ZipCharge Power Stick Recharges in 10 Minutes

if you’re like me, you’ve probably been caught numerous times with a dying cell phone and no outlet in site. That’s when a product like Freeplay’s ZipCharge comes in handy. You may remember Freeplay for inventing the world’s first hand-cranked wind-up radio in 1996. Now the company is back with a sleek hand-held rechargeable power stick. The ZipCharge, which debuted last week at the Consumer Electronics Show, takes only ten minutes to power up with enough juice for an iPod or cell phone.

The ZipCharge uses a nano-phosphate lithium cell (technology initially designed for hybrid cars) combined with intelligent circuitry for fast charging.

Freeplay’s handy little device also comes with a USB port and multiple adapter tips—and it’s compatible with over 85% of phones.

The ZipCharge goes on sale in March 2009 for $80.