The $10 Godsend

It might seem nutty at first, but Radio Shack’s $10 portable power supply (Catalog No. 22-501) is a godsend for anyone who broke, lost or can’t buy an AC charger or adapter for a portable electronic device--but has an automobile adapter.

The adapter, which plugs into a wall socket, changes AC power to the same kind of 12-volt DC that comes out of a car cigarette lighter. We like the fact that it provides a second phone recharging location that’s cheaper than replacing a desk charger.

Of course, it’s superfluous if you’re happy charging phones or other devices in the car. And there’s no cord, so it requires a normal wall outlet, which means you might have to unplug an appliance to use it.