The iGo Charge Anywhere

The iGo charger ($49.99) is one of the best gadgets I have come across in quite some time.  It can go anywhere and be used to charge more than one item at a time.  It reduces standby power up to 85% which saves time and money too.  The iGo charger works as a wall charger while simultaneously charging itself.  It's quite amazing.  Its integrated battery can then be used to charge items like cell phones, mobile electronics and gaming devices all on its own without being plugged into a wall. 

The iGo has two USB outports (perfect for charging my Blackberry and my husband's all at the same time) and a long USB charging cable (6ft) that works well for travel.  I love how long the cable is, especially in hotel rooms when outlets are not always abundant.  This charger (2.28 x 2.52 x 1.46") is also incredibly lightweight and has foldable wall blades that make storing it in a bag, glove box, or anywhere really easy.  Tips for different devices are available and are easy to plug in or out as well.  It's just a neat, little package all around. 

Recently I have taken it with me to charge my phone in airports, hotels and in my car.  When we went to the beach this summer I didn't have to leave my phone behind if it wasn't fully charged because I just stuck the iGo in my beach bag and charged my phone while at the beach.  It was the perfect set-up.  It also seemed to charge my phone fully in half the time it takes when it is normally plugged into the wall on a standard charger.  I love that! 


The iGo charger is available for netbooks, laptops, cameras, gps systems and many other devices. It is compatible with almost any brand as well.  It's affordable and green. I simply love my iGo!

MPR Rating:  Five Stars.

Disclaimer:  MPR was not paid for this post. Opinions are MPR's own.  Items received are for review or testing purposes only.

My Summer with Toshiba

This summer I'll be testing out two new products from Toshiba.  The Satellite U500 laptop (mine is pink) and the Camileo H30 camcorder. 

The laptop works well for home use and for everyone in it.  It's pretty versatile, fast, lightweight and compact. It also goes with a variety of budgets, can be customized, has a stylized Fusion™ Finish and a built-in webcam with Skype.  Look for it and me at Blogher '10 this year in NYC! 

Also compact and sleek in design is the H30 Camcorder. We've already used it on our daughter's last soccer game and post-game party and we were amazed at the clarity.  It fits in the palm of your hand, easily converts videos to YouTube and records in HD quality if you want it to.  It's fun, easy to use and we plan on taking it with us on more than a few trips this summer season.

So stay tuned as I update you and show you how these products work and rate this summer.

Fun Find- Litl Webbook Coupon!

As an exclusive to MPR readers I'm offering $100 OFF with free shipping and a free remote on a Litl webbook!  This webbook($399) is simply amazing and it makes a great gift for Dads or new graduates this summer.  It's perfect for everyone at every age actually. 

To get this deal go to litl.com/momdeal by July 1, 2010 and you are all set!  Enjoy!!!

Zivio Boom- Wireless Headset

From Joby, the Zivio Boom wireless headset ($129.95) is one of the latest items in the bluetooth market. Small, lightweight and deceptively easy to use the Zivio could be your new best friend.

I, for one, have always shunned these little ear pieces. That eerie blue glow radiating off your head, the talking to thin air and so much more just made me think people looked like a bunch of cyborgs running around totally out of touch with their surroundings. Combine that with the fact that gadgets do not usually sway me and I planned on never owning one of these. Until now. Joby was extremely generous at BlogHer and I scored one of these delicate devices and it has been love at first sight.

Not only is this handsfree headset great for driving and conversing but it has incredibly clear sound quality blowing other bluetooth headsets out of the water. I find it very easy (read addictive) to use this while doing things around the house or outside because the extended mouthpiece reduces outside noise. It is also comfortable to wear. The Zivio comes with three scoop style and three additional mushroom style earpieces for the best fit, plus two ear loops and ear loop magnets. You are guaranteed a good, customized fit.

Other points about the Zivio that I loved is that it lasts ten hours and charges very fast. The retractable charger is compact and just an all around clever design. Set up is simple and the website is comprehensive and a breeze to navigate. Any time I have had a question about the workings of my Zivio or any of its pieces I have found the answer on the website in under five minutes.

The Zivio Boom wireless headset is just 13 grams, has over 200 hours of standby time, is comfortable and flexible to wear and use and has over 10 meters of range. It is the first headset of its kind that I have ever considered using and after months of use I still have not grown tired of this fun device.

You can purchase yours here now.