WEEGO JS12 JUMP STARTER
$129.99

A battery the size of a book to jump-start a car

Rechargeable batteries and external battery packs have really taken advantage of advances in technology. Batteries are smaller and more powerful than ever, and consumers are starting to see some real benefits.

Now there are batteries, such as the Weego JS12 Jump Starter, that will fit in your back pocket that can charge your cellphone or jump-start your car.

The JS12 is the midsize version of Weego's line of jump-starters and will jump-start any gas engine up to 6.4 liters and diesel engines up to 3.2 liters (in other words, all but the biggest cars and trucks). It works in temperatures from 4 below to 140 degrees.

The Weego is 6.25 inches by 3 inches by 1 inch. It weighs just under 1 pound. There's a port under a rubber cover that's used to connect the included red and black clamps to your vehicle's battery. The cables are not very long, so you'll be resting the JS12 on top or very near your car's battery when you use it.

The JS12 gets its power from an included wall plug or 12-volt car adapter, and it takes about three hours to charge.

The JS12 also can charge your smartphone, tablet or any other device powered by USB, plus most laptops (except MacBooks).

Weego also included a flashlight. The light has a strobe mode and can blink SOS in Morse code for emergency signaling.

DALLAS MORNING NEWS

TURTLE BEACH EAR FORCE RECON 50
$40

Headphones for the commuters around you

Mobile games, videos and music are a quick and easy way to pass the time on your bus or train commute, but have some pity on fellow commuters and get headphones. The Ear Force Recon 50 gaming headset from Turtle Beach offers everything you need at an entry-level price. Despite being a no-frills version of Turtle Beach's high-end offerings, the Recon 50 has features including an adjustable boom microphone, in-line volume controls and full-range speakers that deliver surprisingly good stereo sound. The headset is compatible with most mobile devices, as well as PCs and Macs, and its lightweight, over-ear design is sturdy and comfortable, even on long commutes.

NEW YORK TIMES