Belkin Backup Battery Pack for iPod 3G

by Belkin

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.5 x 3 inches ; 1 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00009KAPW
• Item model number: F8E464
• Batteries: 4 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (85 customer reviews)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Belkin F8E464 Backup Battery Pack for iPod is a great solution for long plane trips, bus rides, hikes, or any other time where you are going to be without easy access to an AC power outlet from which to recharge your iPod. Made expressly for use with the Apple iPod, this backup battery pack runs on four AA batteries, and provides emergency power to your iPod for up to 15 or 20 hours once its own internal battery has run out.

Simple and easy to use, this unit is constructed of durable white plastic that complements your iPod, and secures to the back of your iPod via two compact suction cups that protect your iPod's finish. The Belkin backup battery has a built-in dock connector that plugs in to the bottom of your iPod to provide power, an LED charge-level monitor that lets you know when you need a fresh set of batteries, and a hold switch that prevents its accidental powering on or off and lets you determine whether you want to run on your external batteries, or save said batteries until your iPod's battery runs dry. Compatible with older iPods--such as the iPod 3G--the Belkin F8E464 is backed by a manufacturer's lifetime warranty.

What's in the Box
Belkin F8E464 backup battery pack with dock connector, 4 AA batteries, 2 extra suction cups, a user's manual and warranty information.

Product Description

BELKIN F8E464 - The iPod Battery Backup Pack powers your iPod with replaceable batteries - even when its internal battery pack is drained. It's a great solution for long plane or train trips, hikes, or anytime you don't have access to an AC outlet.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

64 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bad batteries!, June 28, 2004

By 

Mary Jo DiBella (Rochester, New York USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Belkin Backup Battery Pack for iPod 3G (Electronics)

To the person who had two of these burn up on him...I had a similar experience. My iPod kept locking up with the battery pack plugged in, and the pack got HOT. I replaced the batteries, and suddenly everything was fine. I was curious so I put the original batteries (the ones that came in the package with the battery pack) in a battery tester and got some really strange results...the tester gauge started bouncing all over the scale! It seems that the included batteries are funky in the sense that they don't supply a steady source of power. My new batteries, in the same tester, move the gauge and it STAYS PUT, rock solid. I can see how an iPod with an unsteady power source would have problems. It seems fine now.

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for people who take long flights, January 24, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Belkin Backup Battery Pack for iPod 3G (Electronics)

I really like this device for my travels. I often run out of juice on the ipod (only 8 hours won't work for a 12+ hour travel day) itself and since I'm just sitting in the cramped plane seat anyway, the extra weight isn't an issue. I don't recommend it if you want to run with it or use it for walking around since it doesn't really attach all that well to the ipod...espcially if you use a case with the ipod. Even if you use your ipod naked (how could you!?!), it doesn't really attach all that well either. But remember, Belkin designed it so really, it's not apple's fault they have idiots in the belkin design dept.
Overall, the utility is great for long travel times and design sucks
Adds considerable weight to ipod - if you run with it, your shorts may be dragging on the ground as a result of the battery pack
The batteries seem to last longer if stored in the off position when not in use

Why are most of these reviews not even about the damn battery pack?!? If you want to attack the ipod itself, go post it on the ipod product review page

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a pretty good product, September 17, 2004

By 

costes - See all my reviews

This review is from: Belkin Backup Battery Pack for iPod 3G (Electronics)

i'm an owner of a 3G/40gb ipod and the first thing i noticed immediately was that the battery leaves much to be desired. i would do a full charge at night and take my ipod out the next day...by the end of the day, after a few hours of use, it would be almost completely drained. it got really annoying. overall, the belkin battery backup is a nice product, but has it's pros/cons.

PROS
1) extended life powered by 4AA batteries. i can't quantify specifically how many hours i've gotten since i've had to recharge. but put it this way...i've been using my ipod for one week at the same frequency (which is just about every day) and have YET to recharge my batteries. i'm estimating around 15+ hours so far...btw, i bought rechargeable 2300mAh NiMH batteries, with a higher capacity, so that probably helps.
2) 4 point-power led indicator...nice to know when the battery is getting drained, even if i haven't had to recharge it yet anyways.
3) does not drain the ipod battery while plugged it...which i would probably have to send to apple for replacement before long with the success i was getting (which costs $100).
4) relatively cheaper than some other battery backups available on the market, particularly BTI's ipod battery kit, which costs $100 and is actually larger than the ipod itself. i got this product for $30.

CONS
1) BULKY. Obviously if you jog with your ipod (which you probably shouldn't do anyways), you'll probably get annoyed with the added mass. even my friends see it and comment on it. definitely not recommended for those who want to maintain ipod's portability. for me personally, i don't mind it as much.
2) can't use a case protector with the battery plugged in. the battery actually suctions to the back of the ipod. so you can't place a protective cover on the ipod. the only concern for me is the screen. ghetto solution: clear packaging tape!
3) cost. $30 + $20 for the rechargeable battery kit. but i need to use the batteries for other stuff too, so...
4) cannot use jointly with some ipod accessories such as altec lansing's inMotion portable speaker system...basically, anything that requires docking the ipod since the battery backup plugs into the same docking port on the bottom.

for those 3G owners that don't mind the added bulk and want extended playability (MUCH extended in some cases), i would definitely recommend this product. i can't speak for 4G owners, although i've heard mixed reviews regarding battery life from friends.

Overall, i'm happy with this product. sure, it would have been nice if they could have made it more sleek in design...but i really don't think they could have done a much better job considering you're adding FOUR AA batteries to your ipod. but hey, i'll take it over the increasing annoyance of having to recharge my ipod after every day of usage.