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Powertraveller PMEXP V2 powermonkey eXplorer Version 2.0 Portable Solar Charger for Cell Phones, iPods and PDAs

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Product Features:

Powermonkey-eXplorer portable charger; (1) solarmonkey portable solar charger.

Universal mains charger which will work in over 150 countries and has interchangeable heads for UK, Europe, US & Australia.

Retractable USB cable; (1) Female USB; (1) iPod connector; (1) connector for Sony PSP and most digital cameras;

Mini USB for Motorola RazR V series, Blackberrys and Bluetooth headsets.

Tips for: Nokia and mini Nokia, Motorola V66, Samsung E900, LG Chocolate and Sony Ericsson wide connector.

Black travel pouch; (1) Storage case; (1) User guide.

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Technical Details:

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Customer Reviews:

Good Product but lack of info makes it frustrating

I wanted an additional battery for my iphone, especially when traveling and for emergencies, but did not want the ones that came in a protective case that you enclose the iphone in as it added to the weight and overall size of the iphone. i like the idea of the PowerMonkey as you plug it in only when you need the additional power, and can charge up the iphone too.

It was frustrating when I was deciding if I wanted this product as it was hard to find definitive information on the PowerMonkey. There were various names given for same model when searching for it on the internet so I wasn't actually sure if I was comparing the prices of the same model. It was also difficult trying to find what version of the iphone the included ipod tip was for - but finally found on a few sites that the tip that came with the product was good for the iphone 3G - the one I have.

When I received the item, the PowerMonkey charged up easily and very easy to use. But when I connected it to my iphone, I kept getting a message popping up that said it was not optimized for this iphone. It did charge my phone but I had trouble using the iphone as it was being charged by the PowerMonkey. If I was watching a video, the message would keep interfering with the video and when I cleared the message, the video would start again but without sound. It would also pop up every time I switched between applications.

Since the manufacturer is located in the UK, I found a US distributor from their website. I contacted Mango about the problem and asked if it was the wrong tip. The response I got was "Some iphones require the iphone 3GS/iphone 4 tip but if it is charging up the phone than it is the correct tip". She could not explain the message, nor confirm with certainty whether it would damage my iphone if I continued to use it but kept insisting I had the correct tip. In other words Mango support is USELESS (or at least that person was).

Therefore, I contacted Powertraveller in the UK as I do like the product and didn't want to return it. Powertraveller customer service was wonderful. They confirmed I did not have the correct tip and are sending me a new one and they also confirmed that I can continue using the old tip until the new one arrives as it would not damage my iphone but more of an annoyance.

I have not tried the solar panel yet but based on some reviews I read, I probably would only use it on long road trips (or in emergencies and not near electricity). Plugging it in the wall socket is a faster way of charging up the PowerMonkey. Although the PowerMonkey is small and light it does get in the way when using the iphone with the PowerMonkey connected to it because it dangles. I also have to be careful not to pull on the connection when putting the iphone (while connected to the PowerMonkey) in or getting it out of my pocket or my bag.

I am only giving it an overall score of 3-stars for now but will give it a higher score if the new tip allows it to work as described.

UPDATE: May 31, 2011 - I finally received the new tip in April - it took awhile. So far the product does what it is suppose to do - charge up your phone when needed, which is why I changed the ratings to 4 stars. Every once in awhile the optimizing message pops up but goes away on its own or when I press "OK" and hasn't interfere with any apps or videos so far. The fit is tighter so it doesn't come off the iphone easily as the first tip did. I still don't like how it dangles when you use the phone with the PowerMonkey attached - I hold on to it as I hold the phone - works but is awkward. I will probably put a rubber band around it and the phone when it is attached and I'm not using it so it doesn't get caught up in my bag. I have also used it on iphone 3GS with the same results. Overall, I am happy with the product and it is great for emergency power.

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