We got tired of our phones and tablets running out of battery when we travel.  Outlets and charging stations are never available.  So we decided to get a external rechargeable battery from Anker.  Definitely an essential travel gadget to bring with you.  You can charge your device where ever you go.

It’s really simple to use.  Charge the battery, take it with you, plug in when you need power. This battery allows you to shake it to see how much power you have left.  When it’s dead, recharge. What’s great about this battery is they have PowerIQ ports.  Each brand of ports communicate differently at different speeds.  But PowerIQ ports identifies your device to find the optimal charge.  We were surprised at how fast it charged.  It’s as if you’re charging from an outlet.

We bought 2 different sizes.  

• Anker 2nd Gen Astro3 12000mAh – a big battery so that we can charge our iPad and phones while on long flights or multiple day trips.  This was able to recharge 2 iPhones and a iPad and still had charge left.  http://www.ianker.com/product/79AN7904S-WA
• Anker 2nd Gen Astro 6000mAh – small battery that we take with us while we’re out for the day in town, at the beach or pool.  It charged our 2 iPhones and still had a charge left over.  They make a 6400mAh now.

The next one I think I’ll pick up for work and some stocking stuffers is the Anker Asto Mini 3200mAh.  I hate having to unplug my outlet chargers when going from one office to the next.  It’s the size of a lipstick and extremely portable.

They are well worth the money and we highly recommend.