Richard|Solo 1800: More of everything!

We reported on the Richard|Solo Smart Backup Battery for iPhone a few months ago. Now Richard|Solo has released a much improved version of the Backup Battery that not only provides more power for your iPhone or iPod, but some excellent new features that trash the competition.

The Richard|Solo 1800 has 50% more capacity than the original versions, which had 1200 mAh of power. The new model has an 1800 mAh capacity, and is latched firmly onto the iPhone using a specially designed mechanism. There's an optional plastic support brace that reduces the lateral force on the battery connector; wonderful if you want to use the iPhone while charging it with the 1800.

Richard|Solo provides a dual-port USB car charger in addition to the AC wall charger, which still features a retractable cord for tangle-free storage in your computer bag or purse. The coolest new features are two built-in lights; a white LED flashlight and a red laser pointer.

The Richard|Solo 1800 retails for $69.95. If you own an iPhone or recent iPod, this is the backup battery to buy! It's well designed, feature packed, and reasonably priced. Now I need to get one for my wife!

What do you use for backup iPhone power? Leave a comment!

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Source: http://richardsolo.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=…

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Analysis / Opinion Hardware iPod Family Peripherals iPhone iPod touch

We reported on the Richard|Solo Smart Backup Battery for iPhone a few months ago. Now Richard|Solo has released a much improved version of...

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yo guys, it looks like there is quite a few solutions out there. I think it might be worth while to publish a review of the most popular models. i couldn't find anything like that on the net so you'd be first to do it! :)

November 12 2008 at 3:44 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to jw's comment

Tim Lee

I've been a fan of the APC usb battery. Although I can almost always get through the day with a full charge, it's for those days that I wake up and see the iPhone laying on the desk out of it's charger **DOH**

I'll connect the battery (which keeps it's charge for a while, so I don't have to always remember to charge it) and throw it in my bag. I'm usually back up to a respectable charge in about an hour with plenty of juice left in the battery.

just my 2 cents.

November 13 2008 at 12:54 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

mark

Are you kidding? That hideous "dongle" hangs off of your iPhone?

I'm opting for the FastMac model with the built-in flash for the iPhone's camera: http://fastmac.com/iv.php

November 10 2008 at 4:05 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to mark's comment

jslappa

You are making the smart decision. While the FastMac iV for the 3G iPhone looks like something from 1988, it can more than TRIPLE battery life with all my radios on. WiFi, 3G, Bluetooth, etc. I am so glad I cancelled my order for the Mophie!

Good news:
1. 3100 mAh battery
2. can dock right into 3G and Universal dock, charge phone and be charged simultaneously
3. full-size USB that can simultaneously charge phones, PSP, whatever!
4. Flash to help remove red-eye in photos or use as a torch at night
5. talk for 24 solid hours
6. or listen to 72 hours of audio
7. or 21 hours of video
8. or 31 DAYS STANDBY (WOW)
9. uses iPhone cable, so no additional cables to carry

Bad News:
1. Doubles thickness of phone
2. almost doubles the weight of the iPhone
3. barely pocketable
3. designed back in the 80's LOL

November 10 2008 at 8:28 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Markito

Tuaw, please review a hands-on with the brand new Morphie Juice Pack: http://www.mophie.com/products/juice-pack-iphone-3g
It hugs the iPhone like a case and seems like it would be fantastic.
I hope to buy one soon. The iPhone version just came out on October 30th.
there's also one for the iPod Touch. Has anyone used one yet?

November 09 2008 at 9:54 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Joris

if you type in: Pirillio at the discount field when you order, you get 10% off! only works until november 15th!

November 09 2008 at 7:42 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

badtzmaru

I always carry my charger on day trips. I typically listen to the ipod, browse the web (3g) and after 4 hours, it dips into red territory. I've never run out of juice on my 3g (though i did a couple of times on 1st gen) but I always want to be safe! this battery solution seems like the best product so far.

November 09 2008 at 2:38 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Chris Turpin

I usually carry my Belkin AC adapter with me, or my car charger. I've never totally ran out of battery life on my iPhone 3G. Ever.

Sadly, when I use the included USB charge-only cable, (Which is like 6-7 feet. Fair bit longer than the included 3 feet cable with the iPhone) my iPhone thinks it's an audio accessory, shuts down all audio outputs save for the dock connector, and offers to go into Airplane Mode. I can't listen to music at all while it's charging.

Thankfully my 6-ft Phillips cable DOESN'T do that.

November 09 2008 at 2:33 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Jack

My iPhone battery lasts me perfectly up to the end of the day. I dont even need backup unless i am using it like 24/7.

November 09 2008 at 1:12 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Rick

It requires yet another power cord/charger. I would like to see it use the same connector as the iPhone. Then I could charge it with my car charger, or wall charger.

While I like it a lot, I won't buy it as long as it needs a different charger than the iPhone's.

November 09 2008 at 12:58 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to Rick's comment

mcg

That's true, but if you bring this battery with you, you don't need your original iPhone chargers. You can use the battery's chargers instead.

So it's not a perfect solution but it does allow you to leave one set of chargers behind.

November 09 2008 at 1:25 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

toypaj

I use a Proporta M-UPS-D6+

The capacity is 3400mAH and can charge the iPhone and iPod multiple times before it needs recharging.

I got it a couple of years ago and I think they have brought out another less powerful version.

This one does me great service.

toypaj

November 09 2008 at 12:56 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Greenie

I looked into quite a few of these when hearing so many horror stories about the battery life. But, on every day use, I tend to use about half the battery.

Maybe I'll look into the Richard Solo for the long flights.

November 09 2008 at 12:56 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply