Mili PowerPack – Review

My biggest complaint about the iPhone 3G is its battery life. Sure, the lack of being able to run 3rd part apps in the background stinks and the crippled Bluetooth unneccesarily limits the device, but the battery life is a CONSTANT struggle since I use my iPhone so much during the day. Thankfully there are a host of options available for juicing up the device on the go. This week I’ve been using one of the newest- the Mili Power Pack from PhoneSuit – and I’m more than a bit impressed.

The company claims…

The MiLi will give you the freedom to use your iPhone without the daily worries of running out of battery life! Enjoy your iPhone for voice, music, video, games and business applications with extended, stable power. You can now experience a full day, two days or more of uninterrupted iPhone power, depending on your usage. We know you only want products that compliment your iPhone’s appearance. So we developed a design that would appeal to all senses. The MiLi is made of the best quality materials and integrates the best in technology.

Let’s see if it lives up to the hype…

The MiLi Power Pack is a pretty impressive product. It looks good, it is highly functional, and it has some nice extras that make a good product even better.

I’m not a huge one to be taken in by package but it really was impressed by the fact that the unit comes in a heavyweight box similar to the one that comes with the iPhone itself. It makes a statement about the quality of the product and in this case it’s an accurate statement.

The MiLi is styled in a way similarly to the Mophie JuicePack. Like the Mophie (also another exceptional battery) the unit wraps around the iPhone and allows you complete access to the touch screen while using it. It doesn’t provide protection to the top of the device with a screen but does to the back sides and bottom of the device. The unit has a nice curve to it that makes it very comfortable to hold and use the iPhone while using it. A button on the front of the unit allows you to quickly determine the level of charge a currently has. I can definitely see using the iPhone while in the device for an extended period that problem.

The four LED system right on the front of it allows you to accurately determine how much charge is available on the device without having to flip it over and check. A nice design feature.

Among the other really nice features are–

Dual compatibility– The device works with both generations of the iPhone. This isn’t always the case and it’s nice to have a unit that works with both. Moreover, while not advertised as such, my second generation iPod touch it in the unit without a problem and charged just fine as well.

USB syncing and charging — The unit itself can be charged using the included USB cable. Charging can happen from any powered USB port or from any outlet. Unfortunately an AC adapter isn’t included but it’s not difficult to grab one if you don’t have one available. Moreover, the same mini USB port that’s used to charge the external battery also provides syncing with iTunes while the iPhone is still in the power pack.

Battery Smarts– One of the things that I especially like about the unit is the fact that includes an internal chip upright archives is power consumption. For example, if the device is connected to a USB power source that is the source used. When the iPhone is cradled in the unit but not connected to a power source the battery is used first until the unit’s charge is less than 5%. Only at that point does the iPhone itself begin to use power. in this way, a fully charged unit will allow you to truly maximize it. You can go without needing to use an external power source.

Auxilliary Charging– Finally, I was particularly taken with the inclusion of an additional full-size USB port. This second USB isn’t for charging or Syncing but rather for the charging and powering of a secondary device. For example, the MiLi Power Pack can be used to charge both the iPhone and a Bluetooth headset allowing you a tremendous amount of flexibility when out on the road.

The unit comes in six different high-gloss colors
* High Gloss Black with Blue inner lining
* High Gloss Black with Green inner lining
* High Gloss Black with Gray inner lining
* High Gloss White with Orange inner lining
* High Gloss White with Green inner lining
* High Gloss White with Gray inner lining

If there’s any criticism I have of the unit it would be this color scheme Which looks terrific but doesn’t include at least one exceptionally conservative offering. In addition, I would be remiss to not mention that the high gloss finish looks great but is an absolute fingerprint magnet. yes, they wisely include a cloth for wiping off the smudges but it’s definitely an uphill battle.

I’ve had the opportunity to use, review and give away a number of different external batteries for the iPhone. I’m keeping this one.

Specifications–
Compatibility = iPhone 2G and 3G
Battery Capacity = 1800 mAh
Standby time = 350 Hours
Talk time = 6 hours on 3G, 12 hours on 2G
Internet use = 6 hours on 3G, 7 hours on Wi-Fi
Audio play = 28 hours
Video play = 8 hours
Warranty

What I like —
Nice looking, convenient, and the tremendous amount of battery life, provides pass through syncing with iTunes, and additional USB port for charging another accessory

What needs improvement —
Would love to see one conservative color scheme, absolute fingerprint magnet

The Mili Power Pack can be ordered directly from PhoneSuit for a retail price of $79.99 and as a special promotion, they will include a 2 pack of their Mask Screen Protector (retail $8.99) for free.

Review originally posted on www.geardiary.com.