Customer Reviews

New Trent Arcadia Pack IMP70D 7000mAh USB External Battery Pack and Charger for iPad2, iPad, iPhone 4S 4, 3Gs 3G (AT&T and Verizon), iPod Touch (1G 2G 3G 4G 5G), Motorola Droid Phones, HTC Android Phones, Blackberry, Samsung Galaxy S, Samsung EPIC, Nintendo, Sony PSP, and much more

5 star:		(146)
4 star:		(36)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

EDIT (10/14/2011): When reading this review, please note that when I got this product, it was called ACD66 and its capacity was rated at 6600 mAh. Since then, this product's name has been changed to IMP70D and its capacity re-rated at 7000 mAh.

EDIT (10/22/2011): I tested the 2.1A output on an iPad 2, and the IMP70D is indeed able to charge an iPad. The iPad was charged from 42% capacity to 69% in 90 minutes while being lightly used.

Original review:
I own both the IMP50D and this update to the IMP50D, the ACD66. Overall, the ACD66 is a very solid portable charging solution for electronic devices that can be charged from a USB port. Its 6600 mAh capacity and two USB charging ports (1.0 A and 2.1 A) can charge multiple devices multiple times over multiple days before needing to be recharged. If you need a lightweight portable charging solution, you will be satisfied with either one of these devices. I list a few difference between the two below, and if you are thinking about getting the IMP50D, take a look at my review of it for a few things you should take into account when using it. If you are not satisfied with whatever you get or if you think something is wrong with it, contact their customer support--they are VERY responsive and helpful.

Differences between the IMP50D and the ACD66 (most are improvements; some are a matter of opinion):
* The ACD66 has 1600 mAh more capacity (6600 mAh vs. 5000 mAh)
* At 8oz and 3.5 inches wide, the ACD66 is 3oz heavier and 0.5 inches wider (other dimensions are the same)
* The two charging ports on the ACD66 have higher output limits (1.0 A and 2.1 A vs. 0.5 A and 1.0 A)
* The ACD66 has a slightly rough, no-slip bottom surface; the IMP50D slides easily
* The ACD66 has a micro-USB charging port; the IMP50D has a mini-USB charging port
* The ACD66's power button is smaller and more difficult to accidentally press
* The ACD66 has a built-in auto shut-off function; the IMP50D does not
* The two have different LED power-indicating systems
* The power button on the IMP50D turns the devices on and off; on the ACD66, it only turns the ACD66 on--the ACD66 turns itself off after devices being charged are disconnected or fully charged

Read on if you want details on some of the things I mention above and my review broken down by pros, cons, and mixed opinions.

Pros:
It seems like this update to the IMP50D has resolved a number of issues that I experienced with the IMP50D. Firstly, there now appears to be an auto shut-off mechanism that turns the ACD66 off when my devices are fully charged. The ACD66 does not drain through the night after my devices are done charging. Secondly, the smaller button seems more difficult to accidentally press, so I have been less concerned with that in the ACD66 than in the IMP50D. Thirdly, although the LED power indicator bar on the ACD66 is not as pretty, it is also not as bright and as disruptive as the LEDs on the IMP50D when using the ACD66 in the dark (which is when I often charge my devices overnight while I sleep...in the dark).

One odd thing I did notice specifically with my Samsung Intrepid phone is that when it is connected to the IMP50D, even if the IMP50D is not turned on, the charging light on my phone turns on and the phone thinks that it is being charged. This issue no longer occurs with the ACD66.

Aside from these improvements over the IMP50D, I like the fact that the two charging ports output higher currents, 1A and 2.1A. The 2.1A output is supposed to be enough to power an iPad, but I'll have to wait until I visit my parents next to test it on theirs as I don't have one of my own. It also seems like the 6,600 mAh capacity of the ACD66 lasts for a very, very long time. It seems to last through about three days of substantial use. Definitely a workhorse!

Cons:
It seems that the power indicator LEDs jump very quickly from three LEDs (60 - 80% capacity) to one flashing LED (< 20%), much more quickly than from four LEDs (80 - 100%) to three LEDs (60 - 80%). I've only gone through two complete cycles so far, so I plan to continue observing this.

Mixed opinions:
Size vs. capacity. The ACD66 is larger and heavier than the IMP50D (1/2 inch wider and 3 oz heavier), but it also has a larger capacity (6,600 mAh vs. 5,000 mAh). For my purposes, I would rather have the smaller size as opposed to the higher capacity because I am out all day a lot and therefore try to minimize the weight and bulk of what I am carrying. If I could design my own battery pack, I would have the functionality of the ACD66 in a battery the size of an IMP50D, even if I had to give up the extra 1,600 mAh.

The power-indicating LED band. It shuts off a few seconds after the ACD66 is turned on. This definitely conserves power and allows for less disruptive operation in the dark, but you also have no way to know if the unit is really on or not. One has to trust in the indicator lights on the units being charged. Would I really want the LEDs to stay on? Probably not, but it would be nice to know with confidence that the unit is actually on. How to achieve this? I don't know. Mixed opinion.

There also seems to be no way to really turn off the ACD66 without disconnecting or fully charging all devices being charged and waiting for the ACD66 to turn itself off. Personally, I like to be able to turn off the power source before disconnecting my devices, but I don't think this really makes a difference. So again, a mixed opinion.

I spent a lot of time researching different battery backups, and I've owned several, so I know the pros and cons of these things and this one is the best value and has the best features. First of all, it has a ton of power and is quick to charge. But probably the best features are the ones you don't think about. It can be charged with your computer instead of a wall outlet, in case you're low on plug adapters/converters (or just wall outlets!) It can also be charged with your iphone a/c adapter, so you only have to travel with one of those. It comes with adapters for other devices besides the iphone, so it can charge all your gadgets. It has lights on it that tell you how much power is left, which is helpful. The versatility of this device is what makes it uniquely superior to others on the market. A lot of thought went into the design of this product, and you won't be disappointed!

I bought the IMP70D battery pack right before a long trip after quite a bit of research and after a brief experience with a friend's IMP99D, which saved the day. I chose the IMP70D because of its flatter and cleaner form factor despite the slightly lower battery capacity. It does exactly as promised, reliably charging all manner of devices from iPhones to iPads (simultaneously) and of course non-Apple products as well. Included in the package is a relatively short pigtail cord with standard USB on one end and mini/micro USB adapters on the other. Be aware that a wall transformer is not included in the package -- your existing Apple mini-cube transformer or other USB power source will do the trick. One feature this newer model has that the older ones apparently do not have is a smart sensing (power saving) capability which turns off the battery pack once your device is fully charged. Interestingly, the IMP70D does not get hot when charging (or discharging), likely a sign of good power and thermal regulation, which should lead to a longer service life. Some of the previous generation battery packs had cooling vents but this one appears to not need them. Overall a solid product that will keep you mobile.

The IMP70D was my first external battery charger - an impulse buy after seeing a coworker with one and instantly suffering the blues of jealously as he no longer had to run to an outlet to charge his phone or other usb compatible devices. As a smartphone user who is constantly streaming music, browsing the web, texting, downloading apps and doing other power draining activities, I have been in those situations when you're miles from an outlet and your phone's battery status indicator slowly degrades to red and subsequently dies while you're enjoying your favorite youtube video. The solution to this first world problem would be to purchase a portable external power source which will charge your phone to full capacity no matter where in the world you may be. New Trent has provided a great product to do just that.

After fully charging the device ( a process which can take 1-2 hours depending on your AC charger ) I was able to restore my cellphone from drained to fully charged in 35 minutes. That's exceptionally fast for any device and a breath of fresh air if a dead phone leaves you feeling empty inside while on the go. The unit is designed to charge two devices simultaneously which I was able to test successfully with very little variation in charging speeds. You'll be able to connect a small usb cable from the device to your phone, leave them in your pocket for a minutes and presto, your device will be fully charged and ready to finish your trip by your side.

So now that we agree that the function of the device is relatively as advertised, lets focus on the design as it is too relevant to the overall quality of the unit. The case is composed of a glossy plastic solution which covers a large percentage of real-estate save for the back panel which is a matte black. Glossy surface woes aside, the unit looks great and will impress even those who prefer surfaces devoid of greasy fingerprints. The IMP70D feels great as it sports a satisfying heft and feels wonderfully solid which will ease fears of breaking the device easily. The LED array on the front panel emits a very bright blue which may be nice during the day time, but at night forces you to turn the device over on it's front to avoid the painful eye-lid piercing blinking light. The individual LEDs are also placed in a tight setting causing them to bleed into one another making quick acquisition of charge level almost impossible at a fair distance. The size of the device is forgivable as it houses a 7000mAh Lithium Ion battery so I couldn't bring myself to complain too much about the dimensions. Just be aware that if you plan to carry both this and your phone in your pocket, you may need to give other in-pocket accessories the boot.

Cons: Only con is that the soldering job on the main board is faulty. The manufacturing process obviously took some shortcuts as I was able to spot many design faux-pas electronically inside of the device's guts. After only a few days of using my device the micro-usb port sunk inside of the device rendering it useless. This did not occur during use but somehow while the device was left alone in a safe place. I'm accepting any theories or ghost stories to explain this phenomenon.

In conclusion, the IMP70D is a great device which will satisfy all of your voltage needs for your portable devices. The overall design is nice though it may show that having so much juice comes at a price as one pocket may be hard-pressed to carry both this and other portable devices. For my first encounter with this developing market of portable charging, I am quite satisfied, albeit disappointed it was such a short ride. Lets just hope this RMA is the last speed-bump on a road to eternally charged devices.

Purchased this product for the specific purpose of traveling across the country.
Often find myself in airports fighting over the limited power outlets and wanted something that would let me charge as needed.
Recent trip to Atlanta, we got on the plane and end up sitting for 2.5 hours waiting for a storm to pass.
Was able to plug in keep my phone and ipod charged while we sat around.

Have recharged my iPhone 4 3 times and my ipod touch 6 - WITHOUT recharging this pack (going in for it's 1st charge today).

Only real complaint I have is the custom charger cable - USB with a custom round-tip adapter. Would be much nicer if the company would use a standard USB cable for the charging. This was just one extra cable I had to carry around.

I don't usually post reviews but this is just an incredibly handy, useful and powerful external battery, stores a lot of juice. Can charge many of your portable toys many times over as long as it can charge via USB or mini USB. Great customer service too. Even better now with free shipping. Indispensable for a family travelling with many gadgets. We're on our way to Europe and are facing many flight delays, glad to take this along. Just buy it, you won't regret it.

The imax power IMP500 has been a lifesaver. I first use it on a trip flying to New York
and it didn't disappoint. The battery power makes that little bunny look weak. I watched Dark Knight movie and played games on my ipod touch and when we landed it still had plenty of battery reserve. The set up was easy and I have been using it for over a year and I don't have any problems or complains at all. I wish more products worked this well.

For my iPhone4s, it recharged the phone from near dead 4x

What I was really interested in was the ability to recharge my iPad2 (especially for long overseas trips). Ran an experiment with my iPad2 as follows:

- Completely drained NewTrent battery pack
- Completely recharged it
- Ran iPad2 down to 8% charge remaining
- Plugged in NewTrent battery pack
- Restored the iPad2 battery to 82% capacity before the NewTrent pack finally gave up

(Note that they clearly state 65% of iPad2 battery life, so my experimental results exceeded their spec)

Based on sample of (1), and with 11hrs of typical battery life on my iPad2, the Newtrent IMP70D would extend the iPad2 useful charge time to a total if 20 hrs...

Thumbs up...

I have several external battery charging devices for my iPhone and iPad. The IMP70D is a solid external battery that you can charge from a USB port. Since it has a 7000 mAh capacity, it can charge an iPhone at least three times before needing to be recharged. When my iPad is at a half charge, I have used this external battery to bring it to a full charge. There are two USB charging ports to charge the iPad and the iPhone.
This power unit is very lightweight and relatively small. I also have the higher powered IMP99D. I am impressed by the New Trent products. They are reliable and do their intended job very well. The IMP70D is more than adequate while traveling. I have also found that their customer support is helpful

Pros:
- IMP70D does not continue draining after you charge the iPhone or iPad
- It is small (4.4 x 3.4 x 0.6 in) and lightweight (8 oz)
- The indicator lights are not overly bright that they become disturbing at night
- It will work with many different devices
- It has 2 USB charging ports that allow for the lower current for an iPhone or the higher current of an iPad
- Seems durable

Cons:
- So far, there is nothing that is negative

Conclusion:
I have tried the Duracell external battery (1150 mAh), Mobile Power Station (1000mAh), and the Unioo Mobile Power (800 mAh). The Duracell is good for an extra 3 hours of talk time. But, all the other ones are too low capacity to be useful for traveling. The New Trent IMP70D is clearly the battery to get if you need a lightweight, small external battery for traveling as well as to keep with you when not traveling.

New Trent has lower capacity and higher capacity batteries that may be useful depending on your needs. I would not hesitate to buy any of the other batteries. In fact, I purchased 2 IMP70D batteries and 2 higher capacity New Trent batteries.

I ordered this on a Friday and received it on the following Monday. Fast shipping.

I have used this to charge my iPhone 4, iPod 4th gen and iPhone 3Gs and still have battery power left. The device is small enough and light enough to throw into a purse or backpack or even carry in the cargo pocket of your pants.
This device will NOT charge an iPad so keep that in mind if you're looking for an all in one battery pack for your iOS devices.

The reason that I gave the battery 4 stars and not 5 is that the power button is a button and not a switch. The button has to be held for a couple of seconds before turning the pack on but it seems as though it could be activated accidentally in a purse or backpack.

The battery pack charged up quickly and it comes with two tips for blackberry and android phones. You need to use your USB cable in order to charge the iPhone but I feel this is superior than a clip on battery back due to it being less stressful on the phone connector.