We are all for new technology that incorporates reusable energy sources, but I think the PowerTrekk phone charger is moving in the wrong direction.  I’ll explain what I mean further below.  The PowerTrekk phone charger has a simple concept – it converts water into electricity, which can then be used to charge your cell phone.  The problem comes, however, when you find out how this nifty gadget actually works and its price tag.

The PowerTrekk phone charger contains a fuel-cell battery with a double-chamber interior.  On one side of the device, you will see an opening where you can add your water.  On the other side you will see a small area where you place a sodium silicate, which is called a PowerTrek Pukk.  To get the device working, you simply add water and insert a new PowerTrek Pukk into the device.  Once you have resealed the gadget the chemicals will start mixing together and this process releases a small gas.  The gas then travels into the fuel cell battery where it is converted into mobile energy, which can then be transferred to your cellphone.

That all sounds really awesome until you start hearing the drawbacks.  For one, the PowerTrekk charger alone will cost you $299.  Then factor in that each PowerTrek Pukk costs $4, and then there’s the fact that you have to use a brand new one for every charge.  The main charger doesn’t even include any Pukks to get you started.  Instead you are responsible for ordering both separately, and there is no word on whether these Pukks are even recyclable.

Once the charge process begins the PowerTrekk phone charger is capable of holding its charge if you want to wait to charge your phone.  You can also plug you phone into the USB port to let it charge over time.  The whole process takes around 2-hours to complete, so I wouldn’t recommend sitting around to watch the charge take place.

The company believes this device will be useful for woodsman and campers who can’t reach a power source.  In reality I think will those going outdoors will likely find some other means to power their devices that won’t cost $4 per charge.  It isn’t like there aren’t any other gadgets that can charge a cell phone without an initial investment of around $300.

[MNN]