Never lose power for your iPhone or BlackBerry; Review of the RichardSolo 1800 Smart Backup Battery

 

If you use a smartphone you probably know that battery life can be an issue. If you use an iPhone you definitely are aware of this fact (that's an understatement). The newer BlackBerry models can be power hungry too. Last week I was traveling and found it quite humorous to see many iPhone users huddled near power outlets in the airports, they really are power hogs and that fact is exacerbated by a battery that cannot be user replaced in the field. Regardless, if you use one of these devices you don’t want to get caught with a depleted battery at an inopportune moment. Here’s a review of a great product that will ensure you never get caught powerless.

We tested the RichardSolo 1800 Smart Backup Battery for both BlackBerry and iPhone. Testing was done with a BlackBerry Tour and an iPhone 3GS.

A little background: The “Richard” in the name RichardSolo is none other than Richard Thalheimer the founder of The Sharper Image. Richard’s new venture is to bring innovative products to the market and provide exceptional customer service as well. We can tell you immediately that he has a winner with the RichardSolo 1800 Smart Backup Battery.

The RichardSolo 1800 is an 1800 mAh lithium-ion smart battery (hence the 1800 in the name) that can recharge a virtually dead iPhone 1.5 times. It is a smart battery because it can charge your device (there are models for iPhone, BlackBerry, Palm Pre and virtually any phone that accepts charging via micro or mini USB) and when the device is fully charged it stops charging. There is no chance of overcharging your device. When your iPhone battery gets low or you have a spare minute it’s quite simple to plug the unit in and top up your battery. The RichardSolo weighs just 2.3 ounces and measures just 2" x 7/16" x 4 3/8". What this means is that it is small, light and easy to take with you wherever you go, you’ll barely notice it’s there until you need it to provide power.

 

The units we tested are designed to be used with cables to attach the RichardSolo to the device. If you have an older BlackBerry that uses a mini-USB connector you could bypass the cord and plug the RichardSolo directly into the BlackBerry. There is also a model designed to plug directly into the dock connector on the bottom of your iPhone and it comes with a support brace to secure it. We didn’t test that version but other than the connection method they are all identical.

Using the device is simple. You charge the RichardSolo using the retractable USB charging cable and AC plug or the aforementioned cable and the car charger. The green LED flashes to let you know it’s charging, when charging is complete the green LED stays on. Charging a fully depleted RichardSolo can take about 5 hours.

To charge our iPhone we attached the Apple cable to the RichardSolo and then plugged the dock connector into our iPhone. Instantly we got the tone that indicates the iPhone is receiving power. The power indicator on the iPhone showed that the iPhone was charging and the blue light illuminated on the RichardSolo, this indicates that the RichardSolo is properly connected to your device. When the iPhone is fully charged the power from the Richard Solo shuts off and charging stops. Operation with the BlackBerry or other phones is basically the same.

 

The RichardSolo 1800 comes with lots of nice extras that really add value. Built right into the unit is a very bright red laser pointer as well as an LED light that can serve as a small flashlight. These use very little power and come in very handy from time to time, especially while traveling. Additional items included with the unit provide even greater value as there is an AC wall charger, retractable USB charging cable, and a two-port USB car charger. Everything you need to keep your battery charged is included.

The Apple iPhone version comes with the appropriate dock connector cable that will charge your iPhone or virtually any iPod except the Shuffle. The RichardSolo 1800 has the “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” certification so you know it’s truly compatible.

The BlackBerry/Palm Pre version includes all the features and accessories mentioned above but substitutes mini and micro USB charging cables in lieu of the Apple dock connector cable.

The RichardSolo 1800 has an MSRP of $69.95. We feel it is well worth the price. It works great, is well made, and has lots of extras. Best of all, we don’t have to worry about losing the use of our iPhone or BlackBerry. Not having to hunt around for AC outlets in the airport is quite an empowering feeling (excuse the pun). Very highly recommended!

Check out the highly informative RichardSolo web site for more information and to order their products.