Moixa Energy’s latest innovation is one of those slap- your-forehead, why-didn’t- I-think-of-that ideas that simultaneously makes sense and makes us feel good to use: a traditional AA battery that recharges itself while plugged into a personal computer’s USB port.
But before I recite the reasons why this is a brilliant idea, let me disclose two drawbacks: The batteries are pricier than both regular AAs and other rechargeables. And because some of the physical space of the battery is taken up with a USB connector, the energy volume it packs may be a little less than others before needing a recharge.
The feel-good part of the USBCell is this: Besides the advantage of all rechargeables — you aren’t adding toxins to landfills by tossing the batteries in the trash after use — you are also taking advantage of an existing energy supply, your plugged-in personal computer, and are not wasting power.
Cripes! If I was still on the road, these would be a natural.
Old story, but still a good idea. LINK to review HERE
Ok Moxi’s semi cool, Instead of plugging your batteries into a recharger you pay a hefty price to suck some juice out of your laptop. however
The
ECOSOL P1 Power Stick is cool. the energy comes from light.
( http://www.ecosolinc.com )
Users can
Travel with out the need for transformers and wires.
Really overpriced ($20 for 2) for such a low capacity device – only 1300 maH. Regular NiMH cells in this capacity go for about $3 or less per pair.
Not good if you have easy access to a charger but a good choice if you are traveling and have the USB port along anyway.
Given the 400%/500% premium for these cells, plus their limited capacity, this makes a whole lot more sense.
Are these NiMH??
And exactly how many of this can you charge in your laptop at the same time?
Pedro:
Hint
How many USB ports do you have?
Too bad I need AAA rather than AA.
Well, maybe I need AA too…..
4,
I’m with you.
Funny, I remember posting the exact same thing as #4, for exactly the same article.
Memory must be playing tricks….
#6 exactly my point. You need to have absolutely nothing else to be able to charge 4 of this.
But even so, I don’t think you would be able to put 4 of this side by side. If that cap doesn’t completely come off, you’ll lose two usb ports per battery
Even if you have 4 USB ports, each pair is generally so close together that you can’t charge 2 side-by-side without extension cables. This sounds like a good idea but it’s not practical. I expect to see it in a BoC on woot sometime soon.
Maybe it’s just me, but I rarely need to charge just one battery…. My notebook’s got three USB ports, but the convenience factors start to fall apart at some point.
I would be a lot happier with a USB-based charger that I could plug my phone into, or my camera, although the voltage available may not be adequate.
Oh well…. I’ve seen worse ideas.
Regards,
Stu.
#7
USBCELL will be available in a AAA format and other formats with a mini-USB connector and also with a folding full-size USB, and with convertors.
#11 You should be able to charge side by side. The diameter of the usb jack is wider.
You can always add a pocket hub which is very cheap!
During the past year
Duracell and Eveready launched even longer life lithium batteries for todays electronics devices eg digital cameras.
They are work great!
During the past year
Duracell and Eveready launched even longer life lithium batteries for todays electronics devices eg digital cameras.
They work great!
“The feel-good part of the USBCell is this: Besides the advantage of all rechargeables — you aren’t adding toxins to landfills by tossing the batteries in the trash after use — you are also taking advantage of an existing energy supply, your plugged-in personal computer, and are not wasting power.”
Nope, no toxins, just burning coal to get the electricity. Sweet. I’m not sure about the not wasting power part, huh?
You tell ‘em, Slappy. So, does your computer run on wind power? Or do you just use other peoples’ PC’s?
That would be sweet, PC’s running on wind power…
Damm I hate being plugged into a wall!
Please clarify. Power coming from what kind of wind? Is this some kind of fume fuel cell?
pedro,
God was being sarcastic however one day we will be able to operated electronic devices that require very little energy.