The 1byone Multi-function Power Bank Smart Jump Starter is an incredibly well thought out product. Not only can its generous 9000mAh lithium battery jump start your vehicle’s dead battery numerous times, it can also charge even the most demanding mobile devices via its 5V 2A USB port, and even provides a powerful LED flashlight with emergency functions for the countless situations that might come in handy. While it’s of course meant to sit in your vehicle with its accessories inside its sturdy protective case, ready to spring into action when needed, the incredibly compact nature of the core device means its the type of thing you can easily bring along with you wherever its non-jump starting feature-set might come in handy.

Inside its plastic storage case is the main unit, an AC adapter and car charger for charging through the main unit’s 14V 1A input port, instructions, and what they call a mini-mouse protector that interfaces between the attached jumper cables and main unit. The main unit measures just 5.31in (1.35cm) high, 2.75in (7cm) long, and 0.9in (2.3cm) wide.

On the main unit is a LCD display, on/off multi-function button, USB output, an input port for the AC adapter or car charger, a small three LED flashlight, and a covered terminal port where you attach the separate mini-mouse. Once fully charged, the battery will last about six to 12 months, depending upon conditions, although it’s recommended you charge the device at least every six months.

While the 1byone Smart Jump Starter can jump start a wide range of vehicles (for most of us, that’s a car, but it also does boats, trucks, RVs, motorcycles, lawn mowers, etc.), there are recommendations for maximum engine displacements. For gas powered vehicles it’s 1.2gal (4.7L) and lower, for diesel it’s 0.5gal (2.0L) and lower (12v), and for petrol it’s 1.2gal (4.7L) and lower (12v). Once you ensure the vehicle is within spec, you simply connect the alligator clips to the battery (red, or positive, is usually on the left and black, or negative, is usually right, and should be put on in that order), connect the mini-mouse protector to the main unit’s terminal port, press the mini-mouse’s button, then start your vehicle.

When jump starting, safety is key, and using this device is no exception. Fortunately, it features spark-proof technology (nothing happens if you accidentally touch the clamps together) and reverse-polarity protection (incorrectly putting the red clamp on negative or the black clamp on positive). In fact, if you hook it up wrong, an alarm sounds to remind you to switch the clamps to the correct polarity. That’s a big plus, particularly if you’re in a frazzled state from your vehicle not starting! As mentioned earlier, the 1byone Smart Jump Starter is good for multiple jumps – around 200! – on a full charge, using smart-chip technology and an electricity recycle function to send redundant power back to the host and guarantee a continuous instant start.

Moving onto the power bank feature, as mentioned, its full-sized USB output port provides 5V, 2A. Combined with the powerful internal battery, this means it can easily charge even larger USB-powered devices multiple times, including over-sized smartphones and full-sized tablets (e.g., expect about four one hour charges from a full charge for a 1420mAh battery). Now, you may ask why don’t you just use your vehicle to charge your USB-powered device (assuming, of course that the vehicle’s battery isn’t dead and you need this device for a quick jump start)? While that’s normally what you’d want to do, that completely ignores that the 1byone Smart Jump Starter is easy to take with you. In other words, it’s a great device to bring along for when you’re away from your vehicle or a handy AC outlet, which is probably a lot more than you might realize.

Finally, there’s the flashlight functionality. As expected, the three LED bulbs are quite bright, giving you great visibility in even the darkest conditions, but it also has two additional emergency-centric modes. The first is an attention-grabbing strobe light, while the second is an SOS signal flash, which can last up to 120 hours on a full charge. That’s great piece of mind for when you’re stuck outdoors and in need of assistance.

Whether finding a permanent home in your vehicle, taken along for your next boating or camping trip, or placed in a handy location within your home, the 1byone Smart Jump Starter is the type of device that can prove its value time and again. The 1byone Smart Jump Starter is the type of product you make sure all of your family and friends have on hand, and at only $76.00 on Amazon right now, certainly makes for a reasonably priced, premium gift.

Thanks to 1byone Products Inc., for the review unit.