batteries

IvySkin has announced its first case with an integrated battery pack for the iPhone 3G and 3GS. The SmartCase features an integrated battery which they claim provides 200% more battery life and a protective case. The case is made of a polycarbonate hard shell, coated in a polysilicon material and a glass "touch-thru" screen. If you don't need the extra juice, the battery can be removed from the case and replaced with a slim backing, slimming it down for extra pocketability.

The IvySkin SmartCase will cost $79.99 when it's available later this year.

Incase has informed iLounge that current models of the Incase Power Slider have been discontinued and are no longer available from their site. Although third party retailers may still have them, Incase is planning to release a new version of the Power Slider. Current models have reportedly been known to decrease 3G reception for some users. Incase plans to address the issue with the new version. A specific release date is unknown, but it will be “around the holiday timeframe.”

The Power Slider is a combination case and battery based off the design of the Incase Slider.

UK battery and charger maker Battech recently unveiled a cool new charger for the iPhone 3G. It's the iPower SX, and it's a solar-powered charger that includes a large 2,200mAh battery. It uses a 5.5V, 80mA crystalline solar panel that has a 5.3V, 500mA output to convert sunlight into power, but can also be charged by USB when sun isn't available. You can grab one for £40 in the UK, or roughly $62 at their site.
[via Pocket-Lint.co.uk]

Richard|Solo has released the Richard|Solo 1800, an updated version of their Smart Backup Battery for iPhone. They really packed on the features with the 1800. It offers 50% more battery capacity than the previous version (1800 mAh total), and includes an LED light and laser pointer, dual-port USB car charger, AC wall charger with retractable cord, and an optional plastic support for added stability while charging. You can grab one for $69.95 at RichardSolo.com.

FastMac has announced that its extended battery pack for iPhone and iPhone 3G has now started shipping. The iV triples the iPhone's battery life, enabling 24 hours of talk time, 31 days of stand-by time, 20+ hours of video playback, and nearly 72 hours of audio playback time. In addition to the added battery life, the iV also includes a bright LED light for finding your way in low-light situations and can also act as a flash for taking photos.

Those of you looking for a battery extension pack for your iPhone 3G that doesn't add a bunch of extra length will be happy to know that Mophie has opened pre-ordering for their Mophie Juice Pack for the iPhone 3G. We loved their first model for the original iPhone, so we're happy to see it finally available for the 3G. You can grab one at Mophie.com for $99.95 US. Orders ship October 30th.
[via Gizmodo]

If you often travel abroad, then you might appreciate this little gadget that Kensington just announced. It's a replacement for that little wall charger unit that Apple includes with every iPhone, but if you travel to another country with different power outlets then it can be a hassle. That's where their International Travel Charger for iPod and iPhone comes in.

One of the big pet-peaves for many iPhone users that was apparent early on is that the iPhone's battery isn't user replaceable, but they may have to change it soon if a new directive from the European Union is passed. They are pushing a regulation requiring that all electronic devices in Europe have a battery that can be easily replaced by the user.

For those of you that find both the iPhone 3G's battery and speaker quality lacking, you may be in luck. Accessory maker, Brando, has recently unveiled the iPower Portable Power Station, a new external battery pack for iPhone 3G owners. In addition to extending your phone's battery life by three hours, the external power pack also sports built in speakers. The accessory lets users to listen to audio at a significantly louder volume than the standard iPhone speaker allows. The iPower station is available in both white and black. Customers can purchase the device for $44.00 US, directly from Brando's online store.