Even though some of Apple’s iPods have a stated playing time of over 20 hours, they sometimes run out of juice. Why? Because you forgot to charge them for a while, or it was way too cold or too hot outside (yes, Apple has a temperature graph somewhere on its website that has too cold / too hot in the sides). What do you do then? We've all seen those ugly iPod chargers that sport Sun panels and other weird looking (please, read not user friendly and not comfortable to carry) devices for extra power.

Well, it couldn't get any simpler than this. Xmultiple came up with an idea and even applied it, and in doing so, it introduced the X-Power1. It's a USB cable for charging your iPod, iPhone, etcetera, sporting a rechargeable battery that recharges every time you connect your iPod to your computer.

The backup unit integrated in the X-Power1 is as small as an AAA size battery so it doesn't affect portability. If you're not the type that always carries data cables just to have them with you to steal music from friends and anyone you might interact with, just remember to take it with you so you'll have a backup battery.

You know that, after a few years (if they survive that long), iPods start losing battery strength so this will come in handy even more. When your gadget runs out of juice, just stick the X-Power1 into it and it will provide up to 4.5hours additional talk time for the 3G network, around nine additional hours for the 2G network and up to 5.4 hours when using Wi-Fi. The X-Power1 can be in stand by up to 270 hours and for audio playback, it will provide up to 20 hours, while video will deprive it of power in only six hours.

It's available in 6, 20 and 30 inches lengths, black or white and an optional USB to AC power adapter is available as well. The price tag is a little too high for a cable, $29.95.


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