So, this is one of them all-in-one items, like the combination TV and VHS or DVD player?

It's great when everything is new and working.

But, when individual items/features start failing, the "Economical to Repair" issue really starts to become relevent.

I agree with Adam. We purchased ours about 2 years ago and have hardly used it. My husband put air in a wheel barrow tire and went to recharge the charger and it will not hold a charge. Guess I have to find a different brand to buy next. What a rip off!

Yup.

Just about anything with a battery in it is already "set to fail" from the get go.

Although, my less complimicated jump starter, external battery, "saved" me many a time after I forgot about the dang headlights...

And, supplying one's own extension cord to charge the battery really "confuses" some buyers of this type of item.

That thing got a long model number, for a replacement battery lookup?

There are only a couple of companies that make products like this: Shumacher and Coleman are the two that I'm aware of. They manufacture products for the mass market to rebrand (along with some of them being under their own name). But, Adam's right. A lead-acid battery that most people are going to barely ever use is going to fail, no two ways about it. Lead-acid batteries want to be used and charged. Take either of those two things away and it's unhappy.

Yaa...

My unit saved my bacon several times, after having left the pickup headlights on from the morning commute.

Pickup trucks (that I owned) didn't come equipped with them buzzers or ding/dingers that warn you that your vehicle engine is off, and you're opening your door - with the headlights still turned on.

Stupid trucks!

And, unless you park directly "in-front" of someth'n, you are NOT going to notice the headlights being still on (at least in my case).

And, if you work for Sears..., you have to park a MINIMUM of seven-parking spaces away from the building.

So, unless you park directly opposite from another parked vehicle, that got there BEFORE you got there to open the HI Department, you're... gonna really NEED one of them portable battery units.

Kept mine right in the Craftsman diamond-plate truck box, and checked it for charge, regularly.

Now, I got a Seedan, that'll turn off the headlights by itself!

I keep the portable battery for other folks that might need a jump start.

Used my 750 yesterday and it worked fine after sitting in the trunk for 2 or 3 months.  

ALL the portable power supplies need an initial full charging.

And, the first time the battery is charged will most likely be the longest time to charge (starting from "empty").

After this, on my unit, a red, yellow, green light charge indicator will indicate when the battery is exhausted, feeling tired or raring to go.

Many of the units require the owner to supply the 120 volt power cord to charge them.

I look upon this as "one less special cord or adaptor pack to get lost".

Same problems. Tried to jump car at about 12 months of ownership, charged prior to going to dead car, nadda. At 12.5 months will not hold charge except for light. Look up repairs mine is the 1150 A, no battery replacement. The 1150 has battery replacement area on back remove 8 screws and your in. In for a new battery ? price. Tomorrow I call the number on the box. I expect very little.

Here is a copy of what I responded to another blogger:

I've had a few of these (Diehards and some no-name brands) and, like most things with batteries, they fail if you don't use them or over charge them. The batteries that come with these are saled lead acid batteries and the worst you can do is let them go dead. Even one time could kill the battery, especially if it's left dead for some time. Although the bad thing is that if you leave it plugged in all the time (to make sure it's always charged for when you need it in an emergency) this "overcharging" can shorten the life of the battery as well. I now have learned an keep mine on a lamp timer. I have it set to charge one hour every day. This really helps in extending the life of the battery (never overcharging and never letting it go dead). I do this also with my battery opperated weed eater (very handy  thing for small jobs or upkeep). 

      Also it might be apparent that I only use it at home with all the vehicles and equipment I have. Having it in the trunk for that one time you might need it but there are many issues with that. Heat is not good in a hot trunk and batteries always drain down. Taking it out and in every-time you go out is a pain but really the only way to keep it safe. Maybe i the back seat and plugged into a outlet that only is on when the vehicle is on would be good (to keep it charged without over charging) but leaving it plugged in all the time is dangerous. Also here in Florida it can get hotter in the car then in the trunk. Buying it for the Son or Brother or friend who is always there to come to your rescue is a good solution also (Yes mine was a gift from someone who I have had to go and jump there car a few times LOL)

Hope this helps