The Price:$120-150

The Verdict: As a portable power source, the Powerpack 450 is outstanding. It cranks out 340W continuous (450W peak) of AC juice, which is enough to power laptops, lamps, radios, cellphones and other small appliances. It would be an ideal supplement to a generator in the event of a power outage.

As far as a vehicles are concerned, the 150 psi air compressor works, but don't expect to be back up an running in a short amount of time. I actually have a slow leak on my front passenger side, and it can take over 10 minutes to pump up a flat (depending on the situation). I never ran into a situation where a jump start was necessary, but I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work. Duracell even supplies the cables with the battery. The 5W flashlight is fairly standard, but given the fact that the entire battery weighs around 20 pounds, its no substitute for even a cheap handheld version. However, if you are stuck on the side of the road in the dark, it could come in handy.

On the downside, the Powerpack 450 takes nearly 40 hours to charge completely and the voice feature can be extremely annoying at times. I can tell you that my laptop maintained a full charge for nearly 8 hours while plugged into the device, but I couldn't tell you precisely how long it would have lasted because the constant battery status updates towards the end proved too much to bear. Still, voice directions that notify you of battery status and guide you through a jump start / tire inflation can still be useful—although not particularly necessary.

In the end, if you live in an area prone to power outages, you have a beater car, you enjoy camping or you work in remote areas, spending $120 or so on the Powerpack 450 is worth the money. If you need more juice, you can always step up to the 600 model. [Duracell]

[Duracell via Ecoustics via Crunchgear via DVICE]

[Deco Goodman via Ecofriend via DVICE]

The device still requires about 5% of the diesel fuel needed to power traditional generators, but that means that fewer fuel runs are necessary. And, as as Army biotech scientist Dr. James Valdes pointed out , "Those convoys that carry fuel are also known as targets." It also means that fewer garbage trucks and their drivers are put in harm's way. Not quite Bact to the Future style garbage-fueled fusion power, but it is a step in the right direction.[CNET via Danger Room]

We reckon we may have spotted one small flaw in this concept, though: the last 20 or so revolving doors we've used have all been automatic and motor-driven. [Fluxxlab via Inhabitat]

The Pick-up Line Generator features 40 of the world's "most effective" pick-up lines, including gems like: "Is it hot in here, or is it just you?" As ridiculous as that is, the manufacturers stress that volume is the key to success here: "for all those that roll their eyes and walk away (and later you'll be glad they did), there's just as many who will have a laugh, then stay and chat." All you need to do is head to a quiet corner and consult your pocket-sized generator for a little advice, and the babes should roll right in. Somehow I find that hard to believe, but if you have actually used a pick up line that worked, leave it in the comments. Available for $19.95. [Product Page via TRFJ]

Instead of cutting into your shoulders, these nylon-like straps convert that mechanical strain into electrical energy, and researchers have figured out that if you carry a 100-pound pack and walk at 2-3 mph you can generate 45.6 mW of power. That's enough to the power an iPod, or maybe a head-mounted flashlight. But a 100-pound pack? They're saying that's a typical weight for soldiers to carry. That'll make you think twice about signing up to go to Iraq. [Physorg, via Medlaunches]

Micro windmill for generating energy [Nifindia.org via New Launches]