Customer Reviews

Maxell P-2 2-G Rechargeable Back-Up Battery Pack

5 star:		(48)
4 star:		(27)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

There is a great deal of confusion about what models of iPod work with this unit. I have the 60GB video iPod and it works fine. 15 hour flight to China and no problems at all - power to spare, even watching video most of the time. The "clip on arrangement does not fit the video iPod but that isn't too big a problem.

I was disappointed when Belkin discotinued their Tune Juice, a very small external power pack that used a regular 9 volt (smoke alarm size) battery. I assume it must not have worked with all the newer iPods.
As a substitute, I bought this Maxell one. It's OK, but there are two complaints. 1) It's bigger than an iPod and with 4 AA batteries, it's considerably heavier. 2) It costs around $25.00 because it includes a really awkward collection of plastic holders, clamps, belt cilps and doodads which, for me are all totally unnecessary. You don't use a battery pack while hiking or at the gym, you use it on a plane during long flights - small and light are the important features. However, I don't see many alternatives at the moment so, I'm happy - with reservations.

I ordered this one for traveling purpose. I have a G5 60G video ipod. I just got the backup battery pack today and noticed on the package that it was not compatible with "G5 Video". I called the Maxell tech support and found out it is compatible but the clip case is not compatible with G5 video. Even the manual came with the battery pack shows that G5 video is one of the ipods NOT compatible with this pack. After talking with the tech support, I opened it and tried it with my G5 60G video ipod and was relieved to find out it works. The clip on case doesn't fit with G5 60G ipod but if you don't need the case, it does work as backup battery.

This is a great product. In spite of some reviews it DOES work too with the 80 GB iPod Video [I've got three of them from 2006 & 2007 and the Maxell performs splendid with all three]. It doesn't matter if you use rechargeable or disposable AA batteries.
When you switch the power button on, your iPod switches automatically on too: I think this is the -safest and probably most effective- way to use this device.
On the matter of not charging the internal battery of the iPod: I think this is fantastic! The internal battery has only a limited amount of [dis]charge cycles and is spared this way, thus lenghtening your iPod's lifespan. And: research has indicated that the kind of battery built in iPods age considerably when kept fully charged [like in a dock, or connected to a charger]: with 'The Pack' you can keep the internal battery permanently 50% charged, a state in which the internal battery does NOT age!
But there's more. With two good sets of 4 NiMH [say 2500 mAh a piece] batteries and a charger, or with disposables, you can -if you wish to- keep your iPod mobile non-stop without the annoying charging sessions which, in my opinion, shorten the lifetime of an iPod considerably too when you do this via your pc. One can read so many stories about dying iPods when they are connected to the computer, supposedly many things can go wrong during this procedure. And when you're in a car, plane or at home: who cares about the extra weight of the battery-pack.
Last but not least: my iPod works much longer on one set of 4 AA 2500 mAh rechargeables than on one charge of the internal battery. Ten hours of video is no problem. On average, with varied ways of using [music, games and video] the battery-pack works -within a period of days when you use NiMH's, they have a very high selfdischarge rate- 24 hours!
Update: it does work with my 1G iPod Touch 32GB too. However, the internal battery of the Touch has to be fully charged!

I have an iPod classic (video) 80GB. I originally bought the battery pack for my 30GB iPod, but it kicked the bucket before I could try it. So I was hoping it would work with the gen. 6 models.

I'm pleased to report that it worked well, at least in initial tests. It fit into the sleeve snugly and the supplied battery to iPod cord fit well into the iPod. When I turned on the battery back-up, the charging light on the iPod increased to full. I'd imagine that it would decrease as the AA batteries are drained so you'll know if you have to put in new AA batteries.

Remember that this isn't a re-charger but rather a battery extender. If you allow the iPod battery to drain, this won't ressurect it. So if you're type A, you might want to pack an extra set of batteries in case the battery gauge gets too low for comfort.

Works perfectly, even with the iPod 5 gen. The package says it is incompatible but that's only if you use the included clip. I only gave it 4 stars because of the very cheap plastic that was used in the construction. If not careful, it will break when removing the battery cover. Use rechargeable AA batteries for the longest use. I am very pleased.

I had sent an earlier review because I was thrilled that this unit could function with my 80g video IPod. Still, I had not really tested it much. Then while on vacation in Italy, I finally had the opportunity to put it to work--and did it perform! My biggest concern about my trip was not having backup power during my long flight overseas, but I later found out that the AC outlet configuation in Italy is not compatible with my plug. So having my Pod in my hotel room at night was truly a thrill, because most of the television stations were in Italian, and I don't speak the language that well. In every situation, the Backup Pack performed flawlessly while listening to music or watching movies. I didn't use the docking portion though. It seemed a bit "bulky" and unnecessary. Still, this item is more than worth the price, and an absolute must for overseas travel.

After reading the reviews i thought that this would work with my ipod touch 2g, however it is incompatiable, i tested it just to make sure for 4 hours and it didn't work. I instead went with a USB charger that works will all ipods; its made by duracell, plus you get the batteries and a car charger. Why can't all companies make products as intutive as duracell's. Here is the description for those shoppers out there, Duracell Mobile Charger CEF23DX4N.

I used this battery pack on my 15 hour flight and I was so impressed that I was able to watch over 15 hours of VIDEO without changing the batteries!! This product was a great deal!!

The iPod Video works well with this too, as long as you don't have it in a case. It's true that it's slimmer than the previous generations, but the suction cup holds it down with no problems.