NuPower Video+ is a rechargeable battery pack, stand, and docking station for the iPod video (30, 60, and 80GB models).

The battery itself (see picture below) roughly doubles the size and weight of your iPod. Also included with the product are a molded plastic holster that holds your iPod and the NuPower Video+ with a detachable rotating belt clip, plus a silicon protective sleeve you can pull over the iPod and battery. You wouldn't want to go jogging with this beast, but it doesn't add much weight or bulk to your backpack or briefcase.

The NuPower Video+ uses the Apple USB dock connector cable that came with your iPod for charging and docking. If your iPod is in the battery when you connect it to your Mac, your iPod will be synchronized and recharged along with the NuPower Video+.

The battery works as promised, but didn't quite achieve the "up to 16 hours of video OR 80 hours of music playtime" touted by its promotional materials. But it did consistently deliver a quite respectable 12+ hours of continuous video and 50+ hours of continuous music. For the sake of comparison, my 30GB iPod video alone can manage only around 2.5 hours of continuous video play or 10 or 11 hours of music. Or, instead of connecting the NuPower Video+ to your iPod and carrying both around, a fully-charged NuPower Video+ can recharge your iPod video up to three times.

The Bottom Line

If you spend much time away from your Mac or other power source for your iPod -- like on a plane, bus, or train -- you will absolutely love this product. And while it didn't quite live up to its promotional claims, it still more than quadrupled my video or audio playback times, which is very impressive indeed.