Every now and then I come across a deal that is simply too good to pass up. I subscribe to the DealMac RSS feed in Mac Mail and 99% of the time I hit delete on each deal. However, there are those times where I click to buy within a heartbeat.
I was already quite happy with my TruePower IV external battery for my iPhone 3GS. It easily doubles the battery life and provides charging to other USB devices. It also gives me an LED light to take photos in low light situations. Great! The only downside to this case s that it's big.
The alternatives like the popular Mophie Juice Pack are smaller, but cost almost as much as my more capable TruePower IV.
Apocket iPhone 3G/3GS Multifunction Case/Charger for only $25???
So when I saw the deal on the Apocket case for only $24.99 I jumped on it. Not only did I jump on it for me, I bought 5 of them for friends and family. I didn't know what to expect. I surely didn't expect it to be great for almost 1/4 the cost of similar products, but when it arrived, I was actually quite pleased. First off it has a 30 pin doc connector on the bottom. So you just charge it using your existing cables and chargers. That's a plus right off the bat and of course reduces costs. No need to include a separate charger. Although 30 pin connector is backwards on the bottom (plug you cable in the opposite way that you would into your iPhone), it works great.
The top of the case is spring loaded for easy insertion and removal of your iPhone.
Real world testing
I decided to bring it along on a business trip and only us it instead of my TruePower. Near the end of each day as my iPhones was getting down to around 20% charge I would put it in the Apocket case and it would get me through the rest of the day/evening and back to my hotel room no problem.
The Case not only features a battery, but it also has a built-in flash light. A gimmick? Maybe, but hey even if it didn't have the flashlight I would have gladly bought it.
The Bottom Line
This proves that you can get some good items for less than the competition. Is it the most solid gadget I've ever held? No, but it works and it even provides a little extra protection to your iPhone while you've got it in place. They've been out of stock for a while now and they just got some more in. If you're constantly running low on battery life for your iPhone 3G or 3GS, and don't want to spend a lot on an external battery, this is a great way to go.
Thanks for the heads up, Terry. Looks like you can use coupon code hhiapocket1750 to get an extra 5$ off!
I finally got mine and wish I could return it. The battery is nice but the case offers no protection for the phone. Drop it and the case is toast and maybe the phone too. Keep this in mind if you’re planning on ordering one. Ya gets what ya pays for. Going back to my no battery protective case.
That is pretty cool, but I am using one that is 2400mAH and about the same price. iPower 2400mAh Intelligent Fully Automatic Secondary Battery + Speaker for iPhone 3G http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.16083
I have purchased 3 of them, for my family’s iphones, and we no longer worry about running out of juice for 12+ hours.
Terry,
Great article, Thanks for keep up. It really helps me.
Questions? I find these actions that I download and use in photoshopCS4. (atn) file extension.
I have some actions that I want to give away…..How do I create a .atn file?
Thanks
Ken in KY
You put them in an Action Set(folder) and then choose Save Action from the flyout menu.
Terry
thanks for your help
ken
Just got one – the code Rob gave above works fine – 4-9 days delivery with regular shipping and shipping was $5.95 (to NV), so $25.94 net with the $5 off. The web site takes credit cards or PayPal. Hopefully worth it.
Looks like a winner for something you can take on the go and keep your iPhone charged. I ordered one and used the code as well.
Terry, your timing could not have been better. On Sunday, a friend is giving me a 3G with a dying battery. This’ll let me get by for a while before I have to break open the case.
For what it’s worth, despite their low prices, I’ve always had good luck with HandHeldItems products and this one comes with their 30-day money back guarantee.
As always, you are right there when it counts. Thanks for another timely tip
Terry,
I too received the code discount, now I hope it works as good as you’ll say. thank you
Hi Terry. Off topic but do you think LR 3 will have some video support like Aperture 3.
I’m trying the 30 day trial just to have some fun & see if i still prefer LR, but they have done some really cool things in Aperture 3. Although LR still feels quicker & i prefer the look of LR it is nice not to have to deal with modules.
Hi Jared,
Of course I can’t comment on what hasn’t already been announced by Adobe. I like my job too much 🙂
All I can say is stay tuned.
Awsome . Thanks Terry
Awesome! I’m going to take a look at it now.
I’ve heard that these types of devices reduce the effectiveness or sensitivity of the iPhone’s cellular reception.
Is this true?
I’ve heard this too and when a user complains to me about reception issues the first thing that I tell them is to examine their case. However, I haven’t noticed any issues with the Apocket.
Anyone else having problems with the Apocket? I bought one after this article and liked it (it makes the Iphone a little heavy, but pluses seemed to outweigh that) and today I tried to charge it. No lights. Press the button, no recognition by my computer. Took out my Iphone and the USB cable worked fine to charge my Iphone. I’ve got the Apocket plugged in, but it appears to be dead. Terry – you bought a bunch – any die on you? I guess I should just go back to HHI to ask about a replacement?
Yeah i agree with you and i know such kind of facilities is more necessary for all. Because in the wide world such kind of technology support we need take properly.