Normal AA batteries are totally useful when traveling, but they’re loaded with toxins and are difficult to recycle–especially if you’re on the road. These rechargeables last for 500 charge cycles, and since they are USB-powered, you can hook them up to whichever laptop or portable device you happen to have around. Then just pop the batteries (which cost about $20) into your GPS, media player, or your pocket translator, and you’re good to go. The company is also developing lines of batteries in different sizes (AAA to D) as well as nine-volt and even cell phone batteries that can be charged with a USB connection.