The award-winning powermonkey extreme just got even better.
Originally launched in 2011 after five years in development, the powermonkey extreme is the culmination of feedback from real power users in some of the most remote locations on the planet and completely embodies Powertraveller's understanding of customer's power requirements when they are "off-grid".
As of March 2013, the powermonkey extreme has undergone some serious upgrades to further cement the product's reputation as "charger of choice" in the outdoor and adventure travel market.
The powermonkey extreme houses a massive 9000mAh capacity Lithium Polymer battery and offers users real power in a compact, durable shell. The unit is capable of recharging most 5V devices, (including an iPhone/smart phones up to 4 times, a Garmin Edge 800 up to 6 times, standard mobiles up to 8 times and iPad up to 2 times depending on the model), but it is the 2013 model that really pushes the boundaries.
The standard 5V USB socket remains but the DC port has been upgraded to output 12V (previously 5V), meaning that the powermonkey extreme is now capable of charging SLR camera batteries, portable DVD players and much more directly from the unit. This upgrade alone pushes the powermonkey extreme out ahead of its nearest competitors in terms of charging capabilities, whilst the kit remains lightweight and compact enough for even the most space-conscious traveller.
Waterproof for 30 minutes up to 1 metre and shock resistant - perfect for the outdoor, marine & adventure enthusiast, as well as military & aid agencies. When used in conjunction with the aquastrap, the powermonkey extreme will be kept watertight whilst it charges your devices.
The new powermonkey extreme has a digital read out numbered from 01 (requires charging) to 99 (fully charged). When the unit requires charging, the battery icon in the bottom corner will flash. Whilst the unit is charging, the LCD screen will turn red and then green once charging is complete. During normal operation, the LCD screen will be blue.
Its unique one touch friction swipe ON/OFF control is designed so the friction switch can only be turned on if swiped from left to right, which helps to reduce the risk of it being accidently turning on when not in use. When the 5V device or tablet computer is fully charged, the auto shut-off function means the powermonkey extreme will turn itself off after 2 minutes, so the user does not have to monitor the charge state of the device being charged - thus saving power.
It can be recharged in three ways; via the universal mains charger, via the solar panel or via USB. Whilst the unit is recharging, the LCD screen will be red, once fully charged, the screen will turn green. When the unit is in use, the screen will be blue!
The rugged, clam-shell design solar panel offers 3 Watt max output, allowing full recharge of the powermonkey extreme within 18-22 hours in optimum light conditions. The powermonkey extreme also has a solar energy detection feature which activates the incorporated state-of-the-art MPPT (maximum power point tracker) technology, allowing the solar panel to charge the powermonkey unit more efficiently in low light conditions. Users can also simultaneously use the solar panel to charge the powermonkey extreme whilst it is charging their device.
The solar panel can be attached to tents or rucksacks via the included Velcro strap, so is perfect for hiking and is designed to take the knocks and spills of both the power hungry adventurer and the busy traveller.
The powermonkey extreme comes complete with a useful, durable zipped travel case
The solar panel can fully charge the powermonkey extreme in approx 18-22 hours.
You may also want to consider the aquastrap - a clever accessory designed specifically for the powermonkey extreme to keep it watertight whilst it charges your devices!