Review: Moixa USB rechargeable batteries

Battery that recharges through USB port proves a Christmas winner

Moixa launched its USBcell rechargeable batteries back in September but the arrival of various new gadgets at Christmas finally forced my hand into using these clever units for the first time this month. In a word: brilliant.

The USBcell charges via any powered USB port with simple light alerts to show when the units are charging, nearly charged and charged. The plastic cap protecting the USB connector is removable and attaches via what would appear to be an elastic string that may look a bit flimsy but feels robust.

Two AA batteries cost £13 but with garage shops talking fortunes on Christmas day to feed insatiable toys, games and other devices, that's not such a bad price. At least I now have a working radio in the bathroom.

Of course, the ability to recharge batteries is not new but if, like me, you carry a laptop around with you and have a poor record on remembering peripherals, this is a convenient way to mitigate forgetfulness - not to mention the financial and environmental cost of constantly buying new disposable batteries.

Moixa has a strong UK retail presence and several ingenious ways to apply its trick to forthcoming AAA and other battery form factors so look out for more USB rechargeable batteries later this year.