1byOne car jump starter
An ultra portable and multi-functional emergency jump starter featuring a 9900mAh battery for phone, tablet and laptop charging.
Contents
- Compact jump starter
- Digital jump terminal and clamps
- cigarette lighter charging adapter
- Laptop charging kit
1Intro
As this isn’t the first portable car jump starter I’ve reviewed, I have an opportunity to compare the build quality, features and value of the 1byOne against the others I have tested. So the question is, will the 1byOne trump it’s rivals and take the coveted real estate spot inside the glove box? – let’s find out
2Design and Build
The 1byOne jump starter comes in a well presented retail box. Inside, there’s the jump starter, the jump terminal and clamps, a cigarette lighter adapter, a laptop charging kit and a power adapter.
The only accessory that appears to be missing is a carry case, which I’d have expected to see.
The main unit is shaped a bit like a book, with a rounded spine. It’s surface has a very pleasant matte black texture, almost like rubber. In the top corner on the front, is a neatly machined control button surrounded by a ring of LED indicator lights.
The top edge has single 5V USB output, the mains input port and the car starter port which is covered by a protective flap. The 19V 3.5A laptop charging port is located on it’s left side.
At a first glance, I was unable to locate the torch element on this device. It’s actually the 3 small squares on the rear which is activated by holding the power button down for a few seconds.
The LED is exceptionally bright and has 2 further modes, an SOS mode which is said to last 120 hours and a strobe light mode.
The independent jump terminal features an LCD display screen which activates when attached to the main unit. When connected the screen displays the “OFF” message and will only allow the flow of current once the small button on it’s side is pressed.
The crocodile clips for connecting to the battery terminals are easily identifiable, they appear well made and very sturdy.
The combined length of the leads and jump terminal is 400mm, more than enough to safely position the jump starter away from the car battery.
The overall build quality and design is impressive. It’s the lightest and most compact of all the car jump starters I have tested and a clear winner when it comes to aesthetics. It’s just a shame there isn’t a glove-box friendly carry case included too.
3Features and Specifications
Compatibility – Suitable for vehicles up to 4.7 litres including cars, boats, vans and motorcycles.
In-built safety systems – The 1byOne car starter features a safety system that prevents the leads from being connected to the wrong terminals. An audible alarm will sound to notify you. It can also detect short-circuits, low voltage ,overvoltage, overload, over-current protection, and overheating.
Smart-charge technology – Features an electricity recycle function to return redundant power back to the unit after the car has started.
Multi-functional – Charges smartphones and other USB devices as well as laptops with the included laptop charging kit.
- Size- 150 x 73 x 28mm
- Weight- 320g
- Starting current – 250A
- Peak Current – 450A
- Charging cycles – 3000 times
- Input – 14V/1A
- USB output – 5V 1A/2.1A
- Laptop output – 19V 3.5A
- Jump starter output – 12V
- Charge time – 3-4 hours
- Battery type – Lithium Polymer
4Testing
While waiting for my car’s battery to slowly die, I tested the alternative functions of the 1byOne jump starter. It’s impressive 9900mAh external battery should provide around 4 full phone charges. I fully charged my Android phone with over 75% of the charge remaining.
The 1byOne comes with 8 alternative laptop charging adapters, however my Packard Bell notebook connected with the included cable and charged successfully.
I also tested the charging functionality with an iPad, proving the USB output will intelligently switch from a 1A to the 2.1A required for tablet charging.
Here is a short video of the 1byOne successfully starting my car. It is only a 1.8l engine but it worked flawlessly.
Once I had the leads connected, I pressed the button on the side of the terminal and it began a 30 second count down on the LCD screen. I jumped in the car, turned the key and it fired up almost instantly, it really couldn’t have been easier.
5Verdict
The 1byOne is the lightest and most compact car jump starter I have tested. The lack of glossy surfaces are a blessing and the overall build quality is great. The LED torch on the rear is brighter than any of jump starters I’ve reviewed so far. While all of the car starters I’ve reviewed have worked equally as well, I believe the 1byOne is the first to feature the electricity recycle function.
Despite there being no carry case with this particular model, it’s impressed me enough to become my number one choice and will soon become the new sole resident of my glove box – Just as soon as I find a suitable case for it.
To see all of 1byOne’s range of technology devices check out their website, and if you enjoyed this review, please leave a comment or share it socially – Thanks
Nice review, think it’s time I retired my trusty old jump starter – its the size of a breeze block! This 1byone jump starter seems like it will do the job 🙂