We have all been there. You know, our iPhone is about to die from a drained battery and no charge cable in sight. Well, the Seidio 3-in-1 Retractable Charger [$29.99 - iMore Store link] is here to change that. The Seidio charger gives you everything you need for any portable situation. You get a USB cable that actually snaps into place (I love that. Most cables I see these days don't actually snap in place, they just fit, but not securely) and the always capable wall charger and large grip-friendly car charger.
What really sets this charger apart from the competition is the retractability of the cable. Just like with other retractable cords, you pull on both ends and it expands. Of course, it is convenient if you have your iPhone charging on your Mac or PC to just let is sit right next to your computer without any extra cable mess.
I use my cable on the time. My day starts off with getting in the car for work (yeah, don't use it at home, I have a cradle for that) and plugging it into the car adapter. I have a good 45 minute commute to work, so this buys me time to charge and listen to music, podcasts and audiobooks. Once I am work, I take the cable with me and charge at my desk as need. Yes, I am one of those people that if the iPhone 3GS tells me I have 96% battery, I must make it 100%.
As the day winds down, I repeat the morning process. Now you are probably thinking to yourself, "Why is this guy telling me how he carries his cable around all day?" Well, that is the point isn't it? The fact that the cable retracts makes it super easy to pull out of my bag and stow it away. I have a separate cable I stash in my bag too, the one that came with the iPhone. Using that cable is annoying as I have to "stuff" it in my bag, where the Seidio cable retracts beautifully with no mess. I know, it is the little things. Because of its portability, this has quickly become my main cable. On the ever-so-small downside, there is not an airplane adapter. That would make this the ultimate in charger cables, but for now, Seidio will have to do with a "fav" rating from this reviewer.
If you are looking for a functional cable such as this, you can pick it up in the TiPb store for $29.95.
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Software trainer, blogger and mobile technology enthusiast living in the suburban Midwest.
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You can get the same thing from china for $3.69 on ebay..
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I like the black retracktable, but I already have everything else. Where can U get just the black retracktable cord?
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@John: SPE offers one:
http://store.theiphoneblog.com/smartphone-experts-sandc-retractable-cabl... -
Ok as toeknee said, you get a very good quality from iSound for the same price.
I have 4 of these, and i dont carry around, 1 in the office, 1 in the car, 1 at home.....
http://cgi.ebay.com/iSound-iPod-Retractable-USB-Data-Sync-Charging-CableW0QQitemZ300349619183QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUKCEMP3AccessRL?hash=item45ee3b7bef -
How is this a 3-in-1 charger?
It's a USB cable charger that comes with both a wall and car plugs.
It does not have 3 functions. All USB cables have 2-in-1 functionality: they both charge as well as provide data. What could be the third use? -
I purchased something similar from eBay for $4.99 shipped from seller "fkepdcwcw".
Retractable snap-in cord and everything.
It does lack that fancy "Seidio" label though. -
Where do you get that mount for the car
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me too im interested in where thst car mount came from! please tell us
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Who are they fooling? I have the exact same thing in white and I only paid 12.99. ANNNND that cord, really wears. All the sites buy those cords and plug-ins from the same vendor. The vendor silk-screens their logos on.
Come on guys, $29.99 is so fraking wrong. -
No mention of the actual length of the cable?
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Crap...
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tipb store is a rip off. atleast their video should have been made better if they are serious of selling one. we are not fools.
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Dennis/Vince: The mount looks like the Griffin car mount.
http://store.apple.com/us/product/TS796LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0Mw&mco=MTA4MzY... -
Yeah, anyone who would pay $30 for a phone charger is way out of the loop.
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@amiz thanks man that looks like it. All other mounts look crappy. That is if you don't want to buy a $120 Tom Tom plus the 100 dollar software are they nuts. But thanks again.
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The bug unanswered question is what current can it supply? iPhone loves 1000ma but most chargers will not supply that much, at least in the car.
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If you go for 3in1 Charger its really great to use anywhere you can keep in car at all times.