A lot of portable USB charging batteries advertise that they give your smartphone and other power hungry devices a full charge on the go, which is typically true.
The Anker Astro3 external battery takes it to another level with its 12,000mAh capacity to charge most smartphones six to seven times before it needs a charge.
It has three USB ports for charging three portable USB devices simultaneously.
One of those ports is a Smart Port, which is capable of charging both the high-powered devices such as the iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab.
A neat thing is that there isn’t a button or switch on the battery. To get it going, just shake it and plug in your device to begin the charging.
There is a small circular LED power indicator dial on the front indicating how much power is left in the Astro3.
It’s also built with smart chip technology to determine full charging speeds, so your device will be safe and charged properly.
It’s built with a cool-looking black matte finish and measures about 4.4-by-3.3-by-1 inches and weighs 10.6 ounces. This lets it easily find a home in a computer bag or pocket for power on the go.
Details: $49.99; an accessory bag to store the battery is included; www.ianker.com
Otterbox’s pocket space saver
Smartphone storage solutions kind of bore me at this point but Otterbox always seems to have iPhone accessories that stick out from the rest. The company’s newest to prove that statement true is the Commuter Wallet phone case.
The multi-functional case for the iPhone 5/5s and the Samsung Galaxy S4 protects the devices as well as any case on the market, if not better. But what takes it to the next level is a sliding compartment on the bottom for a few credit cards or driver’s license.
It makes your phone a little bulkier but when you consider you eliminated your wallet, it’s a pocket space saver.
Otterbox also recently announced the Preserver Series line of waterproof cases.
They are available for the iPhone 5 and are coming soon for the Galaxy S4 and iPhone 5s.
The cases are designed for spontaneous drops in the snow, puddles or an unexpected rainstorm. They are also designed to protect your phones from drops up to 6.6 feet.
Details: $44.95 for the Commuter Wallet, $89.95 for the Preserver, both available in multiple color combinations; www.otterbox.com
Solavei could lower cellphone bill
Contracts, roaming, texting, email and data are all wrapped up in the miserable monthly cellphone bill, which we less than enjoy opening.
Solavei, a social commerce network, recently emailed to me to introduce itself as a company on the mission of making everyday commerce less expensive for people, including lowering monthly cellular bills.
The company is true to its word on contract-free cellular service, which I tested on a loaner iPhone 5 using their nationwide 4G network.
For an incredibly low $49 per month users get unlimited calls, texting and data services, which I know beats my Verizon bill by more than half.
They even offer a service for subscribers to save money when they share the mobile service with others through its social commerce platform.
For example, members can earn up to $20 per month for every three members they or someone directly connected to them signs up for mobile service. As they go forward, the more people you sign up, the more income earned.
Solavei uses unlocked GSM iPhones in 37 new markets with the 1900 MHz band. You have the choice of using your own phone or buying one from a Solavei retail partner.
Additionally, you can port over your current phone number or just get a new one.
If you choose to join, check with your current provider to make sure you’re contract free to avoid fees, which you will be responsible for before you can transfer your number.
Details: www.solavei.com
