car charger (rated at 1A ) and my Pre AC chargers (rated at 1A) without any noticeable negative impact. I haven't tested the EVO charger again to see if that was the cause or if it was just related to the initial charge. I will update the review if I have a chance to test it again.
One other tip is to make sure you turn the Intense ON when you are attempting to charge something. This sounds very obvious but I mention it because if I plug the EVO into my Intense to charge and the Intense is OFF, the EVO will still indicate it is charging (although it does not charge). It apparently senses the connection but no charge is actually being applied. I noticed this because I had the Intense in my pocket and could not see the lights (if it was on or not) and assumed it was charging because my EVO indicated such. I noticed after 10 min or so that I was still losing battery life. I took the Intense out of my pocket and noticed it was OFF. After turning the Intense ON, the EVO began to charge normally. You can see how you might miss this if you have the Intense in a pocket, purse, backpack, etc...
To provide a real world example for it usefulness...
We took my kids and nieces/nephews to a large amusement park and I brought this device to ensure that my phone would last the entire day. I wore cargo style swimming shorts (no I did not swim with it in there!) and put the Intense in the large cargo pocket and the EVO in my normal pocket (both on my right side). I used the EVO to take check my email, look things up on the internet, check the weather (there was rain in the area), etc. AND also take pictures (the EVO has an 8MP camera). The camera however is a HUGE battery drain. I used the EVO as described until it ran down to less than 20% and then plugged it in to the Intense. The retractable cord was just long enough to allow me to pull the EVO out of my pocket, take some pictures and just slide it back in my pocket (all while it was still charging). I used it like this for a few hours (unplugging it here and there as well) until my EVO was completely charged. I then unplugged it and used the EVO normally for another 3-4 hours until we left. On the way home I plugged the EVO in to charge it again (2 hour drive home) and charged it up to 100% during the drive. At the end of this I still had 2 lights left on the Intense and plenty of charge remaining. I took about 60 pictures with the EVO. I was VERY happy with performance of this device!
Click Here to see more reviews about: splash Intense 5400mAh External Battery Pack for iPhone 3G 3GS, iPod Touch (1G 2G 3G), Motorola Droid X Eris, HTC Android Phones (Evo, Incredible, G1, Nexus One), Blackberry (9630, 9700, 9550, 9800)
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