Nokia Extra Power DC-11: A Review

So we got our hands on a Nokia Extra Power DC-11 today.

As you might already know, the Nokia DC-11 is basically a portable charger for your Nokia devices and accessories.

The DC-11 contains a 1500mAh battery, which should be good enough to charge your device once. Ofcourse, that depends on the phone and battery. The Nokia N97 has a 1500 mAh BP-4L battery, which means you could probably charge that device once. However, the Nokia N97 Mini has a 1200 mAh BL-4D battery, which means you could charge it once, and then a little bit more.

It’s worth mentioning though, that unfortunately the DC-11 doesnt come with a charger in its retail package. So you’ll have to have a Standard Nokia 2mm pin charger of your own, since you need to connect a Nokia 2mm charger to the DC-11 to charge it up. That might not be a problem for many, but for owners of the N97, N900 and such newer devices which ship with a microUSB charger, that might be an issue.

Unfortunately, there is no means to charge the DC-11 via USB, which is a bit unfortunate. Nokia has stated in the DC-11′s manual though, that you can charge it with the Nokia CA-100 USB charger. But that’s pretty hard to find.

Recharging of the DC-11 from very low battery to full, took about 2 hours 30 minutes for us, which is quite a while.

The DC-11 looks quite minimal from the top, having only a “Nokia” branding at the center, and the power button at the side. The Silver Aluminum body really makes the thing look quite sleek. However, as pretty as it might look, that surface does seem to scratch really fast and really easily, so that’s something to note.

Next to the power button is a white LED that blinks when the DC-11 is charging itself or charging other devices. When the DC-11 is at full charge, or the device charging is fully charged, the LED glows constant as to indicate so.

The Minimal look carries forth underneath too, as the DC-11 has nothing but the labeling information.

There are two 4.45 inch cables neatly tucked into either side.

One one side, the DC-11 has a microUSB charger.

This is mainly for devices like the N97, N86, N900, etc that charge over their microUSB port.

While on the other side, is the standard Nokia 2mm charger.

This ofcourse, is for devices that dont charge over their microUSB port. Devices like the Nokia X6, 5230, 5800, etc.

Both chargers, as you might have noticed already, neatly slide into the ends securely.

This really helps avoid the whole wire-mess that is commonly associated with chargers and what-not.

The real kick here, is that you can simultaneously charge two devices with the Nokia DC-11. Even while you are charging the DC-11 itself, if you choose (that way, all three devices would eventually get charged up).

But, as we mentioned earlier, it’s worth pointing out that since the DC-11 only has a 1500mAh battery, you probably wont get two full complete charges out of the unit. Rather just charge one device completely.

And as you also might have also noticed, the DC-11 is quite portable in terms of size. It measures 113×56×11 mm, which is quite slim, although in terms of length it is phone-sized. It only weighs 94grams too, so it’s not too heavy at all. Slips into your pocket easy enough, and that’s what counts at the end of the day.

Usage is easy enough. After connecting your device or bluetooth headset, you need to press the power button to “switch on” the charging unit. The LED light will flash on and off while charging up your device. When your device is fully charged, the LED will switch off and your device (if it’s one of the newer ones), will alert you to unplug the charger.

And if your DC-11 is already plugged into a charger and is charging, you just have to connect your device(s) to it to get them charging too.

The Nokia Extra Power DC-11 retails at INR 2500 (approx US $50, 40 Euros) and if even cheaper if you can find it online. Which is a lot cheaper than a spare Original Nokia battery (atleast here in India), and isnt too extravagant. Also, with a spare battery, you’ll have to switch your phone off to swap, yada yada. Basically the DC-11 really does help your device stay switched on, for longer. Plus it can charge two phones at once, and Bluetooth headsets, or basically almost anything that has a microUSB port or Nokia 2mm charging port.

Sure the battery would have been a little beast-ier than just 1500mAh. But at this price, it’s a pretty good deal. You’re getting more energy for your device(s) in a slim, stylish little package. And that sounds pretty good to us.

Recommended? Definitely. Especially if you’re a power user.

Here’s a short video overview of the Nokia Extra Power DC-11:

Have any questions about the DC-11? Something we missed? Considering one? Let us know in the comments section below y’all!