Marauderz Portable USB Battery Extender

Having just bought my Microsoft Smartphone, I am now literally in heaven! With GPRS, I can now get online literally anytime I want, anywhere! And since the Smartphone comes with Microsoft Messenger, I can also chat with my MSN buddies on the go!!

Since I'm going to be using it all the time, I'll need all the battery power I can get. Unfortunately, the phone isn't sold here. So, I cannot buy extra batteries for it. I will have to find other means of charging it on the go.

The Smartphone I bought was made by HTC - the same folks who made the iPAQs and the XDA. And it just so happens that the Smartphone's connector port (where all the recharging and synching takes place) is exactly the same as the XDA's connector port! So, I rushed off to Low Yatt Plaza and bought the USB Charge N Sync cable. This will allow me to charge the phone through any USB port.

While I was there, I noticed a USB cigarette lighter plug that can be attached to the USB Charge N Sync cable, thereby allowing me to charge my phone in the car. Sweet! Got that too. So, I just solved the problem of charging my Smartphone in the car and at my desk. However, I still needed a source of emergency power when I am out in the field.

For that, I found a portable battery charger for the XDA which uses four AA-sized batteries to recharge the phone. It costs RM65 (USD 17).... RM65 for nothing more than a battery holder with a cable attached??? NO WAY!!!

So, I still had no way of charging the phone on the go. Then it hit me... The USB Charge N Sync cable worked as a charger for my phone because it siphons 5V power from the USB port. Therefore, if I can wire a 5V power source to a USB socket, I can use the charge cable to channel the 5V power to my phone!