Rest, relaxation and re-charging...

Literally. When it comes to travel, we're often forced to tout at least a few energy-sucking mobile devices. Whether it's a GPS unit or a sleek PDA, many require batteries, one of the worst enemies to our landfills and disposal systems. According to USBCell, 15 billion batteries are made and tossed away each year.

To combat the problem, rechargeable batteries were introduced. (Did these ever really catch on?) And now, a better solution yet... one that doesn't require lugging around a plug-in, battery re-charging system. They're called USBCell and they are perfectly normal batteries that re-charge when plugged into a USB port. You know what that means - one less device to stuff into the carry-on, with your laptop serving dual purposes.

With only five hours of charging these Nickel Metal Hyrdride batteries provide at least 90 percent of their full power again, and again, and again.

Pricing for a two-pack of AA batteries: US $17.50.

And, soon to be available, size AAA, C and D batteries, 9V batteries and mobile phone batteries (we're definitely keeping an eye open for this one!), as well as "fashion" batteries that are clothed in a range of pastel shades.

Image courtesy of USBCELL