Last year I was in Europe with a GMS cell phone with an International calling plan. I was all set, but drats!! The European power supply and power plugs were totally different from the American standards. Could I use an adapter to charge my phone or would the higher European voltage fry my phone? This is just one situation where the new Energi gadget would have come in handy.

Energi To Go is a small (3"x 1 ½"x ¾") black and silver oblong device with a short connector that attaches to your cell phone. It is a cell phone charger that works on AA-batteries. It was developed by the Energizer people and works like a charm. Just insert 2 AA-batteries and plug in your phone. You are ready for communicating with anyone you care to call. It works even when cell phone battery is completely drained.

Energizer did some positive things with the development and presentation of this product. First is the fact that it works with common AA batteries which can be easily found just about anywhere in the world. Second, everything you need including 2AA lithium batteries and a tip to connect to the phone is included in the box.

With many products that attach to your phone you must know your phone make and model to decide which version of the product you should purchase. Energizer make that process as easy as pie. The unique packaging of the Energi To Go allows the tip to extend out the back of the package. So you can actually plug your phone in to make sure you are purchasing the right version.

When using lithium batteries, the phone charges in about the same amount of time that it needs when plugged into the wall. You can talk and charge at the same time, so you don't have to worry about the amount of charge in the phone when you want to place or receive a call.

A set of two lithium batteries provides up to 10 hours of talk time. The beauty of it is that if you run out of battery power, new batteries are as close as the corner drug store. Energizer recommends AA lithium batteries. The Energi To Go will also work with regular AA batteries and rechargeable batteries, but will not be as efficient with these alternate types.

Although an Energi model can be found for most phones, there are a few that do not yet have tips available. The tip for my Motorola RAZR was readily available, but there was no tip available for my husband's new Samsung phone. I will be carrying my Energi To Go regularly for trips and as a spare power supply. I love the fact that it is  small and lightweight enough to carry in a briefcase or computer bag.

Energi To Go is reusable, fast, and durable. Although this is a perfect gadget for road warriors, I think many will find that it is also extremely useful for emergency situations. Those who don't use their phone often, but need to have power in an emergency will find them a blessing. As will those who simply forget to charge their phones every now and then. At $19.99, the Energi To Go is a great gadget to have on hand.