InterAct's Mobile Power One Cuts the Chord on Sony's Infant PS1
David A. Dodson

When Sony re-released the original PlayStation as the slimmed down and portable PS1 they broke new ground. Unfortunately, without a mobile power supply, that ground would go untraveled. Enter InterAct, whose Mobile Power One battery pak gave the PS1 wings.

The Mobile Power One is a rechargeable NiMh (nickel-metal hydride) battery which powers both the PS1 and an LCD monitor for up to two and a half hours on a single charge. The standard recharge time runs between three and a half to four hours. The battery serves as a base for the PS1 unit (the "feet" of the PS1 rest snugly into corresponding grooves on the top of the Mobile Power One), and plugs into the back of the console.

Fully charged, the battery easily powers the PS1 and monitor for two and a half hours of uninterrupted gameplay when no outlet is available. If, however, a power source is nearby, you can run it through the Mobile Power One without disconnecting as long as the battery has a charge.

Though the Mobile Power One frees up the PS1 for hours of chord free gaming, it does have drawbacks. First, keep an eye on the clock, because you get no warning when the power is low. The system simply resets and resets until it shuts down. Secondly, the battery can't be recharged while in use, it drains much faster than it recharges; and since it doesn't come with its own power chord, you can't plug your game into the wall while the battery recharges somewhere else.

Aside from that, the Mobile Power One does an excellent job of keeping the game going when you can't get juice from anywhere else. You can get one for around forty to fifty dollars just about anywhere you can buy a PS1. Pick one up and cut the chord already.

Can be bought online at:
www.bestbuy.com