Charging USB Devices With AA Batteries

In this article, we will share with you some devices that use AA batteries to charge USB-powered small electronics. These devices provide a convenient way to stretch the time between wall outlet recharges.

Some are advertised to work with any type of AA battery, giving you lots of options if you are in a pinch as well as permitting you to use resource-saving rechargeables. Here are some we found:

• QuickerTek Apple Juicz Little Black Box
• Neewer Emergency Charger with Flashlight
• Zap RX-4 Recharge-It-All
• Energizer Energi To Go CEL2MUSB
• Voxred Turbo Charge

QuickerTek Apple Juicz Little Black Box

QuickerTek claims its Apple Juicz Little Black Box is the first charger of its kind that will accept any type of AA battery, including alkaline, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), nickel-zinc (NiZn), and carbon. As long as each of the four batteries installed is of the same type and brand, this unit’s internal circuitry will adjust voltage appropriately. QuickerTek advertises compatibility with most any USB-powered device, including iPod, iPhone, and iPad. The Apple Juicz Little Black Box measures 3.16” L x 2.46” W x 0.76” D and weighs 1.6 ounces without batteries. There is an on/off switch and a single female USB port. Batteries are not included, and the manufacturer recommends NiZn batteries for best performance.

The QuickerTek Apple Juicz Little Black Box sells for around $23 on Amazon.

Neewer Emergency Charger with Flashlight

Neewer Emergency Charger with Flashlight

The Neewer Emergency Charger with Flashlight draws a surprising number of reviews on Amazon; over 40 customers weigh in to give the black-colored model an average of 3½ out of 5 stars, and about 10 people give the white-colored version an average of 4 stars. This charger accepts two AA batteries; though the manufacturer does not specify which types are appropriate, customers seem to have success with both rechargeables and non-rechargeables. On the edge of this unit you’ll find an on/off/flashlight switch, on its face there is an LED charge indicator, and on the end is the female USB port and LED flashlight. Most reviewers like this charger, citing its high value, slim profile, and wide charging compatibility. But this charger also draws negative feedback for running hot and inefficiently. Neewer claims compatibility with just about all USB-powered devices, including iPhones. Batteries are not included.

Amazon sells the Neewer Emergency Charger with Flashlight in black or white, both for around $5.

Zap RX-4 Recharge-It-All

Zap RX-4 Recharge-It-All

The Zap RX-4 Recharge-It-All accepts (and includes) four AA batteries. Eight Amazon reviewers give it an average rating of 4 stars. Customers like the flexibility of this device—it accepts alkaline and rechargeable batteries, includes a USB cable with adapters for different mobile phones, and it can be plugged into a wall outlet to recharge the batteries it holds. It has a four-light LED battery-life indicator and comes with a carrying case. The biggest complaint is about the included rechargeable batteries; customers find they aren’t nearly as good as most rechargeables on the market today. Though the manufacturer claims wide compatibility, some customers report the RX-4 Recharge-It-All will not charge their devices.

Purchase the Zap RX-4 Recharge-It-All for about $18 on Amazon.

Energizer Energi To Go CEL2MUSB

Energizer Energi To Go CEL2MUSB

Energizer’s Energi To Go CEL2MUSB charger operates on two AA batteries. This charger includes two Energizer Ultimate Lithium AAs, but customers say rechargeables also work. Customers also say the Energi To Go CEL2MUSB performs as advertised, working with a wide range of USB-powered devices and remaining reliable long after their purchase. There are some complaints about the battery door being difficult to work with and some reviewers found this charger was not compatible with their phones after they bought it, but overall the feedback is positive. The Energi To Go CEL2MUSB comes with adapter for mini- and micro-USB connections. The company states this charger is not compatible with iPhone or HTC Android.

You’ll find the Energizer Energi To Go CEL2MUSB available for around $17 on Amazon.

Voxred Turbo Charge

Voxred Turbo Charge

The Voxred Turbo Charge comes in a variety of packages, all with different sets of charging cables. We recommend the TBB850 or TBM1050 packages; each comes with a mini-USB adapter and the TBB850 also includes a micro-USB adapter. You can order additional adapters through the manufacturer. The Turbo Charge accepts two AA batteries (rechargeable or non-rechargeable), and two AAs are included. It measures 3” L x 1.5” W x 0.75”D and weighs 2.5 ounces with batteries installed. There is a three-level LED battery-life indicator and an on/off/flashlight switch (the flashlight is two white LEDs on the end). CNET gave the Turbo Charge 4 out of 5 stars in 2007. Customers have been a little less enthusiastic; their chief complaint is that the batteries are depleted well before the advertised two to three full charges for portable electronic devices.

Both the Voxred Turbo Charge TBB850 and TBM1050 are for sale on Amazon for around $18.

Right in time for the summer, two-way radios will be popping up all over the country in the thickest forests. Appropriate for everything from camping to large music festivals, two-way radios allow users to connect without worrying about cell phone signal or any other radios listening in. Many of these newer two-way radios provide weather proofing, as well as longer battery lives and even power adapters. Many of the biggest names in radio, such as Cobra, Uniden, and Motorola have continued producing the best two-ways.

The 36-Mile Midland GXT1000VP4 50-Channel Waterproof GMRS

Best Two-Way Radio: Midland GXT1000VP4 50-Channel Waterproof

The Midland GXT1000VP4 50-Channel Waterproof Two-Way Radio provides mobile users with a vehicle adapter for powering the two-way radio on the go. These two-way radios have a 36-mile range and up to 50 channels of available bandwidth. It’s embedded with 387 privacy codes, and a distress signal for emergencies. You can also scan for weather channels in the area.

Users really liked the quality of this two-way, giving it four and a half stars at Amazon. While a few users noted that the 36-mile claim doesn’t count in the city, many users still appreciate the rest of the feature set. Many owners were not fans of the included boom mic headsets, however they’re optional for use.

The Midland GXT1000VP4 50-Channel Waterproof Two-Way Radio is available at Amazon for $66.

The Motorola 22-Channel MH230R 23-Mile Range FRS/GMRS

Best Two Way Radios: Motorola MH230R

The Motorola MH230R 23-Mile Range FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio has a range of 22 miles and access to 11 weather channels. It’s said to have an eight-hour rechargeable battery life, or a 10-hour alkaline battery life. With 121 privacy codes, and noise filtering for outside noise, these two-way radios are full of features. There is also a keypad lock to keep the radio’s settings unchanged.

With a four and a half star rating at Amazon, users really like this two-way. One user found that the two-ways don’t work so well on cruise ships, however that seems like a location that won’t be often sought after for this device. Again, many owners note that the 23-mile range is not quite reasonable in most situations; this is pretty common for two-way radios.

The Motorola MH230R 23-Mile Range FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio are available at Amazon for $64.

The Submersible Uniden GMR2872-2CK 28-Mile GMRS

Best Two-Way Radios: Uniden GMR2872-2CK

The Uniden GMR2872-2CK 28-Mile GMRS Two-Way Radio features a waterproof state that allows users to submerge the device. They also float, allowing owners to retrieve them in water easily. With 22 total channels, including 142 privacy codes, there are plenty of bandwidth options. There is a silent mode that vibrates to alert users, and there is a dual charging bay included.

The Uniden GMR2872-2CK 28-Mile GMRS Two-Way Radio again suffers the same complaints about the mile range being inflated by the company. This is all too common because the range is usually based on a location with no interference, such as buildings or trees. One user noted that the sound quality improves by keeping your mouth about six inches from the microphone.

The Uniden GMR2872-2CK 28-Mile GMRS Two-Way Radio is available at Amazon for $73.

The 10-Channel NOAA Cobra LI-7200-2 WX VP Micotalk GMRS/FRS

Best Two-Way Radios: Cobra LI-7200-2 WX VP

The Cobra LI-7200-2 WX VP Micotalk GMRS/FRS lets users enjoy 10 channels of NOAA Weather channels, in case of emergencies. It has 142 privacy codes, a 27-mile range, and 22 channels of bandwidth. It also has a battery saver mode that lowers the power use when not transmitting. With a key lock to prevent pocket transmissions, as well as a vibrating mode, this two-way radio provides owners with a lot of options.

Earning a four star review at Amazon, these two-way radios are lauded by users for the sound quality, though some users note that the speaker can be a bit quiet in certain environments. One user mentioned that the antenna is a bit bulky and seems fragile, but most other owners found the radios reliable and more than worth this price.

The Cobra LI-7200-2 WX VP Micotalk GMRS/FRS is available at Amazon for $53.

Here’s a MetaEfficient Keyring. It’s a collection of lightweight, mini-tools suitable for carrying on a keyring.

The keyring contains the following elements:

• The LD01 Flashlight by Fenix (powered by a hybrid rechargeable AAA battery)
• The folding waterproof Inka Pen
• The 6-in-1 Key Ring Tool by Swiss+Tech
• An Emergency Cash Holder by Cash Can

Here are the details of the MetaEfficient Keyring elements:

The LD01 Keyring Flashlight by Fenix

Fenix Keyring Flashlight Powered by AAA Battery

Why It Was Chosen

The Fenix LD01 is the brightest keyring-sized flashlight that runs on a standard AAA battery. This means it can be powered by a hybrid rechargeable AAA battery. It produces 80 lumens of light on its highest setting.

The Fenix LD01 uses a Cree Q5 LED as its light source, and the lens is made of toughened, anti-reflective glass. It weighs 1.6 ounces, and it is “IPX-8 water proof” meaning it is suitable for continuous submersion.

The flashlight is RoHS compliant (meaning it does not contain non-toxic heavy metals or flame retardants).

It’s available for $35 from Amazon.

The Inka Pen

Why It Was Chosen

The Inka Pen is a keyring sized ball-point that can be used quickly as a half-sized pen, or unfolded into a full-sized pen. Using a pressurized ink cartridge, the Inka Pen is waterproof and write at any altitude or temperature. It’s made in the U.S. and has a lifetime warranty.

The “6-in-1 Key Ring Tool” by Swiss Tech

Why It Was Chosen

The “6-in-1 Key Ring Tool” is a keyring-sized multitool by Swiss Tech. It contains the following:

• straight knife blade
• a serrated cutting surface
• a micro-sized screwdriver
• a Phillips screwdriver
• an eyeglass screwdriver
• bottle opener

The tool weighs 0.5 oz. Given its size, it’s pretty basic, its handy when you have nothing else available, but not suitable for everyday tasks.

The Mini Cash Can

The Mini Cash Can: A Keyring Sized Emergency Money Consealer

Why It Was Chosen

The Mini Cash Can is an emergency cash holder than fits on your keyring. You can secret a single bill inside this stealthy container. If you forget your wallet, you have the cash inside as a back-up. The Cash Can’s assembly cannot accidentally come apart as long as the keyring is through the hole. The container is waterproof.

I actually found a little difficult to fit a bill inside the Mini Can — the larger Mini II might be a better choice.

Brunton makes a range of flexible solar cells they call SolarRolls. These weather-proof solar cells can be rolled up quite tightly, and attached to a backpack. Seen here is a 14W model — it produces DC power even during low light conditions. SolarRolls come with a range of plugs, including a standard car lighter socket. They can also be attached together if you need more power. See a review and more photos of the SolarRoll at RainyDay Magazine. It’s available from Amazon for $399.

A Keyring-Sized Multitool by Swiss Tech

At first glance, this keyring tool looks just like any other key. When you open it up, you’ll find that it’s actually 6 tools in 1. Here’s what it contains:

• straight knife blade
• a serrated cutting surface
• a micro-sized screwdriver
• a Phillips screwdriver
• an eyeglass screwdriver
• bottle opener

The whole thing weighs in at only 0.5 oz, so you won’t notice it among your other keys. While well made, the Utili-Key is not suitable for heavy duty tasks. Swiss Tech also offers an 8 in 1 keyring tool.

It’s available from Amazon for $6.29

These are the best pocket-sized “survival kits” we’ve seen. They are a collection of minimalist survival tools packed into a tiny case — handy to have during wilderness travel or any other time a emergency situation could arise. They also include “Survival Instructions” with 33 illustrations printed on waterproof paper. The packs were designed by Doug Ritter who runs the Equipped to Survive website. There’s a detailed explanation of these packs here, and you can see a close-up of the contents of the kit on this page. They are from Amazon for $27.