Portable battery packs are nothing new. We've seen some that elect to go with wireless charging like the Qimini Deuce, while some opt for wires and a large capacity. In the case of the Pronto from Power Practical it's all about speed, as the device can obtain the power for a full charge in just five minutes.
The development team is offering the device in two flavors – the Pronto 5 and Pronto 12. As you can probably guess, the 5 is smaller, coming with a 4,500 mAh battery, while the 12 includes a 13,500 mAh battery. Basically, the smaller one is enough juice to charge an iPhone 5 three times, while the larger model can deliver nine charges.
Speed is the selling point of these devices, but keep in mind ... the Pronto takes five minutes to store the power necessary for a single charge of the phone, but it will take much more than that to actually charge the phone. However, it means users won't be tied to wall outlets for an extended period, which is the main idea. Additionally, both Pronto models fully charge in about one hour, providing them with the juice needed for multiple charges.
The Pronto 5 has a single USB port, allowing users to charge one device at a time. The 12, on the other hand, has two, so it can share power with more than one device at once. It also has a 12V output, which means that it can charge devices like DSLR cameras and laptops, something you won't find in many other portable battery packs.
Power Practical is seeking funding on Kickstarter, and it's already quite close to its US$50,000 goal. Backers interested in receiving a Pronto 5 can do so for a minimum pledge of $59 while the early special lasts. From there, the price jumps to $79. For the Pronto 12, the early pre-order special is $99, and then it jumps to $119. The team expects to deliver the devices in mid-2015, assuming they reach production.
The Kickstarter pitch video below provides more information on the Pronto.
Source: Kickstarter, Power Practical