2200 mAh iPhone rechargeable external battery – $17.30 shipped
Posted on 29 April 2009, at 2:27 am, by Wayne Schulz
Granted the quality and styling on this iPhone 3G extended battery might be a little less than other more expensive models – but for $17.30 it just might be worth a shot. The power in this pack is an impressive 2200 mAh and the battery also re-charges through the standard Apple connector instead of requiring yet another cable. Worth a look. Update: After looking closely at the image I’m not sure whether this is a 3G or older model battery so I’m assuming that it’s for the older model based on photos that seem to show the chrome edge of a first generation iPhone.
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May 19th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Well, I’m sure this reply isn’t exactly timely, but since the product is shipped from Hong Kong, I only got it a couple of days ago. Much to my disappointment, it does NOT work as an external battery for the iPhone (2G) which is what this one is designed for. There is another SKU for the 3G iPhone, which I did not purchase.
In order to request service attention, you are required to upload photos of whatever you feel is defective.
In my case, the unit will not provide a charge to the iPhone unless it is connected to an AC power source. It will not provide juice to the iPhone from the internal battery (assuming there is actually one in there) nor from USB power. I demonstrated this in the photos by snapping shots while it was connected to AC, USB & on it’s own.
I got an email back today referring me to their “helpful forums” for assistance. Boy was that an eye opener! I should have looked there before I bought anything. Everything listed is a complaint about defective products and it goes on for pages, the majority of it unresponded to.
I had to view the site before it would let me respond back to the company, where I politely demanded a refund and suggested that referring people a a site that lists that many complaints about the products they sell may not really be a way to retain customers.
Oh well – it was less than $20 and you do get what you pay for…
I just didn’t want to spend nearly $80 on one of the newer versions for the iPhone 3G since I am using the 2G at the moment (too many compatibility issues with fit) and since I plan to get the new 4G when it comes out (and the DEV Team comes up with the unlock) I’d rather not spend that much on something not “future proof” for the next gen iPhone.
On the plus side, it does make for a handy charging stand/cradle if you only want to use it with AC power, and it’s less expensive than most other cradles or desktop stands, so I guess it’s not a total loss.
May 20th, 2009 at 5:49 am
I think I bought this model (I see so many that I’m not exactly sure). I was able to use it (or at least one like it) with my 3G — but you make an excellent point — they are not all 100% compatible.
I’ve also ordered other items where I’ve had to send them back and your experience is similar to mine. It’s a little frustrating due to distance. In the US they had me ship back to some place in Florida. Once they determined that my item was defective (I think I had to take a picture and upload) they were pretty quick to ship a replacement.
I usually limited my purchases to inexpensive items due to the potential hassle factor if they don’t work.
May 20th, 2009 at 7:27 am
Yeah, I keep a $25.00 threshold for any purchase made from outside the US for that reason.
I doubt they will send a replacement, based on their “helpful forums.”
It’s all good tho – it’s a risk ordering from overseas, and at least as a cradle I can get occasional use from it.