Comments on: Get a pair of Cellboost phone chargers for $7.99

This is a Woot deal, meaning it's today only. If you own a BlackBerry, a Motorola phone, or any other device that's powered by a mini-USB port, this is too good to pass up.

[j_a_s_p_e_r]

There are some that already blast me as a right wing nut, so maybe I'll get blasted for being a tree-hugger for saying this... Its seems extremely wasteful. I understand emergency use, but the whole disposable side bugs me. My personal opinion, and thats where I leave it.

I've seen solar mini usb chargers that can work in emergencies too (of course then you need the sun) and they run for about $20 on sale

[rickbroida]

I hear ya... that's one reason I urged folks to recycle the Cellboosts after they're used up. And much as I love trees myself, when my wife and kids are stranded in the snow because the minivan's battery is dead, I'm willing to sacrifice a tiny bit of the environment so she can phone me, a tow truck, etc. :)

[j_a_s_p_e_r]

Again I think its great for emergencies, not absentmindedness. Glovebox must have for emergencies.

[loose_screw]

Agreed. I'd rather have ones that can use AA battery power. I got one of those (Energi-to go) for my iPhone. Thanks Rick!

[AdelheidBernstein]

If you're into tinkering with electronics, you can actually recharge these batteries. WARNING - There's always some risk involved with recharging alkaline cells, so be careful! Using a RadioShack breadboard and some spare components, I've been able to successfully recharge a Cellboost for Nokia NK1 connector (from an approx 2/3rds discharge) over a dozen times, without any problems. Yeah, it took about 19 ~ 23 hours each time, with a 63mA trickle of current (I guestimate the battery is 2200mAH), but it's nice not having to pitch the unit, when it runs dry. To be safe, I have it set in a fireproof basin with a 2 hour deadman switch, forcing me to keep an eye on it.

These things are great for emergency kits, or remote locations. Since they're alkaline, they don't tend to self-discharge as much as other battery chemistry, and can last a long time in good conditions.

[Georgia in MS]

Jack Bauer must use these regularly cause his phone never goes dead!

[DetJMunch]

He should give one to Kim, hers went dead the second to last episode of this past season. Could have helped her.

[j_a_s_p_e_r]

Rick

I've noticed that DDR2 RAM (PC2-6400 in particular) deals have all but dried up the last month and I'm not sure why. Amazon has actually raised their prices!. The best I've been able to find for PC2-6400 lately is around $34 of 2*2GB AR or $39 for 2x2GB with no rebate. if you find a deal I would really appreciate it ( I really want 4x2GB). Of course I will keep my eyes open too. In may there were deals as low as $15 AR!

Jasper

[HpK1029]

Could it be because Intel's Core i7 line is it's new and current flagship? And the i7 works with DDR3?

Maybe the companies are migrating from DDR2 towards DDR3 production to accommodate Intel's new line and with less DDR2 supply and demand, the prices go up.

[j_a_s_p_e_r]

@HpK1029 I suspected the same thing. I also think that some manufacturers are closing down, slowing down production of DDR2 or the dollar is weakening at a faster rate than we realize. I could kick myself for not jumping on those deals back then... $15 for 4GB ! arggh!

The feeds were hot today about DDR3 being the hope for revitalizing PC sales to which I say, meh... just normal progress in technology