APC's TravelPower Case is an ideal solution for business users who frequently travel because it consists of a rugged carrying case and a single power supply that lets you charge most of your IT equipment, including a mobile phone, from multiple power sources. Unfortunately, you'll have to further purchase the correct adapters for your PDA and mobile phone, but plenty of country-specific mains adapters are supplied. All things considered, its excellent value considering that multimode power-supply kits can cost as much, if not more.

Pros: All-in-one travel solution; rugged case; luggage security strap
Cons: No mobile phone or PDA adapters supplied


American Power Conversion (APC), best known for its power protection, environmental control and site monitoring services, has now manufactured a laptop carrying case that comes with a universal power adapter and a host of connectivity options for charging your laptop, mobile phone and PDA. Although this sounds technically innovative, the package actually comprises a regular laptop carrying case, an APC International Notebook Plug Adapter Kit and a TravelPower Adapter.

Designed for business travellers who spend a lot of time on the road, the TravelPower Case is available in two sizes and styles: a 1,000 cubic-inch synthetic leather case (£99.99) and a larger 1,300 cubic-inch case made of tougher ballistic nylon (£129). We received the nylon version for review.

The rather nondescript black case accommodates numerous internal case pockets to house mobile accessories and general business stationary. There's also a splash-proof, detachable pencil case-type pouch that can be used to store all the adapter plugs supplied with the case. Unfortunately, it's a little too small to put your sandwiches in. The case also includes shock-absorbing padding on all six sides to help protect its content.

The most interesting feature of the TravelPower Case are the bundled power accessories. These comprise two separate APC products: an International Notebook Plug Adapter Kit and a TravelPower Adapter. The latter consists of a power supply and connectors that allow you to charge your laptop, PDA or mobile phone simultaneously from an AC supply, car lighter or aeroplane seat adapter.

USB devices can also be charged using the power supply's USB port, but USB charging cables have to be purchased separately from APC. Five AC power plug adapters are also supplied (UK, Euro, Australia, US, India), in addition to a plug adapter for a car lighter and aeroplane seat. The International Notebook Plug Adapter Kit simply comprises four international plug adapters to allow you to power your devices around the world.

Charging a device is achieved by connecting the power supply to a power source, setting the voltage on the power supply (5-20 volts) and then fixing the correct size connection plug from the nine supplied. You can then attach the device that requires charging. A green LED on the power supply indicates that power is being received.

The TravelPower Case is supplied with a standard two-year product warranty.

BIOS, Sep 18, 03 | Print | Send | Comments (0) | Posted In Miscellaneous