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Powerbag Instant Messenger review – my tech diaper bag

Powerbag Instant Messenger logo

The Powerbag Instant Messenger

(converted into a baby bag)

Powerbag Instant Messenger on the floorWhen I knew I was going to have a little baby coming along soon I knew there would be things that would be required to carry. While Kim is with Maggie quite a bit, there are two days a week that I’m the primary and I work from home, or occasionally scoop up my child and go on site to deal with something.

While I personally have nothing against the Petunia Pickle Bottom Sashay Satchel that Kim totes around to carry the hoary host of stuff that is required to keep Maggie from smelling like a ripe onion in a car on a hot sunny day, I did feel I required something a bit more akin to my particular bent and profession, and so I converted a Powerbag Instant Messenger tote that I picked up at a party before the International Consumer Electronics Showcase 2013 into a baby bag with cell phone and iPad charging capabilities.

Powerbag Instant Messenger specs

  • 4 charging options (Micro USB, Mini USB, 30-Pin apple, and USB)
  • Rechargeable replaceable/upgradable 6000mAh battery
  • Laptop (up to 17″) and tablet compartments
  • 2.74 pounds
  • 18.2″ x 6″ x 12″
  • Total USB output to 2.1A
  • Wall adapter to recharge your bag

Powerbag Instant Messenger overhead with strap

 Why you might want a Powerbag Instant Messenger

  • Doesn’t look like a diaper bag
  • Can recharge your phone so you don’t miss an important call
  • Can recharge your Tablet or iPad so you can power your kid’s enjoyment of Baby View Light or the Artsee Studio
  • USB connector lets you recharge most devices
  • Plenty of external pockets to keep liquids away from iPad, notebook, diapers
  • Keep your picture taking device charged to capture once-in-a-lifetime events

Powerbag Instant Messenger Micro and Mini USB connector combo Powerbag Instant Messenger 30-pin Apple connector Powerbag Instant Messenger power lights

Why you might not…

  • Not designed for handling wet substances, you’ll need to carry some plastic bags along
  • Not easily washable (see above)
  • Does not have hard bottom and feet to prevent it from picking up germs
  • The price for what it does is a bit steep (Amazon’s selling them for $130 off)
  • Clips that keep the satchel closed are hard to open if hands are wet
Powerbag Instant Messenger overhead with strap glowing
Reflective strips keep you and your baby visible at night.

I received my Powerbag Instant Messenger as branded swag from Samsung Mobile, but I’ve dealt with a the Powerbag line for a while now on their own. The battery and charging capabilities are excellent on all the devices (and the same as a note.) You can get bigger batteries if you want to have even more power, but I’ve found even with my absurd battery draining capabilities I generally push it to drain a 6000mAh battery.

Powerbag Instant Messenger power lights
Front indicator shows charge, but only when button’s pressed so it’s not annoying

I guess if you were going into the woods for a couple of days and needed to you could stock up on batteries and carry them, but I don’t think this is really set for long outings like that.

The short of it is the Powerbag Instant Messenger will keep you looking neat, fully charged, and capable of diffusing a dirty diaper situation without looking too girly. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

You can get the Powerbag Instant Messenger at Amazon for $49.99, which is $130 off of the MSRP.

4.5 / 5 stars     

Paul King

Paul King lives in Nashville Tennessee with his wife, two daughters and cats. He writes for Pocketables, theITBaby, and is an IT consultant along with doing tech support for a film production company.