iGo everywhereMAX universal power adapter

I like my Zune. You're an iPodder. We also have different laptops, cell phones and other devices. What do we have in common?

We all need power to run our devices and we are tired of carrying a bunch of different adapters to keep them charged. We're even more tired of running out of juice at the worst possible time.

That's where the iGo everywhereMAX comes in. The iGo is a single device that will charge all of your gear. It starts with the basic iGo unit which plugs into your wall outlet or car, boat or when you fly. On the other end is an interchangeable tip that you plug into your device.

The tips are specific to the brand and model number of the device. The iGo comes with a bunch (10) of tips for various laptop models. They have an extensive list of laptop tips available and all the major brands are covered.

The Patented tip technology is what makes it work. Obviously you need to have the right tip for your laptop or device so if you should lose the included tip card, the iGo website http://www.igo.com/ has a simple wizard to locate the right tip for you.

I put on my dumb end-user cap and filled out the "I can't find my device tip" form on the website. My MotoRazor phone tip was identified and sent via e-mail. You need to purchase your device tips separately. My phone tip costs $9.99 and my classic Zune tip is $12.99. The iGo itself sells for $139.99 on their website and I saw it for $107 on Amazon.

My Zune Tip

One nice feature is that you can use the include dual-device adapter to charge both your laptop and another device at the same time. My completely unscientific tests indicate they charge about the same as the original chargers that came with the devices.

Another is that the adapters are rated from 110 volts to 230 volts and 50/60 hertz so if you travel internationally you can use the appropriate cables and tips.

The unit is 3.0" x 5.6" x 0.9" and weighs less than 1 lb. It comes with a carrying case and $100,000 notebook insurance.

If you travel a lot or work from your car, boat, RV or while flying the iGo will save you from carrying a bunch of power adapters.

On the horizon from iGo is the first Green Laptop Charger that virtually eliminates vampire power. The iGo Power Products with iGo Green™ Technology save energy and money by significantly reducing the amount of power used by devices in off or standby modes.

iGo power products with Green Technology automatically use 80% less standby power than standard power products.

Prototypes of iGo Green Technology products shown at CES included:

• iGo Laptop Charger: Charge your laptop and other devices from any standard wall outlet, including automatic shut-off and recovery to reduce vampire power.
• iGo Surge Protector: An eight outlet surge protector with shut-off and recovery to reduce vampire power.
• iGo Wall Outlet: A wall outlet with automatic shut-off and recovery.

Look for them Summer 2009.

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