Powermonkey draws iPod life to 40 hours

Power Traveller and its importer Mango Energy have announced the US launch of the Powermonkey, a bullet-shaped battery extender that gives extra life to portable electronics. The device includes a 2200mAh lithium-ion battery that the company says is ten times more powerful than conventional batteries and charges for far longer than direct rivals. Using any one of ten different adapters lets the Powermonkey connect to devices with both universal and proprietary connectors: iPods with Dock Connectors last for up to 40 hours, the company says. A Sony PSP will also last for six hours while cellphones can survive an average of 96 more hours on standby.

A pair of additions also help international travelers who may depend on the device for longer trips. Adapters are included that will let the Powermonkey recharge its own battery in 150 countries, as well as from the USB port of a computer. The battery is additionally very resistant to draining and will retain a significant charge for as much as a year.

The Powermonkey is already on sale at a handful of online retailers such as ThinkGeek and should sell for about $60. More stores should have the device in stock during the course of the summer.