“Always Have Power!”
Introduction
The more complicated devices are, the more they consume power. Take your typical smartphone as an example. With all the background processes, video and photo capabilities, games, music and of course, calls that it makes — no wonder one would need all the battery life it can get. With that said,
Powermat once again comes to our aid with their
Power! Dual 1850 Rechargeable Backup Battery. Coming from out review of their
Portable Mat, the Dual 1850 is of the receiver accessory that not only compliments the Portable Mat, it can store its own power as well. According to the package, it should double the talk/video/listening time of a particular device. Does it or it doesn’t? Read the comprehensive review to find out.
Unboxing & Presentation
Here’s what you get. First of all, comes in this little box with the product image at front. When you turn to the right side of the box, you’ll notice the following — “13 hours more talk time”, “80 hours more listening time”, “17 hours more video time”, “6 hours more internet time” and “530 hours more standby time”. You can’t be that specific for all devices that this accessory can charge right? So we’re guessing here that this is for that once gadget that you’ll most likely use this — an iPhone 4, let’s get to those details later. The back of the packaging has your typical features and all images that we’re sure you’ve seen somewhere if you’re thinking of buying one of this and you’re doing your product research.
Opening the box reveals a black plastric tray holding the Dual 1850 and a Micro USB connector. Also included is the instruction manual. Other than that you’re pretty much done and good to go.
Features
- Charge your iPod, iPhone and hundreds of other devices anytime, anywhere
- 1850 mAh battery more than doubles the life of most smartphones
- Can charge two devices at once with dual on-board connectors: Apple & Micro USB
- Recharges when placed on any Powermat or with the included USB cord
First Impressions
The Dual 1850 is shaped like that of the Powercube Universal Receiver except that it is bigger and is colored black with stripe-like patterns all over. Having felt the plastic gives the impression that the one used here is somewhat cheaper than the one with the Portable Mat. The front of the Dual 1850 features a simple Powermat logo at the center with a little button at the bottom part.
The back portion still has that stripe-like pattern but instead of a logo, there’s a “DUAL 1850″ printed at the bottom. You’ll also notice a circular button at the top part. As with the Powercube Receiver, the assembly for the connector is the same. It is tucked to the one side of the Dual 1850 and is locked at the upper-left corner. Once pulled out, it is noticeable that the cable used here is shorter as it only covers one side. It’s as basic as you can get.
Product Specifications
- Color: Black
- Product Weight: 0.5000 lbs.
- Receiver Dimensions: 0.6875″ x 2.75″ x 2.75″
- Output Rating: 1850 mAh
- Connectors:
- Standard Apple connector x1
- Micro USB connector x1
Review
For this review, let’s dissect the name first “DUAL 1850″. From the specifications, we know that this is due to the fact that this receiver/battery pack has 1850 mAh to give. “Dual” because it is able to accommodate two devices at the same time. Why mention this? Because there is a possible misuse of this product that will produce unsatisfactory results, but we’ll get to that later.
For the first intentional use of the product – as a battery pack – you first charge it either through a USB connected to a PC or through a Powermat Portable Mat if you have one. You will know how much charge is already there by simply pressing the little button on the front face. This will lit up four indicators that show how charged the device is – with four being full and none being empty. Once full, you’re ready to go and use it when necessary. For your standard Apple products, just press the circular button at the back and the Apple connector will pop-up.
Tests performed in a fully drained iPhone 4 reveals that although charge time is a little slower, you can get a full charge from a fully charged Dual 1850 (with an iPhone 4 having a battery rated at 1420 mAh). What does this mean? It means that all those numbers shown at the side of the box is true. Of course it depends on how you use the device but in all essence, it does what it says. And with the usual smartphone on the same battery rating, you would get another battery all together. This is true whenever you’re using the Apple connector or the Micro USB connector. Add to that the multitude of conectors from the Portable Mat and you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.
The second intentional use of the Dual 1850 is as a Powermat receiver, and this is where it shines. You may remember in our Powercube Universal Receiver
review that it only has one connector available, limiting your charging capability. Now if you use the Dual 1850, you can simultaneously charge an Apple device and any other gadget you have, provided it fits the connector or you have the appropriate tip.
We now come to the point where we don’t recommend using the Dual 1850 – as a dual battery pack. That’s right, as much as you may want to charge two devices with its internal supply, it isn’t feasible — unless of course you’re charging two small devices (like an iPod Nano and a typical MP3 player). Trying to simultaneously charge an iPhone and another smartphone with the internal battery just won’t cut it. It might even cause battery degradation. 1850 mAh isn’t enough to push power to two complex devices of the same consumption.
Final Thoughts
All in all, we recommend this handy little product — both as a stand-alone accessory and as a Powermat receiver. As the Dual 1850 itself, it is a good accessory if you have an iPhone or an iPod as it is sufficient enough to give at least another full battery supply to your Apple device. If you already have a Portable Mat, then this is a good addition to your wireless charging station as it technically allows two more devices to be charged wirelessly. Being sold at
Amazon for $39, some may find it expensive but it will give you the power when you needed it the most.
, is powered by a hybrid drive system using an emission-free fuel cell. With a top speed of 15.5 miles an hour (25 km/h) you won´t be late for work. 
