Multi-gadget charger mini test

These days, most drivers have lots of gadgets in their car – from sat-nav to smartphones and iPods – and all use a lot of battery power. But when they run out of juice, you no longer have to decide which to recharge first via the 12-volt socket, as there’s a raft of adaptors that can power more than one device at a time. We put two of the newest head-to-head.

The IDAPT i1Eco has connector tips to fit a range of gadgets. Plug it in, click in the right tip to suit the device you’re charging and away you go. The new Scosche reVOLT C2 does without tips – it’s just a two-socket 12V USB adaptor, but you will need your own cables.

We tried both, charging a flat iPad and a TomTom sat-nav at the same time, while testing compatibility with iPhone and Blackberry smartphones and a Nintendo 3DS games console. We wanted easy-to-use, clutter-free solutions, and tried them in 12V sockets in a range of cars.

The Scosche is the better buy. It charged our iPad (when the IDAPT couldn’t) and sits neatly in the 12V socket. The i1Eco is a decent option, but it’s too complicated.

Cheaper option: IDAPT i1Eco Universal Charger

Price: £19.99

Contact: www.idaptweb.com

Rating: ★★★

You get a lot for your money with the new IDAPT i1Eco charger. Even though it’s cheaper than the Scosche adaptor, it comes with three connector tips – one to accommodate Apple devices, plus mini and micro USB attachments, which pop into a port on the top of the charger. A second USB port is located on the side. Once you’ve connected up your devices, the i1Eco’s power cable can be plugged into your car’s 12-volt socket. The Mini USB tip fitted our sat-nav and we plugged our Apple connector cable into the other USB socket, which charged our iPhone. However, it refused to top up our iPad, even after we’d swapped ports. 

Simple solution: Scosche reVOLT C2

Price: £26.99

Contact: www.scosche.eu

Rating: ★★★★

The Scosche is more expensive than the i1Eco, because you have to pay postage from Germany, taking the price to £26.99. What’s more, you have to carry your own USB cables in-car, or you won’t be charging anything: unlike the IDAPT, the reVOLT C2 doesn’t include tips. There’s no power switch, either – a blue indicator light shows if it’s on or not. However, the Scosche scores because it’s so simple to use. The adaptor sits neatly in the 12V socket and the ‘on’ light illuminates as soon as you turn your car key in the ignition. It charged all of our gadgets, including the iPad. There’s also a free app for Android and Apple devices that allows you to see a more detailed breakdown of your battery life.