Callpod has recently released a dual device rechargeable battery charging system called the Fueltank. The Fueltank can charge two mobile devices simultaneously and act as a through-put charger when you are near a electrical outlet. This mobile charging system utilizes the same adapters as their ChargePod charging system. While the ChargePod system is able to plug into a wall or car power outlet, the Fueltank adds the ability to charge your electronic device while off the grid.
With the amount of traveling and camping I do in the typical year, the Fueltank is an excellent device to have with me on the road.
Along with the Fueltank, Callpod includes a USB wall charger, Mini-USB adapter, carrying pouch, user manual, and voucher for one free adapter. The free adapter is a nice plus and enables you to select the adapter you need most. I used my free voucher to receive a iPod adapter.
Package Contents
- Fueltank base unit
- AC/DC Wall Plug
- Mini-USB adapter (MUSB-0001)
- Carrying pouch
- Voucher for 1 FREE adapter (redeemable at Callpod.com)
- Manual
Hardware Specifications
| Battery Capacity | 4300 mA/hr |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion |
| Estimated Charging Time | 2.5 Hours |
| Input AC Power | 110-240V AC, 50-60 Hz |
| Output Charge Power | 5.4V / 6.4V @ 500mA per port |
| Dimensions (WxLxH) | 3.4″ x 4.9″ x 0.72″ |
| Weight | 7.3oz (207.0 g) |
| Humidity | 5% to 90% Non-Condensing |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to 50°C |
| Storage Temperature | -10°C to 50°C |
| Warranty | One year |
Features
- Recharges two devices simultaneously
- Indicator lights display battery capacity level
- Charge your devices multiple times without refueling
According to the Callpod website, the Fueltank should be able to recharge a cellphone up to seven times. Although that is most likely true for regular phones, the higher capacity ‘smartphones’ of the day require more power. I tested the recharging capacity of the Fueltank several times. Starting with the Fueltank fully charged and my devices completely depleted, it was able to recharge my Touch twice and Blackberry once…..not seven times, but good enough for me.
Callpod engineered a ‘fuel gauge’ into their rechargeable battery charging system allowing you to check how much energy is remaining via indicator lights within the central display.
The Fueltanks design is pretty straight forward. The USB port and power gauge button are on the left side of the device. When the USB wall charger is connected and charging the battery, a LED within the housing glows green. The green light goes out when the Fueltank’s internal battery is fully recharged, opposite of other systems that will turn green when fully charged.
The right side of the device is where you connect the adapter cables for your various electronics. When the adapters are attached to the battery, LED’s within the housing glow blue.
The build quality of the Fueltank is good. From the pictures on Callpod’s website the case material looks aluminum. But like the ChargePod, the casing of the Fueltank is made of a sturdy plastic. This is probably for the best considering how much heavier an aluminum housing would make the charging brick.
Now the Fueltank is not petite, it is at least four times the volume and several times the weight of the Richard Solo rechargeable battery. However, the Fueltank is more versatile than the (single recharge) iPod only charger. When traveling I will pack the Fueltank in my carry-on versus laptop/gear bag.
The Callpod Fueltank is a nice safety net for those on the road who need to charge multiple devices while away from an outlet. Added to the fact it can be a throughput (wall) charger as well. While it is relatively bulky, it is very functional/versatile….definitely an item that I will bring with me.
Product Information
| Price: | $69.95 |
| Manufacturer: | Callpod |
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There are places where it is not convenient or permitted to plug into the wall — like at a restaurant or the library — often the very places you want to use your battery dead device while it is on charge.
CLT