14 October 2009 16:00 GMT / By Stuart Miles
Gadgets are great aren't they? The problem is, is that the current batch of latest and greatest last about 12 hours before you need to find a power socket. If that sounds familiar then you need to look at alternative power solutions. In steps the Energizer range of power of the go options and in this case the Xpal XP2000.
The new range, called Energizer Energi To Go, range in size and capability with the smallest offering starting at 600mAh for phones to an 18,000mAh charger that can power up to three devices at once, including a notebook.
Each battery will come with a series of power "tips" in the box that lets you connect and charge most devices, with the company going as far as to say that they've got virtually every device built in the last 10 years covered. If you do manage to outsmart them, Energizer says that it will build you one at no extra cost.
So keen is the company to appeal to gadget fans, they are even promising two free tips a year for the life of the Energi To Go product to ensure that as consumers purchase new devices they will have the right tips to charge them.
Back to the XP2000 and you get the main charging unit and six tips including iPod/iPhone 30-pin dock connector, Mini-USB, Micro-USB, as well as tips for Samsung, Nokia and LG phones. The unit itself is also capable of taking a USB as well as a Mini-USB cable directly, so you can get around the lack of a cable/tip for your device.
In use and the battery gadget gets to work charging your gadgets for you. All you have to do it plug them into the main element and away you go. To give you an idea of charge there is a basic blue LED bar system that lights up accordingly. It doesn't tell you how much charge you've got or how much longer it will take to charge your device, just that the unit has charge.
The unit isn't without catches however. Without a power socket in the box you will have to charge the battery via USB and charging on the go is rather cumbersome, as you've got a battery dangling from your phone.
Verdict
It's basic in its offering, but then it is just a battery. Where the Energizer Energi To Go range succeeds is that it's not just restricted to one gadget. However where it all falls down is that you can't really use or travel with your charging gadget effectively. While you can theoretically do it, it's a pain to use your phone and this battery at the same time.
What about at your desk? Well chances are you've got power at your desk so a backup battery isn't really a requirement. This really is for those who know they are going to be without power access at some point of the day (like the train) or heading out into the wilderness.
Score
Review Recap
- Made by
- Energizer
- Price as reviewed
- £30
- The good
- Will charge virtually all your gadget as long as you have the right cable, small
- The bad
- Cumbersome if you plan to use and charge at the same time, not all tips (Sony Ericsson) are included in the box
- Quick verdict
- It's basic in its offering, but then it is just a battery. Where the Energizer Energi To Go range succeeds is that it's not just restricted to one gadget
- Score
-
Recommended articles
Gadgets, Batteries, Energizer, Energizer Xpal XP2000






Is Facebook about to buy Opera to create own Facebook browser? EXCLUSIVE: Pocket-lint source tells us "yes"
Which smartphone is best for the sun? Screens for the Summer
Batman Nokia Lumia 900: Limited edition phone heading to UK Who are you? I'm Batman
Jony Ive: Next Apple product is our most important and best work yet Better than iPod, iPad and iPhone?
Dragon's Dogma Adventure time
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier Roger likes a Tango at 12 o'clock
Canon EOS 5D MK III It's a hat-trick
Porsche 911 Carrera (991) 2012 pictures and hands-on WANT
Robert Moog Google doodle best yet, even better than Les Paul Synthesizer synthesiser
Microsoft Office coming to iPad and Android tablets this November A change of heart?
APP OF THE DAY: Mini Motor review (Android, iPhone and iPad) Top-down. Top app.
Toshiba AT300: The quad-core 10.1-inch ICS Android tablet UPDATE: Pricing unveiled
Sega serves up Virtua Tennis Challenge on the iPad and iPhone Smash-ing
APP OF THE DAY: Wyse PocketCloud Remote (Android) Work on your PC from anywhere in the world
80-inch Windows 8 tablet already exists - in Microsoft CEO's office Could this be the future?
Olympus OM-D E-M5 review
The compact system camera to beat all others?
Nokia Lumia 900 review
Is big beautiful?
HTC One V review
V for victory?
FIFA 12: UEFA Euro 2012 review
Lacks polish, if not the Polish
Huawei Ascend G300 review
Big bang for your hundred quid
Asus Transformer Pad TF300T review
Transforms your money in to a great tablet
Nikon Coolpix P510 review
Does the P510 zoom beyond expectations?
Fujifilm X-Pro1 review
Like a Leica
Volkswagen Beetle Design 1.2TSi DSG review
The bug is back. Again.
BlackBerry Curve 9320 review
A BB for beginners?
Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR review
Can Fujifilm’s latest put the ‘super’ in superzoom?
HP Envy 14 Spectre review
The Ultrabook that isn't an Ultrabook
The Walking Dead: The Game review
Fleshed out zombie bonanza
Mazda CX5 2.2 TDI AWD review
A very zoomy SUV