These have been around for a while overseas, but it’s the first time I’ve seen them available from an Australian distributor.
Essentially they’re rechargeable AA batteries that charge via USB. Exciting, no? They feature an LED light so you can see when they’ve finished charging, and cost just $20. They’re quite eco-friendly too, if you’re into that kind of thing.
UPDATE: Obviously I live in a bubble, because you guys have been pointing out that these have been available in Australia for over a year now at Jaycar, Tesora, Dick Smith’s and PCCasegear. They’re still a cool product, but feel free to pick them up from your retailer of choice. =)
bennish
Friday, May 2, 2008 at 12:08 PMActually they’ve been available from PCCaseGear.com (australian site) for almost a year now. Got a few about 6 months ago, very pleased.
Dean
Friday, May 2, 2008 at 12:53 PMJaycar have also had them for at least a year.
Adam
Friday, May 2, 2008 at 2:33 PMyeah I have two from jaycar about a year ago too, good batteries tho.
Steven
Friday, May 2, 2008 at 3:45 PMYeah, and Tesora.com.au have also had them for over a year as well.
James C
Friday, May 2, 2008 at 3:48 PMDick Smith has had them forever too.
http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/481aaa6c07345bcc273fc0a87f9c06e6/Product/View/S4082
Post grade: C- | see me after class, Nick.
USBCELL Safety & Compliance Team
Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 3:43 PMPlease be advised that the above photo is a fake/counterfeit of the genuine USBCELL batteries and is in breach of Intellectual Property ( http://www.usbcell.com/ip ) of Moixa Energy who invented the USB Rechargeable Battery Category. See http://www.usbcell.com/product/1 and the original Sept 2006 post by Gizmodo.
Legitimate and compliant products always carry the USBCELL brand and have been on sale in Australia since the start of 2007 from USBCELL.com and in Dick Smith Electronics in Australia, with packaging – http://www.usbcell.com/prodimages/large/USB%20CELL%20pack_crop_400.jpg
Offers/Sales of counterfeit goods can be dangerous and non compliant for sale – particularly as these items are batteries and require strict UL approvals and battery safety markings including correct capacity labels so that consumers use them correctly. Counterfeits may also be in breach of law or support criminal activity or labour exploitation.
The above fake product above has a customs action in place in Australia to prevent or seize on import.
regards
USBCELL Safety & Compliance Team