Hardware
Battery Chargers
Remote Control Switches and Controllers

Software
CRT Energy Saver

Review Date: 16-July-2008

Conclusion - 3/5
Overall a good value for money package with some problems/omissions. The ability to use it as both a car and mains charger is useful. A big advantage is that it does not plug directly into a mains socket since this type of charger often make an adjacent socket unusable due to physical size. Easy to use with the biggest drawbacks being the wasteful packaging, the lack of information on power consumption and the fuse ratings not being quoted.. The charger was originally purchased with an extra pack of 4 AAA batteries to give enough batteries to use the AA batteries in a digital camera and the AAA batteries in a Bluetooth mouse.

Description the GP Power Bank Travel 2-5 hrs - 2100 Series battery charger is for mains or vehicle use and comes with all leads and 4 2100mAH NiMH batteries. It is intended for charging Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries in the range 700mAH to 2700mAH. It is compact and looks good, being designed to rest on a flat surface and is likely to survive nomal use well. Instructions - 2/5 The instructions come tightly folded into a small bundle of around 64mm & 104mm, opening out into about 2 A4 sheets in length and around 2/3 A4 in height. They are multilingual covering all the main languages. The English section is only around 12cm * 6cm. The typeface is extremely small and unlikely to be read by most people. The information provided is good including safety information with a great reference to not using in snow. There is no information about the expected power consumption in any mode including standby. More information about the charge times and how they vary with battery condition and age would be good.

Packaging - 2/5
Well packed but extremely difficult to open, The pack is larger than needed and made of a hard clear plastic. The pack has obviously been designed for display purposes rather than practicality. The pack contains an insert with the key features, charging times and and a brief description of the product range plus distributor and manufacturer's details. Contents include instructions which are neatly folded, 4 2100mAH rechargeable NiMH batteries, a car charger lead and AC power cord which are neatly coiled and retained with twist ties. The packaging is not recyclable or bio degradable according to the logos on the packaging.

Specification - 3/5
Voltage: 100-240V 50/60Hz @ 9W Mains Worldwide Use & 12V Nominal @ 600mA
Capacity: Can charge up to 4 AA or up to 2 AAA batteries (4 individual charging channels)
Battery Type: NiMH batteries only
Over temperature protection
Operating Temperature Range: 5C - 45C
Battery Storage Temperature Range: -20C - 35C

There is no information on the over temperature protection such as operating temperature. The voltage range for vehicle operation is not specified but assumed to be 10.6V - 15V. The fuse rating or type for the vehicle lead is not quoted.

The nominal battery capacity of 2100mAH is actually 2050mAH typical if you read the small print on the battery with a quoted charge rate of 16 hours at 200mA.

Click on test results for some measured results.

Labeling and Safety - 3/5
The unit is clearly labeled and the instructions contain safety information. There is mechanical protection against inserting the batteries the wrong way. The mains plug is fitted with a 3 Amp fuse (value marked on the plug with a label - not sure how long this will stay on). The 12V lead contains ends in a cigar lighter plug with an 3A integral fuse - it is not obvious a fuse is fitted or how to change it (unscrew the spring tip, removed the spring and shake it out). The label on the back of the unit contains information on power consumption and charging currents. Considering the area available the writing on the unit label is a bit on the small size.

Mechanical - 4/5
The unit is small, well made and sturdy. Battery contacts for AA batteries are sturdy, the -Ve contacts for AAA batteries are a bit fiddly. The leads supplied are good quality and look as if they will last. The mains plug unusually is not a molded type. Dimensions: Length 107mm, Width 36mm, Depth 28mm. According to the labeling the unit is recyclable.

Setup - 5/5
Other than plugging in the right lead there is no set up involved

Functionality - 4/5
Once plugged in it just works. The is red for fast charging and green when batteries are fully charged. Flashing indicates a faulty battery or a non rechargeable battery. The ability to charge any number of batteries between 1 and 4 AA or 1 & 2 AAA is useful. Tests charging AA and AAA batteries show the unit works as intended with the charge times being approximately as quoted (the times will vary slightly due to individual battery variations). The charge time for 4 1200mAH AA batteries is not that fast but it is acceptable as a general purpose charger.

Value For Money - 4/5
Compared with other similar items on the market this is good value for money considering four rechargeable batteries can cost around £10. The batteries are not the highest capacity on the market by a long way which is probably the reason for the price.

Purchase Details
Cost £12.99 from PC World - advertised as £10 off the original price.
Purchase Date: 8th July 2008

Manufacturer's Details
Distributor: GP Batteries (UK) Limited, Monument View , Chelston Business Park, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 9ND, United Kingdom
Manufacturer: GP Batteries International Ltd.
Web site: http://www.gppowerbank.co.uk/ (the web site on the package does not work)