Tagged With "cellphone"

It's a nightmare! A fair chunk of my packing now includes various chargers, connection cables and mains power adaptors for phones, iPads, Kindles. cameras.... Oh, plus a universal backup power supply battery (RAVPOWER - good value) in case I cannot get to a mains socket - just to keep in touch! I have to say that the Euro proposal to have ONE single charger for all devices has some merit!! PS - watch out that chargers that are sold as suitable for iPhones are often not powerful enough to...

This is a great report PHeymont!Exactly the step by step instructions we all need.Can't wait for parts 3 and 4.

The RAVPOWER unit that I went for is shown on the following link (a real mouthful): http://www.ravpower.com/ravpow...hite-us-version.html This model has enough power to fully recharge an iPad! Currently available from Amazon for USD 36.00 They also do more powerful packs. (Hope this doesn't cut across any "No Advertising" policies

There is a lot to know on this topic. Thank you so much for the education.

No, Mac, that doesn't cross any sort of policy. We want to help travelers get good honest feedback about products that might be helpful to them on the road (or conversely that aren't worth the money). What's not tolerated is people paid to promote products on our website and providing dishonest information. Ravpower is exactly the kind of unit I'm looking for. Need to go order it soon.

In the Duel of the Devices, I'm going to declare the RAVPower unit the winner. Both of these devices are essentially external batteries, something that's becoming more popular as more phones come with non-removable batteries. There are two critical differences, however: capacity and output. The PowerStick has a capacity of 750mAh (about half the power held by an average cellphone battery) and a maximum output current of 700mA (phone chargers usually supply 1000mA). The RAVpower device has a...

By the way...here's my solution to the other charger issue (plugging in at home). It's a 5-port USB host that has a short cord to plug in (no brick to get in the way at the outlet) and takes 5 standard USB cords for your devices...the kind that come with your device, although more are available cheaply. The five outputs include 2 2100mA for iPad, 2 1000mA for most phones, and 1 1300mA for Samsung. All can be used for any device up to the designated output (that is, you can plug your phone...

PowerStick only charges from a USB port. The PowerStick has a capacity of 750mAh Perfect ! That is all that I need for my modest travel needs - just a little juice for a camera or my old flip (!) phone, if needed during a day of sightseeing. The PowerStick is only about the size of a pen, takes no thought to use and does not involve batteries. My kind of tool. Travelers who carry a lot more toys have greater needs than little me.

Well, I understand the urge for simplicity and not getting tied down...but both the PowerStick and the RAVPower ar e batteries. The RAVPower isn't big; about the size of a cellphone. But it costs 30% less, and will actually put a full charge on a phone, which the other won't. In fact, it will put a full charge on about 6 phones.

Great Info! Skype is great but I found Magic Jack versatile when the other person is not sitting on a computer. I am also a fan of Google Voice ,but I don't think I'm using all their features.

Ran across this device for charging smartphones http://www.jackeryusa.com/

PH - You are explaining so much about mobile communications. Thank you for putting it in words non-geeks like me can understand. I am learning a lot by reading this series.

It seems to me the smart thing for all the airlines to do would be to offer free wifi for any device, any flight, any distance. Southwest has stood out from the crowd by continuing to offer a free checked bag when others haven't and have gained loyalty as a result. May it continue. I understand that baggage fees have added a huge amount to the bottom lines but brand loyalty is worth a lot too. By giving away a $2 item and thereby correcting the notion, to a certain degree, that airlines mean...

I do think currently there are some band-width limitations to the wi-fi on planes. For example, there's not enough capability to support 200 people being on their mobile devices at any given time (remember this requires two way connectivity). So the cost may be just a barrier to limit access to the technology. But I like the idea. Costs will come down, technology will improve bandwidth, and offering it free will be a perk that may help people favor one airline over another.

Originally Posted by DrFumblefinger: "... Costs will come down, technology will improve bandwidth, and offering it free will be a perk that may help people favor one airline over another." Indeed. As we know, with airlines as with travel in general, where there's a will there's a way.

Actually, the new technology that we've reported earlier here, and which is being implemented by most carriers, vastly increases both speed and bandwidth. I suspect offering a bit of it like this will help them sell what had previously been a fairly unsatisfactory commodity...

PICKING THE RIGHT TECH FOR YOUR NEEDS   This is part 1 of a 4-part report on communication for travelers.   Years ago, traveling meant being out of touch with home, and struggling with unfamiliar pay phones for local calls for...

HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR OVERSEAS PHONE SERVICE?This is part 2 of a 4-part report on communication for travelers.  No—the girl in the Renoir is not really on her cell…but you can be! Usually, the first question most people ask...

GETTING YOUR PHONE READY TO GOThis is part 3 of a report on communication for travelers. In the first two parts, we discussed the kinds of service available, and how to choose the one you want.  Obviously, using your own smartphone is the best...

ET—HERE’S HOW TO CALL HOME! Right! I promised you alternatives to paying high cellphone call rates for calling back home. Using one of these low-cost strategies lets you spend more on data (or dinner!) and lets you choose a SIM by the best...

You can't make a call...but now you can text, check mail and browse the internet inflight on your smartphone for less. Delta has introduced $1.95 WiFi passes for cellphones, and others are sure to follow. DETAILS

As Europe's next round of reduced roaming charges kicks in, some questions remain for non-EU travelers.