The features are excellent, two USB chargers plus battery for recharging without AC. The wall charger works as expected, allowing 2 USB devices to charge, so no waiting for one to finish before plugging in the other. I use this nightly to charge up my mobile phone and Bluetooth headset. The battery does not list it's capacity, not in the documentation and not even on the battery itself. This makes one question how weak it is. I let my phone go completely dead and was able to bring it to a full charge using only the battery, but only once. The battery in the Encore had no juice left, so it is pretty low capacity. Most USB battery based changers can push 2 or 3 recharges, this can do only one. It did work though, so it can help while in the field or airplane. I wish the battery capacity were higher, and wish it was better built (it just feels cheap and cheesy) but the features are good. So far, it does what it says.
EDIT: September 2008
It's been just over a year now. This unit travelled with me for most of that time. It just DIED. It will no longer charge the internal battery, and it will no longer charge either of the 2 USB devices able to be attached to it, even when plugged into the wall. Nothing, completely dead. (NOTE: The battery is fine, it can be charged by another charger, but not this device...) I suspect it is out of warranty as well. What was that about marginal execution? Perhaps that was a bit too generous. (Still great features, maybe a less than marginal execution)
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This product is truly unique. It has 2 charging ports for simultaneous charging of 2 devices and a "Extended Battery". The extended battery allows for charging or extending use while away from an AC outlet. The other unique feature is that the battery in the Encore is replaceable! I haven't found these feature in competing products.
I have used this device on my shuffle for a few months. I now have an iPhone that I was happy to see it work with. I love the fact that I plug it in and charge up my iPhone with the added benefit of the rechargeable battery in the Encore charging while my phone charges. I keep the musicPower Encore in my computer bag while I'm in the field so I can plug it in to extend play or talk time on my iPhone. So far it seems to offer about 1 hour and 15 minutes of charge time on my iPhone before the Encore battery is exhausted. According to apple spec this could translate into roughly 3 hours of talk time, or 7 hours of music play on the iPhone.
I recently gave a musicPower Encore as a birthday gift to someone who has a Blackberry. I'll be curious to see if the battery in the Blackberry can be charged completely by the battery in the Encore.
This device is versatile, unique, and for the capabilities... affordable.
The Solo and Duet also look compelling if you don't need the extended battery found in the Encore. Those models come in at a lower price point than the Encore while still being cheaper than Apple's $29 charger.
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I was hesitant purchasing this product based solely on it's looks (how will it compliment my iphone?) and was considering the better looking (and more expensive) APC product. Good thing I went with this.
The biggest difference between this product and everything else is that when you have your device connected (let's say iPod) and you're using it, it actually grabs the power from this product first, not the iPod. Most of the other products will only charge once you stop using your iPod. That means you can enjoy your iPod and have it fully charged at the same time. This has saved my life many times over flying 6-hours from coast to coast.
Also, having the dual USB is awesome. I've now invested in the mini retractable USB cables for my iPhone, Blackberry, Nintendo DS and PSP and have used all of them successfully with this product. I also have them all in a tiny little Muji bag so it's small and convenient.
I'm only giving it 4-stars because it really isn't pretty. But then again, it functions so well, who cares.
UPDATE: 10/11/10: I'm about to purchase my second version of this, it's definitely lasted a long time. The reason being, the battery looks like it's about to explode, it's expanded a great deal. It's probably due to the fact that I constantly fly with it. Anyway, given how long I've had this and how well it works, oh well...
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Until now I couldn't get power to my iPod and now iPhone whenever and where-ever I needed it. Now I can. This rechargeable battery and 2 port charger is awesome! I don't have to be connected to my computer or car to operate or charge my devices.
I also discovered that it charges my Blackberry as well! If you are on the go and want to make sure you have the juice for your videos/music/phone this is a cool charger that I highly recommend.
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Ok, first let me note that five stars represents the value at this price, not quality compared to items running five to ten times the cost. If you pick up one of these under ten bucks, I think it is a good buy. Much lower and it is fantastic.
Ok, specs and details. This unit has two usb 5v 500ma ports for charging and fold-out 110v plugs (not polarized) for wall-charging. It contains one 1650mah 3.7v battery, which is easily replaced if you can find the appropriate replacement part. These are lithium-polymer batteries and I suspect most of the dead units reported here are burnt out batteries.
You can use this to charge two devices simultaneously via battery or wall socket. At 1650mah 3.7v you will be able to charge most smartphones from totally dead to full once (or two devices to about 60%). To compare, a Moto Droid has 1300mah 3.7v, iPhones run closer to 1150mah. Now, if you happen to have one of the beefiest after-market extended life batteries for a Blackberry you might have up to 2200mah, which means this unit would get you from dead to about 75% or so. For almost anyone with a standard manufacturer battery in their smartphone, it will be 100%. This matches our experience with my Moto Droid and my wife's Blackberry Curve.
Unlike other posters, I find build quality acceptable at this price, but I would not try bouncing this off a brick wall. My fold-out plugs are not wobbly or loose, but this isn't made to take abuse.
The unit is about the size of a pack of cigarettes, just a bit narrower, and a hair thicker. Not for your pocket but easily tossed into a travel bag.
