Motor Monkey is discreet. I usually leave my phone in the well behind the cupholder in my Audi rather than ‘posed’ for this picture. Useful for keeping charge up when Bluetooth is enabled

Motor Monkey keeps phone charged on the move

MOTOR Monkey: an odd name for a terrific piece of kit.

I don’t know whether you’ve come across this accessory before, but it’s really useful and very discreet.

I use Apple’s iPhone, and love all its features, even if my fingers can’t quite manage the keyboard elegantly for emails and texting (ah, bring me back that lovely Adler typewriter I started on as a journo!).

But one disadvantage of the iPhone is that it can be very battery intensive, especially if you have Bluetooth enabled for hands-free use in your car – as I do for my Audi.

However, this little USB hub plugs into the lighter socket, sits flush with just a gleaming stainless steel surface showing, and you simply cable up your iPhone to the Motor Monkey. It keeps the iPhone nicely powered up.

The unit also works with other phones – it comes with a variety of adaptors. The Motor Monkey can also power a BlackBerry and Sony PSP, as well as iPods, such as the nano, Classic and Touch. If you fancy a Motor Monkey (price