Electric Fuel Instant Power Charger

Review by Curtis Matz

Total Score

  9 out of 10 Stylii

Are you out on the road, waiting in an airport, forgot your charger at home? No Problem!!! Just pull out your Instant Power Charger from Electric Fuel and continue your tapping till your hearts content.

The Instant Power Charger is a high capacity zinc air charger for portable consumer devices. I specifically used it with my Compaq Ipaq 3850 on my recent vacation to Florida. The charger plugs directly into the PPC and is very small at 2" x 2.7" x 0.5". The power is activated when exposed to air and can be used for up to three months or 3 charges; whichever comes first. Electric Fuel recommends placing the charger in the resealable airtight pouch when not in use.

I left my charger at home so when I arrived at my destination I plugged the charger into my PPC in a matter of seconds. In a typical amount of time it takes to normally charge my PPC I was back with a full charge and once again playing games while I sat in my hotel room. After I unplugged the charger I placed it in the pouch and put it away. It’s that easy to recharge a unit.

The unit is small and light which makes it easy to put away in a briefcase or pockets. The charger is powerful and is as quick as charging the unit in normal circumstances.

The only cons I can think of is the price tag with the limited amount of charges. Again, for thirty dollars you get three months or three charges, that’s it. If you’re serious about an external battery source then hop on over the Pocket PC Passion, and look up how to make your own external charger.

In summary, the power charger works as advertised; it’s quick, small, and powerful. The only drawbacks are the price and limited use. But, if you’re in a bind I’m sure these cons shouldn’t come into play when your PPC is about to loose all the information from a lack of battery power.

I give the unit 9 out of 10 stylii.

--Curtis Matz

Note from Andy: One major benefit of the unit is the reusability of the main cable assembly. The initial purchase price, currently $19.95, includes the reuseable cable, and the first pack, good for three charges. Subsequent packs cost $9.95, and each are good for three charges. Once this information was discovered, Curtis changed his rating from an 8 to a 9.