Black & Decker VPX3101 Li-Ion VPX Inverter

by Black & Decker

Product Features

• AC and USB power ports
• Does not need adapters--use your own device's AC or USB adapter
• Uses Lithium-Ion battery technology to hold a charge longer
• 2-year limited warranty
• Includes soft carry bag

Product Details

• Item Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000UMJJAU
• Item model number: VPX3101
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,227 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The VPX3101 is powered by Black & Decker's convenient VPX Battery System.

Plug and charge your small electronic devices via the USB port or the AC plug.

Perfect for charging cell phones, MP3 players, cameras, and more.

Introducing the VPX Lithium-Ion Battery System
Black & Decker's advanced, powerful VPX system guarantees the convenience of a rechargeable battery with maximum versatility. At the center of the VPX system is the 7-volt high-energy VPX rechargeable battery, which features breakthrough lithium-ion technology to generate more energy in a smaller package. The end result is a battery that's super-compact and 60-percent lighter than Black & Decker's Ni-Cad power tool batteries. And the VPX holds a charge longer, too -- so it's ready to work whenever you are.

With its versatile design and Black & Decker exclusive technology, a VPX battery is interchangeable with all the products in Black & Decker's growing VPX line. Swap out one battery for the flashlight, inflator, screwdriver, USB power source, cut saw, or 7-volt drill driver; or double the juice with two batteries to operate the 14-volt drill driver or the hand vac. And of course, every VXP battery and compatible product features the rugged, dependable construction you expect from an industry leader in home power tools.

About the VPX Power Supply
Enjoy power to go, on the go -- with the new VPX AC/USB power source from Black & Decker. This durable, portable, versatile device is just one more great offering from the revolutionary new VPX interchangeable lithium-ion battery system. Once you get started with the VPX system, it's easy to expand with other power tools, household devices, and electronic products like this one.

Enjoy life uninterrupted with mobile power when you use the VPX3101. This 10 watt AC/USB power source provides mobile power while you are away from home or the office to power and recharge cell phones, MP3 players, PDAs, digital cameras and more, so now it's easier than ever to end the frustration over dead electronics. The VPX3101 provides both AC and USB outlets so you can use your manufacturer’s supplied chargers to power and recharge almost anything that'll fit in your purse, bag, or briefcase -- with no special tips or adapters needed. This amazing charger is powered by a single 7-volt VPX battery that is interchangeable with all other VPX products; but the VPX3101 is a VPX expansion product, and the VPX battery and charger are sold separately.

Key Technical Specs:

• Powered by one 7-volt VPX battery (not included)
• 120 volt AC outlet and USB port
• Overload and short-circuit protection
• Ground fault interrupter circuit technology

Applications
Use the VPX3101 to provide on-the-scene power to any electronic device that can be connected through an AC or USB access port. Cell phones, MP3 players, PDAs, cameras, and almost anything else is a snap to power up anywhere you need a boost.

Warranty
This VPX product is covered by a two-year warranty from Black & Decker.

What's in the box:
Black & Decker portable power supply, soft carrying bag.

Black & Decker's Focus on Performance
Black & Decker is a global marketer and manufacturer of quality products used in and around the home, and it also serves as a major supplier of information systems and services to government and commercial clients worldwide. With products marketed in over 100 countries, Black & Decker holds leading market shares in a variety of industries, and it frequently adds new product lines to its family of power tools, cleaning tools, outdoor power equipment, laser products and more.

Product Description

Powered by 1VPZ 7V Lithium-Ion battery. The breakthrough Lithium-Ion technology holds it's charge longer, so it's ready when you need it. Power on-the-go easily charges small electronics like MP3 players, wireless devices, cell phones, digital camers, etc. No adapters needed, just use your own AC or USB charger. Provides 8W of continuous power, 10W surge capacity. 7V input voltage, 115V output voltage. Includes VPX3101 power supply. VPX battery sold separately.

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A worthwhile accessory if kept in perspective, February 26, 2008

By 

Some Guy (Palm Bay, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black & Decker VPX3101 Li-Ion VPX Inverter (Lawn & Patio)

The previous reviewer missed the mark. He rated this poorly for being a bad value for all the things you have to buy to make it work. That is the wrong perspective. It is intended to be an ACCESSORY for people who own the other parts of the system (drills, drivers, chargers, batteries, saws...). With this same mindset, one could review an after-market car stereo and say it is not worth the $200 because you have to go out and buy a $20,000 car to go with it. The reviewer also missed the point that this is not a competitor for an automotive inverter. Yes, even a small car inverter has more power output (>50 watts) and runs as long as it is attached to a car. Literally, more power to you if your application permits you to be tethered to a car. I have a car inverter and use it on occasion. If you plan to walk away from the car in the wilderness and want auxiliary power for a cell phone, GPS, IPOD, or anything with <8 watts demand for a limited time, then something like this little VPX inverter is necessary. The lithium-ion battery is lightweight and has one of the highest power densities out there for any consumer device. It also retains a long "shelf life" between charges-- months better than NiMh-powered competitors. My last complaint about the previous reviewer is he critiqued something he hasn't tried and therefore couldn't address if it met its claims. (Was he just looking for an opportunity to state authority with being an engineer? I have degrees in engineering but don't see how that comes into play here.) I picked up the cordless screwdriver from this system for $30 at home depot; it came with a charger and battery that can be shared with this inverter. I found the inverter worked as advertised. Is it the best of its class? Maybe not. Is it the best of its class for <$15? Definitely, if you have the other parts of the system.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good AC, Underpowered USB, March 9, 2008

By 

AI Guy (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black & Decker VPX3101 Li-Ion VPX Inverter (Lawn & Patio)

I bought the inverter to do two things: 1) allow me to run an eight watt fluorescent light (for camping, or as a utility light) 2) charge my iphone when I need a little extra runtime. The inverter did fine for the first job. I was impressed how my bulb would get nice and warm, yet the battery would still remain cool. These VPX batteries (LiFePO4 I believe) must have really low internal resistance. However I was disappointed with the USB power source as it is limited to 1.75 watts (350mA)! This is enough power to charge my iPod nano, but not enough for my iPhone (the iPhone doesn't even acknowledge that it is plugged in). I have no idea why the AC can supply 10 watts when the USB can only supply 1.75. Since USB can typically supply 2.5 watts, I suspect this inverter will fail to change many USB devices.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Unique Item That Fills A Role, March 14, 2008

By 

Tetsu Uma "The 'Iron Horse'" (Illinois Native in Manassas Park, VA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Black & Decker VPX3101 Li-Ion VPX Inverter (Lawn & Patio)

This is an interesting little unit as it allows you to charge USB powered items such as a music player or an AC powered item (in my case a cell phone with AC adaptor) without the need to plug into the grid. The unit's size is about 1.5"x6.5"x2" or about the size of a medium flashlight. The weight with battery is 281g or a little less than 10oz. It has an on/off switch on the side so you don't discharge it and the outlets are covered by rubber covers that flip out of the way when in use.

With its light weight and small size, I see this as a something to put in the book bag/backpack to recharge a cell phone, music player or a digital camera. I don't see why it wouldn't be airplane friendly (check all security regulations for yourself) but it would help keep a music player going on a coast to coast flight if you don't have or don't want to bother with a plug-in inverter. In testing, I was able to use the USB and AC simultaneously to charge my Sony music player (USB) and cell phone (AC). They were both pretty well run down and they tapped the VPX3101. It isn't going to power you laptop but it will keep small electronic devices going when short of power.

For the price and if you have or are planning to get other items in the VPX series, I have found this is a useful item. (See follow-up below.) My largest concern is whether or not the rubber caps to the outlets tear off or if the on/off switch fails. Personally, I have a DC inverter for my car (see my review on the Vector MAXX 400) but that requires DC and is limited to my car. It also doesn't do USB. I bought this unit knowing that it required an additional battery and charger but figuring that sooner or later I would need another of the tools and would get those as well. Gold Box came through for me with a $49.99 starter set with battery and charger and now I am complete (in the VPX3101 Inverter sense).

July 5, 2008 Follow-up:

I have now used this device several times to recharge my cellphone and it has performed flawlessly. I can keep it in the backpack use as needed. Glad I had it available.