Very likely! A list of devices is on the front page and is updated all the time. If you find a new device that it does/doesn't work with, please post on the forum or email me (thanks!)
Nearly all USB-charging devices and any device that charges with 5V power (up to 250mA+) can be used.
If you are having problems with your device, see the other FAQ's below
Don't panic! Post to the forum (don't send email) about your problem.
A high resolution photo of the top and bottom of your kit will be extremely helpful in debugging your problem
I don't sell assembled MintyBoosts, only kits. However, if you post on the forum, people sometimes offer to sell manufactured kits at low cost.
The kit comes with a PCB and all components necessary to build the kit. It does not come with an altoids tin or tools or batteries. The tin isnt necessary but MintyBoost is designed to be placed in one for protection and aesthetics.
This question is hard to judge because every device has different power usage. However, a simple way to calculate approximate run-time is: take the size of the internal Lithium-Ion battery (for example, many iPods have 750mAh batteries) and divide 1000 by that number. So for a 750mA battery, 1000/750 = 1.3. The MintyBoost will fully charge the device about 1.3 times, as a best case. Remember, this is only an approximation and has a lot to do with the quality of the batteries you use (expensive alkalines v. cheap rechargables) and the internal circuitry of the device for recharging the battery.
If you are using rechargeable batteries (NiMH or NiCad) then 3 batteries is better than 2. However, if you are using Alkalines, you won't get significantly more run time this way. In fact, with 4 batteries, the output voltage is 6V which is too high and could theoretically damage your device! The charger is optimized for about 3V input. For longer run time, use 2 C or D size batteries.
Under no circumstances should you use a 9V battery. You could damage the kit and your device, the voltage is much too high!
Its normal for the chip and batteries to be warm, especially when charging a device that is nearly drained. However, if the chip is so hot that its painful to touch, something is wrong!
These parts are optional: they are for the low battery indicator. there wasnt enough space to add them to the PCB using through hole parts so they are surfacemount and on the bottom. They're an 'extra' capability which you may add if you feel experienced with SMT soldering.