CIO.com gadget-blogger Paul Mah highlights three external battery packs that can be used to power up smartphones and tablets when you don't have access to a power outlet. If you frequently find yourself running low on smartphone- or tablet-battery life it may be time to pick up an external battery pack. Here’s a list of three of the latest and greatest external battery packs that are designed for use with both smartphones and tablets. (If you’re an iPhone 5 user, you may also want to check out my list of “5 Top-of-the-Line iPhone 5 Cases”) HyperJuice 2 External Battery At 1.6lbs (0.73kg), the HyperJuice 2 is the heaviest external battery featured here, but its large 27,000mAh battery will recharge your iPad, iPhone and other smartphone or tablet several times on a single charge. In fact, the HyperJuice 2 can even power a MacBook–with an Apple MagSafe Airline Adapter–for up to 18 hours of power. An OLED screen shows detailed battery information, including the percentage of power remaining, battery temperature and the estimated time to fully charge (or discharge). Finally, a modular design allows battery cells to be upgraded individually. Price: $300 Sony CycleEnergy (CP-F2LSAVP) Announced earlier this week, the Sony CycleEnergy “CP-F2LSAVP” external battery has a lithium-ion polymer battery and a unique half-inch thick design. Its slim profile and light weight of 6.9 ounces (198 grams) make it possible to use your smartphone while recharging. It has a battery capacity of 7,000mAh and a 2.1A output. And you can charge two smartphones simultaneously via its two USB ports. The CP-F2LSAVP should be released in Japan on November 14, though it’s unclear if the battery pack will be available in the United States. Price: $89 ZAGGsparq 6000 Designed to be a heavy-duty portable power station for both smartphones and tablets, the ZAGGsparq 6000 offers 6000mAh of juice via two USB ports. And it can also be used as a wall charger for your devices. According to ZAGG, built-in Hypercharge technology provides 2.1A output, which can recharge your device up to four times faster than a standard USB charger. The ZAGGsparq 6000 has 5 LEDs to indicate battery level, and it is available now. Price: $100 Related content opinion Knomo Kobe Laptop Messenger Bag is Stylish, Sleek and Soft The full-grain leather Knomo Kobe messenger bag is stylish, functional and surprisingly comfortable to carry, according to blogger Paul Mah. By Paul Mah Feb 20, 2013 2 mins Laptops Tablets opinion Pricey Logitech UE 900 Earphones Deliver Superb Sound Logitech's UE 900 earphones offer superb sound, but their $400 price tag is sure to be a turnoff for many potential buyers. By Paul Mah Jan 04, 2013 2 mins Computers and Peripherals opinion HyperJuice 2 Boosts MacBook, iPad Battery Life The HyperJuice 2 external battery is a must-have for MacBook- and iPad-toting road warriors, according to blogger Paul Mah, and it will also recharge many other USB devices. By Paul Mah Jan 04, 2013 2 mins Computers and Peripherals opinion Matrox DS1 is First Thunderbolt-Compatible Mac OS X Dock The Matrox DS1 is the first docking station for the Mac platform that's compatible with Apple's Thunderbolt port, and it's both functional and reasonably priced, according to blogger Paul Mah. By Paul Mah Jan 03, 2013 3 mins Computers and Peripherals Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe