Launched by Powertraveller, the Minigorilla was a game-changing portable charger designed specifically to cater to the needs of netbook users. However, its versatility and compatibility with a wide range of devices, including the Apple iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab, made it a popular choice among tech enthusiasts and professionals alike. Although no longer in production, the Minigorilla left a lasting impact on the portable charging industry, setting a new standard for convenience and adaptability.
Designed for Netbooks, Adapted for More
Originally designed to work with the latest netbooks, the Minigorilla featured a range of voltage settings (8.4V, 9.5V, 10.5V, 12V, and 19V) to ensure compatibility with a variety of devices. The included gorilla-pad adaptor, offered for free while stocks lasted, allowed users to charge their Apple iPad, while the Powertraveller Galaxy Tab Cables enabled charging of the Samsung Galaxy Tab.
The Minigorilla’s 5V USB output further expanded its charging capabilities, allowing users to recharge their mobile phones, iPods, iPhones, PDAs, PSPs, and more. This versatility made the Minigorilla an indispensable tool for those who relied on multiple devices for work and entertainment.
High-Density Lithium Polymer Battery for Maximum Efficiency
Incorporating the latest HDLP (High-Density Lithium Polymer) battery technology, the Minigorilla provided maximum power efficiency in relation to its size and weight. This advanced battery technology allowed the Minigorilla to offer impressive charging times for various devices:
- Sony Vaio P-series netbook: up to 5-6 hours at 10.5V setting
- Other netbooks: up to 2 hours at 19V setting
It is important to note that the Minigorilla might discharge its power in 30 minutes while recharging the internal battery of a netbook. However, the combined recharge of the internal battery and the power used during initial connection provided up to an additional 2 hours of extra power.
Rugged Design and Advanced Safety Features
The Minigorilla featured a durable, laser-etched rubber coating, similar to Powertraveller’s powermonkey-eXplorer charger for phones and handheld devices. This rugged design ensured that the Minigorilla could withstand the rigors of daily use and travel.
To ensure user safety and device protection, the Minigorilla incorporated several advanced safety features:
- Short-circuit protection
- Overcharging protection
- Automatic shutdown if a previously used output voltage is higher than the voltage required by a new device
- Automatic shutdown after 2 minutes if USB and DC output ports are empty
- Automatic shutdown when devices attached via USB and DC output ports are fully charged
These safety features demonstrated Powertraveller’s commitment to providing a reliable and secure charging solution for users on the go.
User-Friendly Features and Long Storage Life
The Minigorilla boasted an LCD screen that indicated battery capacity status and the level of charge remaining in the device. To conserve power, the blue backlight of the LCD screen would automatically turn off after 5 seconds.
One of the standout features of the Minigorilla was its long storage life. If left unused for a year, the battery capacity lost would be less than 10%, ensuring that the device was ready to use even after extended periods of inactivity.
Versatile Charging Options
Users could recharge the Minigorilla using the included universal AC travel charger, which worked in over 150 countries worldwide. Alternatively, the device could be recharged using Powertraveller’s solargorilla solar charger, fully recharging the Minigorilla within 6-9 hours. The included mains adaptor could also recharge the Minigorilla in 5.5 hours.
Comprehensive Accessory Kit
The Minigorilla came with a comprehensive accessory kit, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices:
- 11 laptop tips for various brands (ASUS, Compaq, HP, Winbook, Gateway, IBM, Lenovo, Fujitsu, NEC, Olivetti, Toshiba, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, Dell, BenQ)
- 9 mobile and handheld device tips (Mini USB, Micro USB, retractable USB cable with DC3.5 x 1.1 for older Nokia models, Samsung G600, LG Chocolate, DC 2.0 for mini Nokia, DC 4.0 for Sony PSP, Sony-Ericsson K750i, Nintendo DS Lite)
- DC extension cable (80cm)
- Zipped case for storage and protection
- Universal mains charger
This extensive accessory kit demonstrated Powertraveller’s commitment to providing a comprehensive, all-in-one charging solution for users with diverse device ecosystems.
The Legacy of the Minigorilla
Although the Minigorilla is no longer in production, its impact on the portable charging industry cannot be overstated. The device’s versatility, compatibility with a wide range of devices, and user-friendly features set a new standard for portable chargers, influencing the design and development of subsequent products.
The Minigorilla’s success demonstrated the growing demand for portable charging solutions that could keep pace with the rapidly evolving landscape of consumer electronics. Its ability to adapt to the charging needs of new devices, such as the Apple iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab, highlighted the importance of flexibility and future-proofing in the portable charging industry.
As we look back on the Minigorilla, we can appreciate its role in shaping the expectations of users and driving innovation in the field of portable power solutions. Its legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of creating products that not only meet the needs of the present but also anticipate the demands of the future.
Sum Up
The Minigorilla portable charger was a revolutionary device that combined versatility, compatibility, and user-friendly features to provide netbook users and owners of other electronic devices with a reliable and convenient charging solution. Although no longer available, its impact on the portable charging industry remains significant, setting a standard for future devices to aspire to.
As technology continues to advance and our reliance on portable devices grows, the legacy of the Minigorilla serves as an inspiration for the development of even more adaptable, efficient, and user-centric charging solutions. By learning from the successes and innovations of the past, we can continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of portable power, ensuring that users can stay connected and productive wherever their devices take them.