ArsGeek

Let’s face it, I use a lot of power. I’ve got tons of little things that need to be charged, recharged, discharged and filled with life giving electricity.

That’s why I jumped at the chance to try out the Duracell Powersource Mobile 100. What is this thing? It’s a fast charging portable 100-watt inverter with a lightweight, high-output 4.0 amp-hour lithium-ion battery pack. It takes electricity from your wall or your car and puts it into your stuff. That’s right, it’s got an adapter for your wall and your car’s 12 volt DC powersource.

The DPM 100 features a 3 prong AC outlet and two USB ports. For me, this means I can hang my Archos, my Creative Zen and my PSP off of it all at the same time. Or more realistically, use it to power my PSP while traveling so I don’t blow through the battery as fast. What will it do for a PSP or my laptop? It powered my PSP for close to 8 hours before it cut out and my laptop for a bit over 2 hours. That’s not bad in a little power source that weighs just under two pounds. When you think that your Blackberry could eke out 9 days of power from this and that you can charge your cell phone on the go, it becomes even more attractive.

The DC power converter for your auto is a great feature too. Keep this in your car for those long trips (yes, I’m talking to you people with kids who also have gadgets to charge) and you’ll love it! At a little over four hours to recharge completely you won’t spend all day waiting. I also like the fact that the DPM 100 was just barely warm to the touch after a full charging - no juggling a hot, 2 pound battery.

How’s the YAG factor? At about 5.25 inches by 3.25 inches it’s not overly large. Two pounds is pushing the envelope a bit for lugging around with me every single day. I would not hesitate to leave this in the car though, or pop it into my carry on luggage for a trip on a bus, train or plane. Adding 8 hours to the PSP’s 4.5 hour charge is huge. Adding 8 hours to the DS Lite’s 10 hours will keep you going with barely enough time to sleep. Who wouldn’t want this on a long trip?

Bottom line: If you’re in the market for a portable power source that can recharge at and wall outlet or in a car or boat then this is one that you’ll be happy with. At $99 via Amazon.com it’s not going to set you back to badly, especially when you consider what you’re getting out of it! If you’re a power hog like I am, have kids who use stuff or like to take your gadgets on your trips then this is definitely worth the investment.

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