New extended laptop battery, Solar Bluetooth car kit
updated 07:25 pm EDT, Mon April 21, 2008
Promate ProBattery backup
Promate on Monday unveiled a universal laptop back-up battery it calls the ProBattery as well as solar-powered Bluetooth car kit. The company, which makes electronics accessories that range from protective screen films for PDAs to external media drives, promises to keep laptops running for up to eight hours. To make it compatible with a wide variety of laptops, the 6600mAh Lithium Polymer battery uses a selectable 5V, 16V or 19V power output and 15 modular notebook connectors.
The ProBattery is rated at more than 10,000 discharge cycles and can be charged when in use, while its built-in USB output allows it to charge or power devices such as MP3 players and cellular phones. The aluminum casing dissipates heat, and features six LED lights to inform users of charge status.
At the same time, the company also unveiled its solar-powered Bluetooth car kit, the SP9100. The kit features suction cups to stick to a vehicle's windshield to position the photo cell ideally and bring the microphone closer to the driver's mouth. Alternately, the lithium polymer battery can also be charged via a miniUSB jack or the included car charger.
The SP9100 integrates a digital signal processor with a full duplex mode, and echo cancellation and noise reduction technology. Its built-in speaker and microphone allows for voice dialing and hands-free phone operation.
The SP9100 is available through Promate's web store for nearly $140. Pricing and availability for the battery was not announced.
SP9100 Solar Bluetooth Kit
