RichardSolo bumps capacity of iPhone battery

The RichardSolo 1800 backup battery for the iPhone and iPod (US$69.99) doubles the capacity of the its earlier iPhone batteries (reviewed in July and September). The new model's impressive 1800 mAh battery has 50 percent more power than the previous 1200 mAh model, which is still being offered for US$49.99.

The extra capacity in the Richard Solo 1800 allows it to fully charge the iPhone's 1400 mAh battery with power to spare.

It's super-easy to use — just snap it on and it begins to charge either the original iPhone and the iPhone 3G instantly. It also has a unique latching mechanism that firmly connects the battery to the iPhone – a first in iPhone external batteries. A new (optional) support brace keeps the battery attached to the iPhone.

The new model is constructed of polycarbonate/plastic which makes it feel lighter than previous models which have an aluminum housing. Also new in the 1800 are two built-in lights; a white ultra-bright LED flashlight and a red laser pointer. The lights aren't the kind of thing that I buy a battery for, but come in handy nonetheless. The package includes a AC wall charger, retractable USB cable and a new, dual-port USB car charger.

Competitors include the Mophie Juice Pack 3G (US$99) and HandHeldItems MyBat 3200 mAh, (US$37).