Rechargeable Battery Cases For Your iPhone
Journalists know an iPhone battery won’t last through an entire news day. It drains down fast and often dies during breaking news. The solution: a rechargeable battery case. And it’s affordable.
Companies selling these cases say they can double the battery life. While that may only be true be under perfect circumstances, the plain truth is that these cases are extremely worthwhile.
There are A LOT of options: mophie juice pack, enerG4, New Trent Power Rock, Boost Case, Energizer AP1201, Szfeifan’s QYG Power Pack, Lenmar iBatteryCase…
Journalist Apps is highlighting the mophie juice pack because it’s being sold as an accessory in the Apple Store online. JournalistApps.com Founder Lindsey Mastis demonstrates the mophie air on YouTube.
Price
$80 – $120
Mophie Juice Pack Air
Mophie makes several models, but the Air ($80) is the only case being sold in the online Apple Store. It’s very simple to use (see video tutorial below). The case comes apart, and the iPhone slides inside. As soon as it snaps into place, it’s ready to use. There’s a small button on the side that slides back and forth (orange for ”off,” green for “on”). If the button shows a small green dot, it means the case is charging your iPhone.
You’ll still be able to plug in your headphones, adjust the volume, take pictures with flash, and lock your device. All those buttons remain exposed. The external iPhone speakers will sound better because the case transfers the sound to the front of your phone. But the battery case will add bulk and weight to your iPhone.
The major feature you’ll have to get used to, is the power source. When you need to charge the charger, you won’t be using a standard iPhone charger. The mophie case comes with a micro USB charger that fits into your computer. If you don’t want to charge your phone on your computer, simply pull the standard iPhone USB from the plug, and insert the micro USB. It’s a simple transition.
If you plan to use your car charger (and don’t have the ability to switch USBs) then you’ll have to remove the case and only charge the phone. But you won’t have to remove the case to sync your iPhone with iTunes.
The Air comes in black, white, and red. Mophie makes other models. The mophie juice pack plus is more expensive ($100), comes in a host of other colors, and touts an even longer battery life. There’s also an outdoor edition ($120) turns your phone into a GPS receiver. It’s shock-proof, but doesn’t appear to be water-proof.