Android’s poor battery life is a common complaint from heavy users and critics alike. I even ran into a tech friend who made the shift to Windows Phone 7 of all things – shudder – and that was a major factor in his decision. But fear not, Android fans, because PowerBag has solved the problem.

Well, not directly, but it can be incredibly useful for the tech-savvy and gadget-happy traveler. PowerBag is a company that develops specialized backpacks and messenger bags that have a battery built into the accessory. It houses multiple ports that can then charge your phone or tablet while resting in the bag, allowing you to use your tech without fear that the Battery Trolls will secretly suck out all the juice and leave you powerless while on the go.

PowerBag has a removable, rechargeable battery that ranges from 3,000 mAh to 9,000 mAh depending on the model selected. It also has a range of options that are all appealing. I’ve been lugging around a giant military bag to house my gadgets that, while large enough to hold my stuff and take a beating, doesn’t offer the same level of convenience. Powerbag counters with several options that offer more style and function.

• The Urban Collection supports pockets specifically designed to house tablets, cell phones, and MP3 players. It’s available as one of two backpacks or a messenger bag.
• The Executive Collection has backpacks, messenger bags, cases, and rolling bags that are geared for frequent travelers looking to move quickly through TSA and need a larger battery.
• The F?l Collection is the premium and fashion-forward branch available as a backpack, sling, messenger, or wheeled briefcase.

The bags start at $139.99 and are sold at Best Buy, OfficeMax, QVC, F.Y.E., WirelessZone, Amazon.com, select college and airport stores, and at www.myPowerbag.com.

CTIA 2011 has come and gone. And while we saw plenty of great Android phones and tablets, there was also a healthy serving of accessories. That caught me off guard because since my first trade show in 2009, practically every smartphone accessory on display targeted iPhones.

But Android wasn’t the forgotten stepchild this time around. I saw several new bluetooth headsets, phone skins, tablet cases, and the like at CTIA 2011. Some were kooky ideas like  a case with a bottle opener built-into the back, and others were bulky, ridiculous monstrosities that never should have made it out of the research and development labs.

My two favorite Android phone accessories at CTIA have already been highlighted: the LG Wireless Charging Pad, which has clever induction charging, and the BodyGuardz Carbon Fiber skin that makes my EVO both protected and prettier. Here are some of the other Android phone and tablet accessories that I saw at CTIA. Follow the links below the videos to visit the website of each company.

Gelaskins

Your phone is boring. Gelaskins is not. These vinyl skins include front, side, and back covers that can be removed without leaving residue. Artists, comic book characters, and even wallpapers to go along with your design are all available for a variety of Android devices. More info at Gelaskins.

Clingo

Stick, Peel, Repeat. Clingo makes it easy to stick your phone to a car dashboard, vent, or windshield. You can also put one on a desk and always have your phone or tablet stick to the proper viewing angle. More info at www.clingo.com

Enercell

Enercell offers an emergy power boost when your phone can’t get to a power outlet right away. It ships with multiple sizes and supports multiple phones. Radio Shack sells it for $49.99. More info at RadioShack.

Jay Bird Freedom Bluetooth headset

Jay Bird is a Bluetooth audio set designed for people who want a headset that is comfortable and optimized for movement. More information is available at Jaybirdgear.com.

MusicSkins.com

MusicSkins.com offers vinyl skins for anything you can think of. The online store is targeted mainly for album covers and photos of recording artists like The Beatles, Rihanna and Justin Bieber. However, there are also images of famous brands, artwork, and the ability to upload custom images to design a skin of any image you have the right to print. More info at MusicSkins.com.

Cellairis.com

Cellairis.com proved to be the biggest and flashiest of all the booths at CTIA. This company sells silicone skins and hard shells for several products, including Motorola Xoom cases, Samsung Fascinate cases, holsters, screen protectors, and more. Go to the website and shop by device or category. More info at Cellairis.com.

The HTC Thunderbolt, like many Android phones before it, has less than optimal battery life. While companies still have work to do to get longer battery life, at least we know that charging the Thunderbolt and other future smartphones will be a little easier with the wireless charging technology shown at CTIA 2011.

Here at CTIA, LG announced that it will release a wireless charging pad that charges phone batteries without needing to plug-in a cord to the phone or rely on after-market cases. Both Energizer and Powermat have delivered similar solutions in the past, but the LG Wireless Charging Pad ($69.99) has an inside track because its technology can be enabled before the phone ever gets into your hands. That means your HTC Thunderbolt, or any Verizon LTE phone slated to be released this year, can ship with a built-in charging solution that doesn’t block any ports or force you to buy third-party cases.

The LG Wireless Charging Pad is an example of the new inductive charging options coming from the Wireless Power Consortium, an organization that aims to create a world in which people are “connected without wires.” The group develops technology used to build smart charging solutions that can be hidden in a bowl on your end table or even a panel in your desk. Several Android phone makers are members of the consortium, so we’ll more than likely see this technology spread to other devices in the future.

Here’s a demo of the LG Wireless Charging Pad and other charging solutions filmed at CTIA 2011.

HTC EVO 4G users can charge their phones without plugging them into a USB charger. Who needs a plug when the Powermat charges the phone by placing the EVO, equipped with a custom replacement door, onto a receiver mat that adds energy to the device?

Powermat has made its new receiver system available for purchase online for $59.99. Is it worth the money? Read our review of the Powermat EVO 4G set and make that decision for yourself. Spoiler alert: we liked it, though there may be some issues about lining up the receiver door and mat.

To celebrate the launch, we’re giving away one Powermat set-up and a bonus mat in case you have multiple devices that can take advantage of Powermat. The contest is simple and open to any EVO 4G owner in the United States.

Here’s how to win:

• Like the Androinica.com Facebook Fan Page

• Search for our discussion that says, “We’re giving away a PowerMat HTC EVO 4G wireless charging set” and leave a comment.

• That’s it; you’re in.

Please limit yourself to ONE comment. The winner must live within the United States, and will be notified via Facebook. If he or she does not respond within 7 days with a shipping address, another entrant will be selected.

Charger fatigue is no fun, especially when faced with limited outlets or space to pack when traveling. That’s why people are intrigued by the Powermat sets that charge multiple devices through one outlet.

Powermat is offering a new method that makes charging even easier now that it uses slimmer rear panels on devices rather than the larger add-ons of previous models. The HTC EVO 4G is the latest Android device to take advantage of Powermat’s “wireless” drop-and-go system. The custom receiver door drops onto a plugged-in mat and instantly begins charging, so there’s no need to search for USB cords or ports.

At $39.99, Powermat is by no means a necessary expense. But for the sake of convenience, especially for people who have multiple phones or cameras capable of charging with Powermat, it’s a neater solution. Having an easily-recognizable place to put a phone down and charge can warrant a purchase. Unlike the bulkier models that added a charging panel to the rear of previous phones, the EVO receiver door is smooth, slim, and practically the same size as the original back casing. One negative is that the receiver door has a protruding microUSB cover/charger that makes the bottom of the phone have an odd shape. However, I’m confident most people will be able to overlook this minor detail.

Powermat represents a convenient method for quickly charging a device. If you’re sick of chords and want to simplify charging on the go, order a Powermat. EVO owners can purchase a full set that includes the receiver door and a 1x charging mat, or purchase an additional 2x or 3x panel for multi-device charging. Be sure to line-up the rear-door and the charging panel so that the device will charge properly (a white light will shine on the mat when charging). Once that’s done, you’ll be able to drop, charge, and go about your business.

Powermat will go on sale at the end of October. Visit Powermat.com for more information.

Powermat features “Drop and Charge” availability that allows users to place the phone on the mat and walk away. Plugging in a standard charger is not a tedious process by any means, but multiple device owners (or someone whose spouse also has charging needs) can cut back on the chords and have a Powermat make charging the phone more organized and streamlined.

CES Booth attendees said that the phone can charge just as fast as the standard charger, however there is a 10% weaker charge at the moment. That’s going to be a big setback but they are still working to make the system more efficient and capable of meeting or surpassing the standard charge.

The “receivers” (battery and built-in charger) range from $29-40 depending on model. That’s in addition to the $39-$79 mat. Expect to see the new Android-targeted Powermats this spring or summer.

I have seen a few of these extended batteries, one of which is the Seidio 1400mAh model that I mentioned last December. Of course, if you are looking for something that will seriously increase the life of the original 1150mAh battery, then you may want to consider the 2400mAh battery from Mugen Power.

A big drawback to these are that they are generally not all that inexpensive, the Mugen G1 battery retails for $63.95 and personally I want to make sure it is going to be worth the money. While I would love to review every product available, that is simply not possible. So, thanks to the power of the internet we have a wide variety of “trusted” sources to look for product reviews.

The Mugen G1 battery was recently reviewed over on jkOnTheRun and as they pointed out, this battery offers more than “double the capacity of the original G1 battery.”

As far as how well it actually performs;

“I haven’t had it long enough to do real benchmarks but I can confidently state it is definitely getting at least twice as long on a charge.”

Sounds like it may be worthy of a purchase. Also, make sure you click through on the link below, in addition to the review, they also have several comparison images posted.

[jkOnTheRun]