Jimi Game Shell Case
Manufacturer: Mr Smith
Site: Buy from Jimi
Price: $9.95


Overview : Jimi™ Game Shell is compact, water resistant and shockproof, and you can attach it to your backpack, lanyard or keyring. Within its recyclable sanoprene liners, each case securely holds two Nintendo DS games, two Wii (SD) cards, or two PSP (ProDuo game or music) cards.

Jimi™ Game Shell's translucent outer skin is made from 100% recycled and recyclable polypropylene. Combined with the cushioning sanoprene lining in planet purple, gunmetal grey, or fire red this splash proof shell makes it ideal for storing your DS and PSP game cards, music or camera memory cards, and it looks really sweet to boot.

Quality/Usability : There have been a couple of vacations where I carried my PSP and DS around with me. Each portable system in its own dedicated case but no place to carry my extra games or memory sticks.

Jimi may be your solution and even mine as well. Jimi is made of durable plastic with sanoprene lining (rubber). You can attach the Jimi to your keyring, bag or string for easy portability. The Jimi is small enough to fit in your pants pocket and light weight that you wont notice it. Jimi comes in three colors of sanoprene lining: Red, Grey or Purple. The plastic shell is all the same clear color.

The sanoprene is removeable. The mold of the sanoprene allows you to hold up to two Pro Duo memory sticks or two SD cards (one on each side) or one of each. Above the memory cards, you can hold two DS games. The memory sticks and DS games are held in place securely. Even if you only had one DS game and the other slot was open and was holding either a Pro Duo or SD, they wont come out unless it was banged on hard.

Conclusion : Overall, the Jimi Game Shell Case is a nice solution to holding your memory sticks and DS games at once and together. I'm not sure if it was my shipment only but it did not come with a keyring like the Jimi Multi-Media Memory Case as that came with a keyring. The price of the Game Shell Case is fairly reasonable as well.

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Jimi Multi-Media Memory Case
Manufacturer: Mr Smith
Site: Buy from Jimi
Price: $8.95


Overview : Jimi™ multi media case is compact, water resistant and shockproof, and you can attach it to a lanyard or keyring. Within it’s recyclable sanoprene liners it can hold two of any of the 13 most popular formats of digital media or memory cards.

Jimi™ multi media case’s outer shell is made from 100% recycled and recyclable polypropylene. Combined with the cushioning sanoprene lining this splash proof shell makes it ideal for storing your digital camera media during snow sports, cycling and other outdoor activities.

Or if you just want somewhere to stash your flash memory cards when you’re traveling or living a busy mobile life this’ll do the trick. If you’re a digital photographer, or media or memory card user and have made a New Years resolution to get more organized, the Jimi™ multi media case is a great first step.

Quality/Usability : With my new interest in professional photography, I went and bought digital SLR camera from a family relative. I still have a regular digital camera that I carry around as well. For both these cameras, I have about 1-2 memory sticks.

Jimi is made of durable plastic with sanoprene lining (rubber). You can attach the Jimi to your keyring, bag or string for easy portability. The Jimi is small enough to fit in your pants pocket and light weight that you wont notice it. Jimi seems to come in one color, outer black case with light blue sanoprene liner.

The sanoprene is removeable. The mold of the sanoprene allows you to hold one of each on one side but you can hold a combination of the following formats:

• xD Card
• SM Card
• SD Card
• MMC Card
• MMC Micro
• MMC Mobile
• Mini SD w/Adapter
• 1" Harddrive
• MS Pro Duo
• Memory Stick
• Compact Flash
• Compact Flash II
• Micro SD w/Adapter

The media cards are held in place securely. If there were some slots that were not filled in, the media cards will not come out unless it was banged on hard.

Conclusion : Overall, the Jimi Multi-Media Memory Case is probably the best solution for carrying all your multi-media cards all in one place. Of course, that is if you have that many different media cards to carry around. What I did notice was that microSD w/adapter was mentioned as being able to be held in the Jimi Multi-Media Memory Case, although true, the adapter is actually a SD card. If you wanted to hold microSD card only, there is no designated spot for it. It will be moving around freely. Those who own a DS and PSP, may want to take a look at the Jimi Game Shell Case.

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HDfury DVI/HDMI to RGB Converter
Manufacturer: HDfury
Site: Buy from HKmod / Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China
Price: $129.99-$150.95


Overview : The HDfury is a revolutionary product that allows you to use the full resolution (up to 1080p) of any DVI/HDMI device on a CRT projector, PC monitor, older HDTV/Plasma TV, or any other device without a DVI/HDMI input! If you own a high quality projector/monitor/TV that does not have a DVI/HDMI connector you need this device! Why buy a new expensive display device when your existing one can already support high definition?

HDfury module will transform any "technically able" ANALOG display into a DIGITAL display performing a perfect visual HD & Full HD fury @ 720p/1080p from any HDMI/HDCP sources such as HD-DVD/Blu-Ray players, PS3, X360 Elite, Satellite/Cable HDTV set-top boxes, HTPCs with HDMI graphic cards, to name a few! Simply plug the HDfury into your projector, your DVI/HDMI device into the HDfury, and watch! Installation takes seconds.

The HDfury delivers a razor sharp picture with absolutely NO video noise. The picture quality improvement as compared to RGBHV analog video is immediately obvious, providing an amazingly clear and detailed picture!

The HDfury is 100% HDCP compliant. It is not an 'HDCP stripper'. The HDCP copy protected digital signal is first decrypted and then the digital RGB 4:4:4 signal is converted to an analog signal.

Features

• DVI-D 24p Female Port Input (100% digital).
• A HDMI -> DVI-D cable can be use to connect to an HDMI source.
• RGB 4:4:4 (8 bits) digital input (every HDMI source MUST be RGB 4:4:4 compatible).
• Compatible with non-HDCP or HDCP sources.
• Compatible with any RGB Display
• Directly connect to VGA input.
• Easy to install within a minute. (Plug & Play)
• 10 bits 175MHz triple video DAC - Inter-DAC : 2%
• RGB-H/V Male Port D-SUB 15 Output video analog signals (0,7Vpp over 75 ohms impedance)
• Ultra short Analog links (<1 cm) on the HD fury RGB 1080p for optimal quality.
• DVI video bandwidth in VGA/RGB outputs: 25-165MHz
• DVI Data Rate - Bandwidth 1.65 Gbps (Single link)
• Maximum resolutions: UWXGA (1920x1200) at 60Hz or SXGA (1280x1024) at 85Hz
• Computer compatible (PC, Mac)
• HDTV ready (480p/576p/720p/1080i/1080p48/50/60 compatible)
• DVI1.0 compliant / HDMI interoperable and HDCP ready
• HD-DVD and Blu-Ray Disc players compatible
• Playstation3 and X360 Elite compatible
• SAT and CABLE setbox for HDTV channels compatible
• HDCP compatible with embedded keys loaded.
• Energy management : DVI et VESA DPMS compatible.
• Ultra low power consumption in Standby (3,5mA)
• Maximum power : 0.4A under 5V (at 165MHz pixel clock)
• On-board DC/DC converter (5V) with extra-low EMI signature
• Power +5V from DVI/HDMI
• Blue LED to display active digital link.
• Safe cost solution – Single IC solution + external eeprom
• Small size : 75x56mm black cabinet
• Installation: the RGB 1080p module is DIRECTLY screwed to the back of the display (where VGA SUB-D plugs stand).
• Shortest RGB analog video link as possible
• HDCP rules compliant: no end-user access to decrypted analog video. Once screwed, this module becomes "a part of the display itself".
• Professional factory made (mass-production) using pick/place and reflow/wave solder pro. equipment.
• Gold Plated connectors, tracks and material
• Warranty: One year warranty

INPUT
1080p FULL HD COMPATIBLE

• Blu-Ray / HD-DVD Player
• Playstation 3, X360 Elite
• PC HDMI Graphics Card
• SAT & Cable HDTV Box
• Any DVI or HDMI source

OUTPUT
Display a 1080p visual fury

• PC monitor (CRT, tubes, LCD)
• HDTV, Plasma, LCD
• LCD, DLP, SXRD, D-ILA proj.
• 3 tubes proj Barco, Nec, ..
• Any RGB, VGA, YUV Display

Quality/Usability : HDfury allows you to display HD quality @ 720p/1080p from any HDMI/HDCP sources such as SAT & Cable HDTV setbox, Xbox360 Elite, PlayStation 3, HDMI graphic card, etc. on a analog display such as TV, PC monitor, projector, etc. Yes, thats right. HD visuals on non-HD displays!

HDfury imitates itself to be a HDCP-supporting receiver, that outputs DRM-stripped analog RGB content at the same resolution and aspect ratio as if output in digital form. The HDfury is encased in a black case with a gold plate on the front that says 1080p. On the gold plate is a window and that shows a Silicon Image chip. I presume this is where all the magic happens. Sorry, but I'm not a HT expert.

The review sample that we received only came in a clear plastic packaging with HDfury, and extended VGA cable (if there is not enough space to connect HDfury). The final packaging will include a manual. Since the HDfury is a DVI to VGA adapter, you will need a HDMI to DVI adapter or cable to connect to the HDfury.

Using the HDfury, I was able to play the PlayStation 3 and Xbox360 via HDMI to DVI-D cable to my monitor. Display was converted to 1280x1024 pixels. The visual was clean and crisp both on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox360 Elite. 1080p on the PlayStation 3 is only available in HDMI mode and when I turned on the PlayStation 3, it booted up fine. I went into the settings to confirm and indeed it was set to 1080p and the screen was displaying what was playing in the PlayStation 3. If there was ever a need to update HDfury, the eprom could be reflashed externally by dealers and manufacturer.

Here is a video of HDfury in action with the PlayStation 3:


Conclusion : Overall, the HDfury HDMI/DVI to RGB Converter is a sweet unique product. I no longer have to fight with the gf to see who gets to use the HDTV or be confined to it. I can now use my PC monitor to play my PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 Elite with HD quality visuals You'll have to supply your own HDMI to DVI-D cable, DVI/HDMI adapters or DVI to DVI cable, depending whether or not you have the cables needed already. If not, you'll have to purchase one which usually costs about $7-13 for the cable and about $5 for the adapter. The price of the HDfury is a pricey. Price can range from $129.99 to $150.95 but it is well worth it for those looking to play their HD products without the need of a HDTV.

*UPDATE*
I was informed the following from the Project Manager:


The above review is based on the BLUE version which includes HD15 VGA extender cable and tested on a Dell 2405FPW. For those who are Home Theater fiends/exotics/pros/etc., there is also a RED version which includes a Barco Port 3 Cable and a GREEN version which includes a 5-BNC breakout cable. Both of which is not available as the time of this review but they should be available late June/early July. The look and color of the HDfury will still be the same just the packaging will be in its respective color and cable.

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XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v2
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China
Price: $22.99

Overview : XCM Multi-Console Component Cable V2 (PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360). Not compatible with Xbox 1.

Features :

• Fully Compatible with Xbox 360™, Wii™, PS3™ , PS2™ and any TV system.
• Support Component Signal (Stereo Function)
• Support AV Signal (Stereo Function)
• High Quality and High Speed for Transfer Signal.
• Support Dolby Prologic.
• Support DTS 5.1 Channel System.
• Support DOLBY Digital and Surround Sound
• Support Stereo Sound
• Support Optical Signal (Xbox 360)
• Compatible with Surround Receiver or Integrated Amplifier
• Support CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HDTV System
• Support D2 (480i/480p); (720i/720p) & D4 (1080i/1080p) technology.

Quality/Usability : XCM has released their multi-console component cable that supports Xbox360, Wii, PS2 and PS3. This is pretty much an all-in-one cable for your whole entire entertainment center. Like always, XCM impresses us with their quality of products.

There are three plugs for your console: Xbox360, Wii, PS2/PS3. On the other end are the AV inputs that connect to your TV. On the "switcher" itself, you have four switches: 360HD, 360 Y/Pb/Pr, Wii and PS2/PS3. Of course, which ever system you are playing, you'll have to switch to that system. For those that dont know, 360 Y/Pb/Pr is like a standard component cable.

The visual quality of each system is pretty good. I didnt notice much of a difference between this cable or the standalone component cable that you purchase separately for each system. When switching to a difference system, there is a 2-3 second delay.

The cable itself is fairly long so you dont have to worry about having the systems close to the TV but you will have to have your systems near each other in order for the cable to reach each console.

Conclusion : Overall, the XCM PS2/PS3/Wii/Xbox360 Multi-Console Component Cable is a neat product. Those looking to cut down on cables may want to look into this. It would have been nice if XCM had added a few inches more to the console cables so that the systems dont have to be so close to each other and for those who put their systems into entertainment centers. It would have been also nice if the 360HD and 360 Y/Pb/Pr had swapped places.

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XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v2
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China
Price: $22.99

Overview : XCM Multi-Console Component Cable V2 (PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360). Not compatible with Xbox 1.

Features :

• Fully Compatible with Xbox 360™, Wii™, PS3™ , PS2™ and any TV system.
• Support Component Signal (Stereo Function)
• Support AV Signal (Stereo Function)
• High Quality and High Speed for Transfer Signal.
• Support Dolby Prologic.
• Support DTS 5.1 Channel System.
• Support DOLBY Digital and Surround Sound
• Support Stereo Sound
• Support Optical Signal (Xbox 360)
• Compatible with Surround Receiver or Integrated Amplifier
• Support CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HDTV System
• Support D2 (480i/480p); (720i/720p) & D4 (1080i/1080p) technology.

Quality/Usability : XCM has released their multi-console component cable that supports Xbox360, Wii, PS2 and PS3. This is pretty much an all-in-one cable for your whole entire entertainment center. Like always, XCM impresses us with their quality of products.

There are three plugs for your console: Xbox360, Wii, PS2/PS3. On the other end are the AV inputs that connect to your TV. On the "switcher" itself, you have four switches: 360HD, 360 Y/Pb/Pr, Wii and PS2/PS3. Of course, which ever system you are playing, you'll have to switch to that system. For those that dont know, 360 Y/Pb/Pr is like a standard component cable.

The visual quality of each system is pretty good. I didnt notice much of a difference between this cable or the standalone component cable that you purchase separately for each system. When switching to a difference system, there is a 2-3 second delay.

The cable itself is fairly long so you dont have to worry about having the systems close to the TV but you will have to have your systems near each other in order for the cable to reach each console.

Conclusion : Overall, the XCM PS2/PS3/Wii/Xbox360 Multi-Console Component Cable is a neat product. Those looking to cut down on cables may want to look into this. It would have been nice if XCM had added a few inches more to the console cables so that the systems dont have to be so close to each other and for those who put their systems into entertainment centers. It would have been also nice if the 360HD and 360 Y/Pb/Pr had swapped places.

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SplitFish GameWare edgeFX Mouse/Keyboard Controller (PS2)
Review by: Lastblade aka kingoffighters
Provided by: DCEmu Reviews
Manufacturer: SplitFish
Site: Buy from Play-Asia
Price: $29.99

Overview : PS2 owners who have been asking for a better controller for their beloved FPS (all 2 of you), SplitFish has answered your prayers. edgeFX is a mouse/control pad hybrid controller that attempts to give you the type of control that PC gamers have been enjoying since the dawn of humanity (or circa early 1990s).

Quality/Usability : This controller claims that it will work with any game, so I am curious to see how it works with both FPS and non-FPS. Installation is as easy as plugging in any PS2 controller. The tricky part is putting the contraption on your lap since it has the mouse pad along with the one-handed control pad (let’s call it the “nunchuck”) for your left hand. To be honest, I never could get comfortable with this setup.

First game I tried is one of my favorite FPS, Black for the PS2. It is a great game and I have hopes that this controller will improve accuracy and speed. Both my accuracy and speed has gone DOWN from using this controller. The reason is that the mouse is basically emulating the right control pad (thus, it can work with any game and does not need special programming from developers to take advantage). There is a knob on the left control nunchuck that allows you to change the sensitivity of the mouse on the fly. This is actually very helpful to find how fast your mouse moves in relation to how far you push the right analog stick on a regular pad. However, even with the highest sensitivity, you are not moving any faster than pushing the right analog stick to the maximum. Of course, this is obvious since the mouse is emulating the right analog.

Next game I tried is Killzone. This game is noticeably slower than Black so I was doing a bit better with the mouse. After tweaking the sensitivity knob, I was doing better than Black but still not turning around as fast as I want (again, this is inherent in the game itself and not a fault of the controller). The thing is that I did not want to turn faster with a regular control pad, but I do with a mouse. I suppose my own history of playing FPS with a mouse colored my expectation of how a mouse should work on a PS2 game (even though none of them are programmed with this mouse in mind).

On the nunchuck controller, there is a very nice analog stick for movement and a cross pad. One very cool button is a “focus” button that slows your controller down. You can snipe much easier with this button held down. I wish this button was incorporated in all FPS.

Finally, I tried to play a non-FPS game, I figure a setup like this would be ideal for RPGs so I tried Final Fantasy XII and it worked quite nicely. I actually enjoy using this controller for this type of games over a RPG. I would not recommend playing an action/platform game with this setup though.

Conclusion : Overall, the edgeFX controller is a decent alternative for the PS2 FPS library. It does NOT make you turn faster like a real mouse would (unless developers actually develop a game with this mouse in mind, which won’t happen with the last days of PS2), but does make it more intuitive if you are used to mouse + keyboard control.

I would also like to give a big THANKS to bandit (DCEmu Reviews) for letting me review this product. I hope everyone enjoyed my review.

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Penguin United PS2/PS3/Wii/Xbox360 Multi-Console Component Cable
Manufacturer: Penguin United
Site: Buy from Penguin United
Price: $21.99

Overview : Fully Compatible with Xbox 360™, Wii™, PS3™ , PS2™ and any TV system with component input. The Final High-Definition Solution for all your Next Generation Gaming Consoles. Avoid the Hassle of switching cables behind your television or dealing with tangled cables from all your Consoles, not to mention the saving from buying 1 cable instead of 3. Support D2 (480i/480p); (720i/720p) & D4 (1080i/ 1080p) technology. Actual resolution displayed will be determined by the technology supported by the Console in use.

The three AV plugs for each console should NOT be connected to their respective consoles simultaneously. Only one console should be connected for the cable to function properly. If more than one consoles are connected, even if it is set to "off" loss of audio or video may occure, but there will not be any damages done to the console.

Cable is 8 foot long or 2.4 meter in length.

Features :

• Support Component Signal (Stereo Function)
• Support AV Signal (Stereo Function)
• High Quality and High Speed for Transfer Signal.
• Support Dolby Prologic.
• Support DTS 5.1 Channel System.
• Support DOLBY Digital and Surround Sound
• Support Stereo Sound
• Support Optical Signal (Xbox 360)
• Compatible with Surround Receiver or Integrated Amplifier
• Support CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HDTV System
• Support D2 (480i/480P); (720i/720P) & D4 (1080 i/1080 P) technology.

Quality/Usability : This is the second multi-console component cable we will be reviewing. The first review coming from XCM. We have reviewed a couple of Penguin United's Wii Component Cables already (Regular / Gold / Premium). All of them were pretty good for a new 3rd party peripheral manufacturer.

There are three plugs for your console: Xbox360, Wii, PS2/PS3. On the other end are the AV inputs that connect to your TV. Unlike the XCM multi-console component cable, there is no switch on the cable that allows you to switch to whatever system you are going to play with. You will have to plug each plug into the system if you want to play with the console.

The visual quality of each system is pretty good when connected one by one. I didnt notice much of a difference between this cable or the standalone component cable that you purchase separately for each system.

The cable itself is fairly long measuring approximately 8 feet long. The cables for each console once split from the cable itself is fairly long enough but you will still have to have your consoles near each other.

Conclusion : Overall, the Penguin United PS2/PS3/Wii/Xbox360 Multi-Console Component Cable is another alternative to those looking to eliminate cables and is looking for a all-in-one source. The quality of the product is great just like all of the other products Penguin United offers. My only complaint was having to insert the plug into the console I want to play each time. Would of been nice if there was a switch of some sort where I can easily switch back and forth without having to keep on removing the cables.

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Griffin Smartshare Headphone Splitter
Manufacturer: Griffin Technology
Site: Buy from Griffin Technology
Price: $7.49-$14.99

Overview : The SmartShare is a headphone splitter with individual volume controls.

It is ideal for watching movies on a PSP or listening to your music on a iPod, as it allows you to share the experience with a friend – perfect for car trips, plane flights, and waiting rooms. Now you can share your audio, not your volume preferences.

Great design and minimal size make SmartShare a must-have addition to any accessory bag.

Quality/Usability : The SmartShare splits sound between two headphones which allows two people to listen to your PSP or iPod at the same time without having to share headphones.

This is great on those long roadtrips or flights to keep you and your friend occupied. Each splitter has its own volume control. If you're the type to blast the volume, your friend wont have to suffer as they can control their own volume to their likings.

The sound quality is pretty clear and does a great job of splitting the sound. I personally like the volume blasted while my friends prefer to have a lower volume.

Conclusion : Overall, the Griffin SmartShare is a nice product to share sounds with a friend without having to give up your headphones or one of your earbuds. The volume control on each splitter is a nice addition as each person can adjust it to their own likings. This is not only for the PSP but can also be used for iPod, MP3/CD player or any electronic device that has a headphone jack.

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Moxia USBCell Rechargeable Battery
Manufacturer: Moixa
Site: Buy from Moixa
Price: $17.00 (2 pack)


Overview : This NiMH AA cell can be used like a normal battery and can be recharged simply by plugging into a USB port.

With over 15 billion Alkaline batteries made and thrown away each year - wasting resources, C02 and creating toxic Landfill - USBCELL offers a eco-friendly alternative as can be re-used hundreds of times as no charge adaptor or cable is needed, saving you money, hassle and waste.

Features :

• Rechargeable AA NiMH Battery 1.2v 1300mah
• 90%+ Charged after 5 Hours by powered USB
• Built in Intelligent Charger
• Charge by powered USB
• Also can be charged in approved NiMH Chargers

Quality/Usability : Majority of today's electronics such as digital cameras, portable devices such as MP3/CD players, remotes, flashlights, and controllers all use alkaline batteries.

No more need for disposable batteries. Yes, there are lots of rechargeable batteries on the market but in order to recharge them, you will need a charger. What happens if you dont have a charger on your? USBCell is similar that it is rechargeable but to recharge them, its different. The name of the product can give you a hint as to how it would recharge...USB. But you can also charge in any rechargeable battery charger as well

The design of the USBCell is unique. With USB ports on PC, laptops and even game consoles, it is fairly easy to find USB ports to recharge. To charge, you simply, pull of the green cover. The green cover is attached to the battery with an elastic band so you wont lose the cover by accident. Once the cover is off, a USB plug is explosed. Pull back on the cover and insert the USB plug into any USB port.

Once inserted into a USB port, a green LED light is lit up to inform you that it is charging. When the battery is fully charged, the LED will turn off.

Having charged the USBCell batteries for the recommended 5 hours, I was about to get a little more than 20 hours with the Wiimote before the battery died. Although a Xbox 360 controller is pictured with the USBCell, I was unable to fit both batteries into the Xbox 360 wireless controller but I was able to fit one into the plastic holder. Even with the one battery, it felt a little snug.

Conclusion : Overall, the Moixa USBCell Rechargeable Battery are probably the most unique product we have reviewed. There are some problems that I see. If you have a USB port that is recessed or further in to your device, the USBCell may not reach. Another problem is the mAh. Although 1300mAh is perfect for devices that doesnt draw a lot of power but when used with devices such as digital cameras, people prefer 2000mAh or higher for high powered devices. But these would come in handy as a temporary backup solution. Other sizes are are planned to be released but no further information has been mentioned.

Price of the USBCell is a bit pricey. For maybe double the price or less (depending if there is a deal), you can probably get a charger, four batteries and a higher mAh battery such as 2500mAh.

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