The Powermonkey Extreme, launched by Powertraveller Ltd in 2011, was a game-changing portable charger designed to meet the power needs of outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and professionals working in remote locations. This rugged, high-capacity device was the result of five years of development and incorporated valuable feedback from users who had put it to the test in some of the most challenging environments on the planet.
Unparalleled Battery Capacity
At the heart of the Powermonkey Extreme was an impressive 9000mAh Lithium Polymer battery, which provided ample power for a wide range of 5V devices. The unit’s remarkable charging capabilities included:
- iPhone: up to 6 full charges
- Garmin Edge 800: up to 6 full charges
- Standard mobile phones: up to 12 full charges
This exceptional battery capacity ensured that users could stay connected and powered up, even during extended trips in remote areas where access to traditional power sources was limited or non-existent.
Versatile Dual Output Channels
The Powermonkey Extreme featured two output channels, allowing users to charge a variety of devices:
- Standard USB: 700mAh max output
- Suitable for most 5V devices, including smartphones, MP3 players, and GPS units
- DC port: 2.1A max output
- Supports Apple iPad and other 5V tablet computers (iPad compatible cable included)
- Not suitable for 12V or 19V tablets
This dual-channel design provided users with the flexibility to charge multiple devices simultaneously, ensuring that all of their essential gadgets remained powered up and ready to use.
Built to Withstand the Elements
Designed to endure the rigors of outdoor use, the Powermonkey Extreme boasted a rugged, waterproof, and shock-resistant construction:
- Waterproof for 30 minutes up to 1 meter
- Durable, clam-shell design solar panel
- Compact and lightweight
- Powermonkey Extreme unit: 242g, 152 x 59.5 x 28mm
- Solar panel: 214g, 171 x 90 x 18mm (when folded)
This robust build quality made the Powermonkey Extreme an ideal companion for hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures, as well as for use in harsh environments encountered by military personnel and aid workers.
Multiple Charging Options for Maximum Flexibility
The Powermonkey Extreme could be recharged in three ways, providing users with maximum flexibility:
- Universal mains charger (included)
- Interchangeable heads for UK, USA, Europe, and Australia
- Allows for charging from standard wall outlets worldwide
- Solar panel (included)
- 3 Watt max output
- Full recharge within 15 hours in optimum light conditions
- MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracker) technology for efficient charging in low light conditions
- USB
- Enables charging from computers or other USB power sources
This versatility in charging options meant that users could keep the Powermonkey Extreme powered up no matter where their adventures took them, whether they had access to a wall outlet, USB port, or just the power of the sun.
User-Friendly Features for Ease of Use
The Powermonkey Extreme incorporated several user-friendly features designed to make operation simple and intuitive:
- LCD screen displaying battery capacity level and working status
- Provides at-a-glance information about the unit’s remaining power and operational state
- One-touch friction swipe ON/OFF control
- Prevents accidental activation when not in use
- Easy to operate, even while wearing gloves
- Auto shut-off function
- Turns off after 2 minutes when connected device is fully charged
- Conserves battery power and prevents overcharging
- Low static wastage
- Holds 75% of charge after 1 year of storage
- Ensures the unit is ready to use even after extended periods of inactivity
These thoughtful features demonstrated Powertraveller’s commitment to creating a product that was not only powerful and reliable but also easy to use in a variety of situations.
Comprehensive Accessory Kit
Each Powermonkey Extreme came with a complete set of accessories to ensure that users had everything they needed to make the most of the device:
- Powermonkey Extreme battery unit
- Solar panel
- Universal mains charger with interchangeable heads
- 8 mobile device tips (monkeynuts)
- Compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and GPS units
- Black travel pouch
- Velcro strap
- Allows for easy attachment of the solar panel to backpacks, tents, or other gear
- Durable zipped travel case
- Keeps the Powermonkey Extreme and its accessories organized and protected during transport
This comprehensive accessory kit demonstrated Powertraveller’s attention to detail and desire to provide users with a complete, all-in-one solution for their portable power needs.
Advanced Safety Features for Peace of Mind
The Powermonkey Extreme included a range of advanced safety features designed to protect both the device and the user:
- Short-circuit protection
- Overload protection
- Reverse discharge current protection
- Low voltage protection
These safety features provided users with peace of mind, knowing that their device was protected against potential hazards and would continue to function reliably even in challenging conditions.
A Testament to Innovation and Reliability
Although no longer in production, the Powermonkey Extreme remains a testament to Powertraveller’s commitment to innovation and reliability in the field of portable power solutions. This rugged, high-capacity charger set a new standard for portable power devices, providing adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and professionals with a dependable source of power in even the most remote and challenging environments.
The Powermonkey Extreme’s impact on the portable charging industry cannot be overstated. Its combination of impressive battery capacity, rugged construction, and user-friendly features influenced the design and development of countless portable power devices that followed in its footsteps.
As we look back on the legacy of the Powermonkey Extreme, it is clear that this innovative device played a significant role in shaping the landscape of portable power solutions. It demonstrated the importance of creating products that not only meet the power needs of users but also withstand the rigors of use in demanding environments.
Sum Up
The Powermonkey Extreme was a groundbreaking portable charger that combined high capacity, rugged construction, and user-friendly features to create a device that was perfectly suited to the needs of adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and professionals working in remote locations. Its impressive battery capacity, versatile charging options, and durable design made it an essential tool for anyone who needed reliable power on the go.
While the Powermonkey Extreme may no longer be available, its impact on the portable power industry continues to be felt. It set a new standard for what users could expect from a portable charger and inspired a generation of devices that continue to push the boundaries of innovation and reliability.
As we continue to rely on portable power solutions in our increasingly connected world, it is important to remember the pioneering devices like the Powermonkey Extreme that paved the way for the advanced chargers we use today. By learning from the successes and innovations of the past, we can continue to develop portable power solutions that meet the evolving needs of users in a wide range of environments and situations.
