Skiva PowerVault A2600 External Battery – Review
The one problem I have had with a couple of batteries is that I have to keep a cable with me in order to charge my device. I also need it when charging the battery itself. This Skiva 2600 mAh external battery allows me to do both, without the need to carry cables around with me. This is an “all in one” solution by having all connectors attached the charger itself.
The charger itself is one of the smallest I’ve used, both in terms of physical size as well as charge capacity. The battery looks like a slightly larger lighter. One one end there is a cap attached to the battery, once removed you’ll be greeted with an integrated USB port, which allows easy charging in a PC or plug. There is also a lighting port for you iPhone users.
I found by plugging it into a spare USB outlet on my PC, the charge speed was slow, but using one of my many USB plugs, I was able to get a faster speed. Charging status is indicated by a set of blue LEDs on the side, that move up the more it gets charged. When they are static, then you know the device is ready to go.
The most impressive features of this battery, however, is the integrated micro USB cable. This single feature sold this device to me, and made it my go to charger. It meant that I never had to carry extra cables around – this battery is the only thing you need to take with you. All it needs is a 3 pin plug attached and it’d be perfect.
I’ve used it to fully charge my M8 and a little bit of an M7. This works with any micro-usb device, I was even able to charge my wireless mouse. Since this battery is very small I would recommend this as an emergency charger, something to always have on you.
As with other Skiva products it’s very stylishly designed and remarkably well built. It looks good and works as advertised. The integrated cables makes it a very simply device, and easy to use.
