Good, reliable car battery jumper?

[CathyA]

We live pretty far from anywhere that could come jump our car's dead battery quickly. Anyone have one and is happy with its performance?
Thanks.

[bae]

I have several Duracell Powerpack 600 units, and they are great for all sorts of things. They have an inverter and can provide AC power in power outages, they have a 12v outlet for recharging things, and they can jump start a big Diesel engine.

[ToomuchStuff]

The problems I have seen with them (looked at different brands) are the clamps. Same thing with jumper cables as if you can't get a good connection, your loosing charge. (side terminal batteries may be more problematic)

[CathyA]

Thanks Bae and TMS. Those Duracell Power units look great. I hadn't thought of getting something that would let us have a little electricity in a power failure, without having to run the generator.
Do I need at least 500 amps to start a dead car battery right up?
How often do you need to charge your powerpacks Bae? Can you charge it using a car? How long would that take?
Thanks!