Black & Decker VPX3101 VPX Inverter
The VPX3101 is powered by Black & Decker’s convenient VPX Battery System. |
Plug and charge your small electronic devices via the USB port or the AC plug. |
Perfect for charging cell phones, MP3 players, cameras, and more. |
Introducing the VPX Lithium-Ion Battery System
Black & Decker’s advanced, powerful VPX system guarantees the convenience of a rechargeable battery with maximum versatility. At the center of the VPX system is the 7-volt high-energy VPX rechargeable battery, which features breakthrough lithium-ion technology to generate more energy in a smaller package. The end result is a battery that’s super-compact and 60-percent lighter than Black & Decker’s Ni-Cad power tool batteries. And the VPX holds a charge longer, too — so it’s ready to work whenever you are.
With its versatile design and Black & Decker exclusive technology, a VPX battery is interchangeable with all the products in Black & Decker’s growing VPX line. Swap out one battery for the flashlight, inflator, screwdriver, USB power source, cut saw, or 7-volt drill driver; or double the juice with two batteries to operate the 14-volt drill driver or the hand vac. And of course, every VXP battery and compatible product features the rugged, dependable construction you expect from an industry leader in home power tools.
About the VPX Power Supply
Enjoy power to go, on the go — with the new VPX AC/USB power source from Black & Decker. This durable, portable, versatile device is just one more great offering from the revolutionary new VPX interchangeable lithium-ion battery system. Once you get started with the VPX system, it’s easy to expand with other power tools, household devices, and electronic products like this one.
Enjoy life uninterrupted with mobile power when you use the VPX3101. This 10 watt AC/USB power source provides mobile power while you are away from home or the office to power and recharge cell phones, MP3 players, PDAs, digital cameras and more, so now it’s easier than ever to end the frustration over dead electronics. The VPX3101 provides both AC and USB outlets so you can use your manufacturer’s supplied chargers to power and recharge almost anything that’ll fit in your purse, bag, or briefcase — with no special tips or adapters needed. This amazing charger is powered by a single 7-volt VPX battery that is interchangeable with all other VPX products; but the VPX3101 is a VPX expansion product, and the VPX battery and charger are sold separately.
Key Technical Specs:
- Powered by one 7-volt VPX battery (not included)
- 120 volt AC outlet and USB port
- Overload and short-circuit protection
- Ground fault interrupter circuit technology
Applications
Use the VPX3101 to provide on-the-scene power to any electronic device that can be connected through an AC or USB access port. Cell phones, MP3 players, PDAs, cameras, and almost anything else is a snap to power up anywhere you need a boost.
Warranty
This VPX product is covered by a two-year warranty from Black & Decker.
What’s in the box:
Black & Decker portable power supply, soft carrying bag.
Black & Decker’s Focus on Performance
Black & Decker is a global marketer and manufacturer of quality products used in and around the home, and it also serves as a major supplier of information systems and services to government and commercial clients worldwide. With products marketed in over 100 countries, Black & Decker holds leading market shares in a variety of industries, and it frequently adds new product lines to its family of power tools, cleaning tools, outdoor power equipment, laser products and more.
Customer Review: Unique Item That Fills A Roll
This is an interesting little unit as it allows you to charge USB powered items such as a music player or an AC powered item (in my case a cell phone with AC adaptor) without the need to plug into the grid. The unit’s size is about 1.5″x6.5″x2″ or about the size of a medium flashlight. The weight with battery is 281g or a little less than 10oz. It has an on/off switch on the side so you don’t discharge it and the outlets are covered by rubber covers that flip out of the way when in use.
With its light weight and small size, I see this as a something to put in the book bag/backpack to recharge a cell phone, music player or a digital camera. I don’t see why it wouldn’t be airplane friendly (check all security regulations for yourself) but it would help keep a music player going on a coast to coast flight if you don’t have or don’t want to mess with a plug-in inverter. In testing, I was able to use the USB and AC simultaneously to charge my Sony music player (USB) and cell phone (AC). They were pretty well run down and those two tapped it. It isn’t going to power you laptop but it will keep small electronic devices going when short of power.
For the price and if you have or are planning to get other items in the VPX series, I thing this is a useful item. My largest concern is whether or not the rubber caps to the outlets tear off or if the on off switch fails. Personally, I have a DC inverter for my car (see my review on the Vector MAXX 400) but that requires DC and is limited to my car. It also doesn’t do USB. I bought this unit knowing that it required an additional battery and charger but figuring that sooner or later I would need another of the tools and would get those as well. Gold Box came through for me with a $49.99 starter set with battery and charger and now I am complete (in the VPX3101 Inverter sense).
Customer Review: Good AC, Underpowered USB
I bought the inverter to do two things: 1) allow me to run an eight watt fluorescent light (for camping, or as a utility light) 2) charge my iphone when I need a little extra runtime. The inverter did fine for the first job. I was impressed how my bulb would get nice and warm, yet the battery would still remain cool. These VPX batteries (LiFePO4 I believe) must have really low internal resistance. However I was disappointed with the USB power source as it is limited to 1.75 watts (350mA)! This is enough power to charge my iPod nano, but not enough for my iPhone (the iPhone doesn’t even acknowledge that it is plugged in). I have no idea why the AC can supply 10 watts when the USB can only supply 1.75. Since USB can typically supply 2.5 watts, I suspect this inverter will fail to change many USB devices.
-
Chicago Metallic Commercial 9 by 9-Inch Square Cake Pan
Fudge brownies, macaroni and cheese, crab-stuffed chicken breasts, all made to perfection with the help of your square baking pan. Built to deliver years of dependable service and professional results, this commercial weight pan deserves a place in your kitchen.
List Price: $14.99
Amazon Price: $14.99
Customer Review: WOW!
This thing came by rocket ship ordered it yesterday two day delivery. It was here before noon today. Amazon must had a distribution center across the street! I am so pleased with this pan. I’m waiting for the others to arrive so that I can see how they do with my bread. I cannot believe how heavyweight these pans are. It’s obvious quality. I remember my mother having something like this when I was a kid, and I have not seen anything made of this grade of metal at any of the “Cooks Supply”. Things will stick to this. So make sure you grease and flour the pan prior to putting your biscuits or bread into it. Let the pan sit for about 2 or3 minutes, give it a shake or two and the bread just falls out. I’m planning on giving myself an early Christmas present and see what other stuff like this I can find. I know for a fact that these will outlast todays non-stick. I’ve never been able to get one to last more that 5 or 6 months without failing. Great buy.
Customer Review: Great pan
We are replacing all our coated pans. This is a great pan
Chicago Metallic Commercial 1-1/2-Pound Loaf Pan
If you only buy one loaf pan, this classic 10-inch-by-5-inch heavy-gauge pan made of durable aluminized steel would be an excellent choice, as it’s wonderful for breads or meatloaf and will last for years. Three inches deep, it holds about 2 pounds of bread dough, making a copious loaf for big sandwiches. The steel turns dark over time as the pan “cures,” a natural process, which enhances baking performance and heat distribution. Versatility is the key here, and this sturdy pan will definitely earn its keep. –Shannon Borg
List Price: $16.95
Amazon Price: $14.00
Customer Review: WOW Great Bread Pan
I have been baking bread for over 20 years and finally decided to treat myself to a commercial grade pan, hey the kids have left so why not spend their inheritance! Over the years I have used a lot of pans from inexpensive tinplate loaf pans to the good quality non stick pans. This pan ROCKS. Bakes evenly with consistently even brown crust. Great results every time. I have not had any problems with bread sticking in the pan. I spay the pan lightly and the bread literally falls out after baking. I agree with one reviewer that the folds at the ends of the pan can be a bit of a “pain” (get the pun) when you clean the pan but like they said just use a soft toothbrush to loosen any residue and problem solved (this isn’t required all the time). Chicago Metallic makes a great product …. treat yourself and get this pan. Highly recommended.
Customer Review: More pro stuff
All of my reviews on the Chicago Metallic bakeware are going to look much the same. The performance of all is great. They all have nooks and crannies that are difficult to keep clean. But, boy this stuff can cook.
-10-speed slide control ranges from a very fast whip to a very slow stir -Tilt-head design allows clear access to the beater and bowl -Flour Power - 9 Cups -Mixing bowl capacity - 5 Quart -Polished stainless steel bowl finish -Contoured bowl handle -Multi-purpose attachment hub -Planetary mixing action 67 Point -’C’ dough hook kneads yeast dough for bread and pizza recipes -Direct drive transmission -All metal construction -One year warranty KitchenAid will replace it free of charge -325 Watts -Dimensions: 13.9″H x 8.7″W x 14.1″D Includes: -Flat Beater -’C’ dough hook -Two Piece pouring shield w/ wide chute -5 Qt. Stainless Steel bowl w/handle -Wire whip This Artisan Series model features a tilt-head mixer designed to give you easy access to the bowl and beaters. The ‘C’ dough hook kneads yeast dough for those bread and pizza recipes you’ve always wanted to try. With its all metal construction, contoured bowl handle, and polished stainless steel bowl finish this stand mixer is durable yet stylish. It is sure to become an asset in any kitchen. Available in Black, White, Gray, Red, Blue, or Almond Cream. $30 Mail in Rebate Plus a 1-Year Subscription To Either Food & Wine or Travel + Leasure with the purchase of a KitchenAid 5 Quart Stand Mixer! Click here for details and mail in rebate form
Display your attractive pots on a rack equal in quality and design to the worlds best cookware. A combination of wood and brushed chrome with a heavy metal grid, this rack holds a surprising number of pots, pans, lids and utensils.It arrives fully assembled with all the necessary hardware and hooks. Installation instructions and hardware are included. Natural wood finish. Must be suspended from solid wood.Measures 24″ x 13″ x 12″HMade in the USAGround shipping only (usually ships within 2 business days)
A stylish solution for narrow spaces. Sliding hanging straps make this rack easy to install just about anywhere. This item is only available in hammered steel. Made of strong steel and with a textured finish. Includes two ‘C’rings and 6 angled hooks. This item cannot be returned for any reason without a Return Authorization Number, please contact customer service . The manufacturer replaces missing, defective or damaged parts; returns are subject to a 25% restocking fee. 
This elegant ceiling mount pot rack is finely crafted of iron with an antique white finish. Features 8 double hooks. A perfect addition to your home decor.
