Cell phone power is in your hands

John Chan | May 07, 2008

Even if your telecom operator gives you cellular coverage all the way into the heart of a tropical rainforest, it won't mean a thing if your mobile phone runs out of power. Here’s a product that will address that problem, the Hand-Crank USB Power Charger sold on the National Geographic site.

If your mobile phone can be charged using USB, it'll probably work with this. The concept is simple--plug in your phone, and start cranking. You'll probably work up a sweat just trying to get one call out of your flat battery. But in case of emergency, a sweaty t-shirt would be the least of your worries.

This device costs US$39.95 and includes adapters to fit most Motorola, Samsung, Nokia, and LG phones. For those using brands not listed here, getting a third-party USB charger for your phone will probably do the trick, too. The Hand-Crank USB Power Charger even comes with an AC adapter so you can deposit power into the device when you have access to a power outlet--that'll help save you a few turns of the handle when out in the field.

Filed under: Gadgets, Handhelds, Mobile Phones
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