ZAGG Shocks With Its Sparq 2.0 (A Reality Review)

Staff Note August 6, 2010: It’s official! ZAGGSparq 2.0 is now a giveaway. Ed will be picking one lucky winner every Saturday starting Aug 14, 2010 to receive their very own $100 ZAGGSparq 2.0! You guys know what to do. Simply comment below on why this would help you, and win one of five shocking ZAGGSparq 2.0′s!

Winners:

Christopher P. of Burbank, CA (August 21)

Michael S. of Hoboken, NJ (August 14)

If you’ve missed out on our awesome giveaways (Sodastream, Jawbone Icon Bluetooth Headsets, Barnes & Noble Nook, Sony Camcorders, Toshiba Laptops, etc.) Do not fear! Here at MRT, it really pays to subscribe to our weekly emails. How else would you know about our ongoing weekly 64GB iPad & 36GB iPhone 4 Giveaway? Don’t forget lots and lots of giveaways coming!

By: Edward Jackson (Senior Editor)

I have been constantly on the lookout for things that make my life easier. It seems that with every new gadget I buy, it makes things more complicated. Charging is one of the primary issues I find when traveling, and try as I might, I just can’t seem to find a way to have fewer cables in my bag. USB charging always seems like a great idea, but then you either need to have a laptop with you to charge from, or some sort of alternative. When Zagg came out with the ZAGGsparq, a battery block of sorts that allows for 2 items to be plugged in and charged simultaneously, I was encouraged by the concept. However, issues with the first generation ZAGGsparq slowed it’s rollout earlier this year. The new ZAGGsparq 2.0 is now out, and for a great price, this may be the right portable power solution for you.

Now we have the 2.0 model and it works as well as the original and even has some improvements added. There are two USB ports on the Sparq. One is labeled optimized, which simply means that you can get a quicker charge for items that are capable of taking advantage if on an optimized charge. The iPhone has that capability. The other USB port is for more general charging. Both ports will charge all USB products. For example, I would charge my iPhone 4 on the top and my Jawbone Icon Bluetooth Headset would be charged on the bottom.

For the technical geeks out there, the Sparq 2.0 is a Lithium Polymer Battery that sports 6,000 mAh of power. That’s a lot because I have recharged my Blackberry Storm 2 at least three times on one Sparq charge. Zagg says it will charge 4 times, but I haven’t gone that far yet. I keep chickening out and so I’d plug it back in. Speaking of plugging in, that’s one of the beauties of the ZaggSparq 2.0. It has a built-in plug. So when it does need to be recharged, it plugs directly into a wall socket. That’s it! Zagg states that the Sparq 2.0 will charge your phone about as fast as a wall charge will. I really don’t know about that, but I have no complaints in how quickly it actually charges.

The Sparq 2.0 comes with 4 yellow lights that give you an indication of how much power you have left. Also, the Sparq 2.0 cannot be overcharged, so if left in the outlet too long, it’s not a problem. Additionally, I have noticed that the Sparq 2.0 does not get hot (at least that I could tell) when it is either recharging or is charging a phone, Bluetooth headset or iPod. So that’s cool (no pun intended… sorry). It also comes with a European plug adapter for your charging needs abroad.

Despite its cool name, the Sparq 2.0 is pretty straightforward and simplistic in appearance.  I also appreciated its small size. I think its just about one of the most useful additions you can have for your re-charging needs. Think of it as an insurance policy for those times when you can’t or just forgot to recharge your phone and you really need it (like traveling to a destination for business.) That’s when you will truly appreciate the value of the ZaggSparq 2.0.

 Specs:

• 6,000 mAh Lithium Polymer
• Has the power to charge your smartphone four times!
• Four yellow lights indicate power level, 25%-50%-75%-100%
• Has the ability to simultaneously charge multiple USB devices
• Max output: 2,000 mAh @ 5V
• Power Source: 100-240 VAC @ 50/60 Hz
• Physical Size 3.5 x 3.5 x 1 inches
• Weight .54 lbs.
• $99.99 MSRP

The Good:

Portability, ease of use, light weight, full charging capable for all USB devices.

The Bad:

Finger-print city, prone to scratch, price could be lower.

Reality Grade:

Version 2.0 of the ZAGGsparq is definitely an improvement over the prior version of this unique charging solution.  If USB power on the go is what you’re looking for, then this is your answer. For me being a road-dog, this pint sized powerhouse helps out a lot, unlike some other battery charging solutions. The ZAGGsparq 2.0 continues to trickle charge the device connected to it when charging has completed.  For me, this is key….Using the iPad & iPhone 4, I was able to charge both of them up without having to look for an outlet for the entire day.

To purchase one, simply go to: Zagg.com