Most of the time, my iPhone is always >90% charged. I use my Belkin TuneBase FM F8Z183 to charge the iPhone while in the car, my iHome to charge while I'm asleep and my Apple Dock when I'm on the computer. Most of the people I know who own iPhones seldom have a full battery and more often than not, the battery-o-meter is always on the more orangey side. For those people, I introduce the RichardSolo 1800 by the Australian distributor, UCC Online. The RichardSolo 1800 is a must-have gadget for every iPhone owner - one of the most meritorious iPhone accessories on the market.

The RichardSolo 1800 is a simple and smart backup battery solution for the iPhone (and iPod). It is an attachment which snaps on to the bottom of your iPhone and recharges it until it is fully charged. It has enough juice to recharge the iPhone completely if it dies and even has a bit of juice left over in case. The 1800 is suitable for all the iPhone models (including 3G), the iPod Touch, iPod Nano, iPod Classic and iPod. Inside the little box, which was promptly delivered by UCC via StarTrack Express, includes not only the RichardSolo 1800 and its Australian wall charger, but also a 2 USB port car charger and a metre long USB cable. If you've forgotten your Apple wall charger, you can use the 1800 as a suitable replacement.

The RichardSolo 1800 is not only a smart backup battery solution, it also includes a built-in laser pointer (note, Class 2) and a decent bright LED flashlight. These extra features are quite nifty while on-the-go. The first charge cycle according to the instruction booklet requires 5 hours, yet our tests confirmed the LED indicator showed it was full after one hour. The 1800 has an On/Off function on the back, which only functions for the laser and light, not for the actual charging device.

For any traveller or anyone who seems to run out of battery quite often, the RichardSolo product line is ideal to save you while you are on the move. Keep it in your car or your backpack - its small and smooth design takes up little space and can save you in times of desperate need.