Last week, a mobile-phone charging device called Jumper Card launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise funds to pay for its first production run. Within days, it met its goal. Even so, you can still contribute and be one of the first to receive a Jumper Card when it becomes available in April.

The developers call this device “jumper cables for your phone.” Roughly the size of a credit card (but about 1/4″ thick), it houses two pop-out  connectors. One has a USB plug to connect to your computer or charger. The other has three prongs that can connect to iPhones, iPads and Android devices. Connect the Jumper Card to your phone and a USB port to charge or sync your device.

In addition, the Jumper Card includes an on-board battery for extra power in an emergency. The battery is relatively small — just 480mAh — but it will buy you another 45-60 minutes of talk time until you can plug into a recharger. When you connect the USB to recharge your phone, the onboard battery also recharges. The Jumper Card also has a built-in LED flashlight.

I had an opportunity to try out a preproduction model of the Jumper Card. The nice thing about it is its slim size. You can slip it in your pocket or briefcase and forget about it until you need it. It is made of polystyrene and the cables fit snugly into both the Jumper Card and your device.

Check out the Indiegogo campaign or watch for Jumper Card to come on the market.

Photo of Bob Ambrogi Bob Ambrogi

Bob is a lawyer, veteran legal journalist, and award-winning blogger and podcaster. In 2011, he was named to the inaugural Fastcase 50, honoring “the law’s smartest, most courageous innovators, techies, visionaries and leaders.” Earlier in his career, he was editor-in-chief of several legal publications, including The National Law Journal, and editorial director of ALM’s Litigation Services Division.