GPS power supply: what's the best choice?

There you are, on the move with your smartphone or GPS receiver, everything running smoothly - but then: suddenly there's no more power. There are now several different solutions for using the benefits of GPS technology without such disappointments. But for many dedicated smartphone or GPS users, this topic is still new and rather unclear. So how can we use the power source in our legs not just for mobility but also to create power - as comfortably as possible - for our iPhones, Android mobiles or similar gadgets?
We are often asked this question. So we are here providing a summary of options for supplying power for smartphones and GPS receivers on your bike.

USB power packs - expand your mobile phone battery without DIY

Here are a few links to power pack manufacturers' sites. The packs can be used to recharge your mobile battery on the move. As soon as a socket becomes available, recharge your power pack:

• Just Mobile Gum Plus - high performance rechargeable battery for iPhone and iPod
• Just Mobile Gum Pro - portable USB replacement power pack 
• Z:NEX POWERPACK
• Z:NEX POWERPACK+

Hub dynamo comes up trumps - power generation and battery recharging on your bike made easy

Here are a few links to the sites of manufacturers of gadgets that allow you to draw power from your hub dynamo:

• "Zzing"
• "E-WERK"
• "bike usb charger"
• "BioLogic ReeCharge"
• "PedalPower+ AC Universal"
• "KECHARGER"
• "The Plug"
• "Bikeconverter"
• "DynaLader"

Other options: Build your own and solar power generation

There is an interesting test of various different devices by Andreas Oehler, with comprehensive results, at FahrradZukunft. DIY enthusiasts also have the option of picking up the soldering iron themselves. The impressive construction of a  "c't Light machine" is described by Ludwig Schuster in his blog. There is also plenty of useful information on the subject of self-construction on the page www.forumslader.de.
Very often, reference is also made in matters of external power supply to the external battery pack "Gum Pro" .

There are now also many mobile solar systems; a wide selection in this field is for example on offer at Solarbag-Shop.

Naviki Blog

This text is largely based on an Article on the Naviki Blog on this topic. There are also some interesting comments to be found there.