The Power Problem

One of our biggest challenges when traveling is bringing the power. No hotel or house ever has enough outlets to accomodate the amount of plugged-in electronics we travel with.  Besides the one, often two, laptops and two cellphones that are always with us, we often have a camera (video and still), iPod dock for the kid's lullabies, and his various medical equipments (pulse ox, feeding pump, etc.).

So the only way that we can ensure that everything is powered up and charged, we always travel with a power strip, the brick kind with power surge protection.  We can plug everything in and feel better that our devices won't be fried by errant surges.

Although this solution works for us, I am sort of tired of carrying large bags of chargers, plugs, and strips. I wish someone would just make it easier!

Oh, but wait, someone does!

I was so pumped to meet the girls from iGo at the SV Moms Group event last week.  I wasn't familiar with their products at first, but I had a very impassioned talk with the rep about ways that iGo products are really going to revolutionize how this Travel Mommy travels.

For instance, look at this beauty:

How cute is this?

The iGo Charge Anywhere does just that.  This little box of happy has one of those fancy batteries that never needs changing, but can be recharged by plugging it in briefly.  It fits in your purse or pocket and will charge any small electronic device you can imagine.

See the USB ports at the bottom?  There are two, so you can totally charge two things at the same time.  So, I can charge my AND the husband's cell phones with one tiny (and did I tell you how cute it is?) little box of green power goodness.  Instead of having to pack up and potentially lose expensive cell phone company-issue chargers.

And did I mention it's green?  I am not one to pick things specifically because they are "green," but the energy efficiency of this thing is awesome.  I can charge my netbook and my cell phone in the car.  Or on a plane.  Or on a boat.  Or in a foreign country that may or may not have the same kind of power.

They do get you in the pocket by requiring you to have special tips for each of your devices.  But, a little tip is nothing compared to the money I will save by not having to pack and pay for a separate suitcase that just holds all of our various plugs and strips.

iGo is really going to reframe the way we think about power and travel.  And I am so excited for all iGo has to offer!

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I was offered a free Charge Anywhere to try.  And trust me, if it sucked I would have told you.  My opinions are my own and were not influenced by this gift.