@kungfuqua Literally just read the same thing in the user manual. Not many BMS modules are made to handle input and output at the same time, and do it well, and especially not cheap ones. Not a deal-breaker for me, but odd that someone would have gotten that detail so wrong.
**NOTE TO USERS: Don’t charge a device while you’re charging the power bank. The manual says it’s a bad idea. Common sense agrees with the manual. You’re welcome.
With the type of charger that it is and the fact that you’re buying 2 presents you the opportunity of having ‘unlimited’ charging – if you follow ‘the discipline’ of owning such a set of chargers
The facts:
it has a built-in USB-C cable
it has a built-in wall charger
you get 2!
So here’s how it works:
to start off, you take one with you, and you leave one charging on the wall.
if you need to take the fully-powered one off the wall you must replace it with the dead one
In this way, you are (almost) guaranteed a fully charged charger, but only if you follow ‘the discipline’ of replacing said dead charger at the same moment you are taking the full charger.
Technically this works with any 2 battery packs, ‘docked up near a USB-charging area’, but the fact that it has its own built-in AC adapter makes it easier to follow the discipline.
I mean, yes it doesn’t do USB-PD, but how many of you have had battery packs that you took with you, but ended up finding out that it was dead when you needed it?!
If they had a lightning version for the same price, I’d have taken one for myself.
Literally all last week, on work travel, I was lamenting losing my 4-port Anker wall charger. I only ever used two ports on it at a time but it was nice to plug in bedside so my phones could charge overnight.
I often also have to tether to my phone to get outside customers’ firewalls while onsite, though, so sometimes it doesn’t make it through the day before I have to haul out a cable, and you’d be surprised how many conference rooms at high-tech companies have a completely insufficient number of power outlets for full occupancy. With this guy I can carry one slim device that can do hotel and office duty without extra cables. So I’m a lopsided-numberless-hare.
@Fej The number of unlisted electrical products sold on Amazon (3rd party, fulfilled by Amazon) is really pathetic. It doesn’t help that a lot of folks don’t understand which mark means what. The most common ones on many products are:
CE is Conformité Européenne and it’s for the EU, not for the US. It can be self-certified that the product meets proper EU mandates.
FCC is the US Federal Communications Commission, but the mark is only a declaration that electromagnetic interference is below the limits. It has nothing to do with the safety on the rest of the item. This too can be self-certified.
I get it – independent testing costs money for the manufacturer – but I much prefer that an independent laboratory has verified that the basics of electrical safety are in place rather than the “you can trust us” aspect.
@vinuash I personally would not use any charger with the Switch that didn’t come with it, unless it has been formally approved by Nintendo. I think the Switch uses a proprietary charge circuit that doesn’t always play nice with off-the-shelf chargers. I have heard several stories of Switch consoles being bricked or otherwise made useless after owners attempted to charge them with chargers or power banks not approved for them…and of course this is not covered under warranty!
Even if you could use this power bank safely with the Switch, it’s too small to really provide much of a charge.
@PooltoyWolf@vinuash I have used low-power chargers with the Switch and learned what is said above – it will trickle-charge very slowly and can’t support active use. I haven’t had any problems with damage or heard much about that.
USB-C is a format that allows the device (Switch in this case) to negotiate with the charger for more voltage. Many chargers (like this one) only provide 5V, so they can never meet the Switch’s full power demand. Other USB-C protocols adopted Samsung and many computers now use a higher voltage. I have heard that the official Switch adapter uses a different non-standard voltage.That’s why I agree that only the Switch charger can fully power a Switch (and especially the dock which needs more power in docked mode.) I did buy an AmazonBasics replacement Switch charger (plug-in, not portable) and it worked fine too
[UPDATE] Just remembered I did buy a Switch car-adapter (12V “lighter socket”) and it did support the Switch handheld fine at full charge rate. So that’s an option for portable charging if you can do it in a car or RV. Not sure if that would have enough power to run docked mode but it’s a “semi-portable” alternative charge option. Note this was a Switch-specific USB-C adapter. Other USB-C phone chargers will only do the 5V (or if they can do higher, it’s not what the Switch wants) so those are not recommended…
USB-C is a format that allows the device (Switch in this case) to negotiate with the charger for more voltage.
That is not how I understand it. It’s not the USB-C format that does this, it’s the QC 2.0 or QC 3.0 protocol. Those can ride on any USB plug whether it be USB-C, Micro, or Mini.
@pmarin Partially correct. USB-PD (which requires a USB-C connector, but not all USB-C connectors are USB-PD) can, and the newest Quick Charge is fully USB-PD compliant.
USB 2 spec = max 2.5w (5v x .5a)
USB 3 standard port spec = max 4.7w (5v x .9a)
USB 3 charging port spec = max 7.5w (5v x 1.5a)
USB 3.1 spec = max 15w (5v x 3a)
Quick Charge 2.0 spec = max 18w (9v x 2a)
Quick Charge 3.0 spec = max 18w (9v x 2a)
Quick Charge 4 spec = max 18w (9v x 2a) via QC
Quick Charge 4+ spec = max 27w (9v x 3a) via USB-PD
USB-PD spec = max negotiated on voltage/amperage/compliance of device, charger and cable
USB-PD 20v spec = max 100w (20v x 5a)
USB-PD 15v spec = max 45w (15v x 3a)
USB-PD 9v spec = max 27w (9v x 3a)
USB-PD 5v spec = max 15w (5v x 3a)
Warp Charge 30 spec (VOOC, Oppo/OnePlus) = max 30w (5v x 6a)
Dash Charge spec (VOOC, Oppo/OnePlus) = max 20w (5v x 4a)
Qi spec = max 5w (5v x 1a)
Qi out-of-spec max = max 15w (5v x 3a)
Connectors
USB 2 and 3, as well as QC 2, can use microUSB, USB or USB-C connectors
USB-PD, Quick Charge 3/4/4+, and VOOC use USB-C connectors
Heat
Almost all of these will slow down based on heat.
Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a REAL oddball here, though. For that, I strongly recommend this site: https://switchchargers.com/how-it-works/
In the end, you can get the Switch up to 18w via USB-PD 15v x 2.6a; that said, this charger will likely top out at the ‘passable’ tier for the switch - 7.5w, via USB 5v x 1.5a.
@itomeshi@pmarin There is a USB 2.something charging spec that standardized current negotiation for charging only ports. On the charger side, tying the 2 data pins together with a total of 200 ohms or less indicates a charging only ports.
This specification assume that the device being charged is smart enough to make all of the decisions. The charger side can be a dumb brick, the cable can just be some wires. The smart device is supposed to start with no more than a 500 mA charging rate and to slowly ratchet up the current until the device gets all the current it can handle, the voltage at the device end drops below some threshold, or the device reaches 2.4 amps.
This charger maxes out at 2.4 amps, because that is the highest current allowed through the dumb charger/smart device charging standard. USB PD and USB QC both allow higher currents, but also require some intelligence in the charger. USB-PD requires intelligence in the cable.
@hamjudo Do you have any reference for that 2.4a charging spec? I see some information on Apple having one at (1), but nothing about a USB ‘official’ one. For example, the wikipedia page, (2), doesn’t list a 2.4a standard.
That said, Apple having a 2.4a standard is notable enough to be valid. Anker PowerIQ 2, for example, is generally a mix of Apple 2.4a and Quick Charge 3 emulation.
If it had USB-C (phone) and MicroUSB (headset, lots of things) cables, I’d be in! (great for travel)
For charging you can use the wall or they can add a MicroUSB port just like everything else. I don’t see the point in dedicating (precious) cable to USB-A.
@rmeden it’s to charge the battery pack if you don’t have a spare wall outlet to use
Let’s assume there’s a situation where there’s only one wall outlet, and you don’t have a power strip, but you have say a 5-port 40W USB AC adapter. You can then use one of the ports to charge the battery pack
Another use case I just thought of is similar, but instead of a multi-port USB hub, you need to charge your laptop with the single wall outlet, however you can use your laptop’s USB port to charge the power bank
@akumax@rmeden A micro usb charging port would require carrying another cable, which this is trying to avoid. With the ac plug and the attached input cable, everything need to charge the albeit anemic battery is included.
@akumax@kuoh The attached USB-A cable is only used to charge the battery using a computer or an external wall-wart. You can plug the battery directly into 110-240V AC, so another cable isn’t needed to charge. If you’re going to have a computer or wall wart, having a microusb cable isn’t a big deal. Having a MicroUSB or Lightning internal cable (output) would have made this a much handier device.
@akumax@kuoh I should add my current “primary” battery has a built in MicroUSB and came with a lightning adapter in a nook and cranny. My current phone is USB-C now. This product would be superior to my current one if it did (or had adapters for) MicroUSB/Lighning since it has the wall plug.
Meh is mostly products that are almost good, except for one small oversight… this fits well!
Got these last time. Work great for me, love the convenience of the built in USB-C plug. Plug works with my Spigen case without issue. It’s just enough power to keep my Note 9 alive all day with very heavy usage. Think I’ll get another set.
Wife has a phone she “forgets” to charge. It’s too much to carry a power bank and cord but with a built-in cord, this might work. overblown-enigmatic-throne
I bought a few of these last time for my kids to use with their Nintendo Switches and they’ve been perfect. The built-in USB–C cord makes all the difference. The power banks are nice and thin and easily fit in the Switch storage cases. Highly recommend!
@allergic2skank I would be very surprised if these power banks can charge a Switch at all, let alone while it’s being used. Additionally, these aren’t certified by Nintendo, so if they damage the console, it won’t be covered by the warranty.
Just an extra comment to say that I LOVE THESE THINGS. They are so slim and easy to carry around that I’m never without extra power for my greedy Samsung, and I never have to worry about choosing between a phone call and playing Pokemon . Yay!
from Meh’s bullet points for the power banks:
“That means you can charge other devices and the power bank at the same time!”
from the Product Manual they link to on this very page for the power banks:
“Do not charge the Power Bank and an electronic device at the same time. This will shorten the life of the battery.”
@kungfuqua Literally just read the same thing in the user manual. Not many BMS modules are made to handle input and output at the same time, and do it well, and especially not cheap ones. Not a deal-breaker for me, but odd that someone would have gotten that detail so wrong.
**NOTE TO USERS: Don’t charge a device while you’re charging the power bank. The manual says it’s a bad idea. Common sense agrees with the manual. You’re welcome.
In 4 1 set, for the wife/girlfriend/daughter
Hear me out here, here’s the reasoning:
With the type of charger that it is and the fact that you’re buying 2 presents you the opportunity of having ‘unlimited’ charging – if you follow ‘the discipline’ of owning such a set of chargers
The facts:
So here’s how it works:
In this way, you are (almost) guaranteed a fully charged charger, but only if you follow ‘the discipline’ of replacing said dead charger at the same moment you are taking the full charger.
Technically this works with any 2 battery packs, ‘docked up near a USB-charging area’, but the fact that it has its own built-in AC adapter makes it easier to follow the discipline.
I mean, yes it doesn’t do USB-PD, but how many of you have had battery packs that you took with you, but ended up finding out that it was dead when you needed it?!
If they had a lightning version for the same price, I’d have taken one for myself.
So to recap: don’t stick your dick in crazy
@akumax I want to hear more about this wife/girlfriend/daughter person.
Literally all last week, on work travel, I was lamenting losing my 4-port Anker wall charger. I only ever used two ports on it at a time but it was nice to plug in bedside so my phones could charge overnight.
I often also have to tether to my phone to get outside customers’ firewalls while onsite, though, so sometimes it doesn’t make it through the day before I have to haul out a cable, and you’d be surprised how many conference rooms at high-tech companies have a completely insufficient number of power outlets for full occupancy. With this guy I can carry one slim device that can do hotel and office duty without extra cables. So I’m a lopsided-numberless-hare.
/giphy lopsided-numberless-hare
Yay for actually being safety certified by an independent laboratory!
https://www.sgsgroup.us.com
(Many on Amazon and eBay are not.)
@narfcake It’s almost like you’re supposed to get electrical products sold in the US certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Labratory!
@Fej The number of unlisted electrical products sold on Amazon (3rd party, fulfilled by Amazon) is really pathetic. It doesn’t help that a lot of folks don’t understand which mark means what. The most common ones on many products are:
CE is Conformité Européenne and it’s for the EU, not for the US. It can be self-certified that the product meets proper EU mandates.
FCC is the US Federal Communications Commission, but the mark is only a declaration that electromagnetic interference is below the limits. It has nothing to do with the safety on the rest of the item. This too can be self-certified.
I get it – independent testing costs money for the manufacturer – but I much prefer that an independent laboratory has verified that the basics of electrical safety are in place rather than the “you can trust us” aspect.
Already have a drawer full that I never use
I got these the last time both doa
@Aschdrw That sounds about right, same for me with last powerbank I bought here (a different one)
@robson but the bt speaker i got in a a irk is reliable as shit.
A charger with built in wires AND a plug? This sounds awesome.
/buy
POPSOCKETS! COURT DOCKETS! FOLK ROCK HITS! AWESOME!
@JT954 It worked! Your order number is: impolite-frivolous-twist
/image impolite frivolous twist
I’m a little dubious about the quality, but I’ll give it a shot for this price
/giphy broken-hissing-theory
@Superllama7 I bought these last time, very happy with the purchase. Enjoy
Ok, I’m sold on another couple of power banks that I don’t really need. Curse you Meh!
/buy
@mehmoth It worked! Your order number is: unobtrusive-webbed-basket
/image unobtrusive webbed basket
@mehmoth
/giphy unobtrusive webbed basket
I, as well, l am sold on another couple of power banks that I don’t really need. Curse you Meh!
/giphy relished-unclear-mouse
@therealjrn Minnie’s voice actor passed away yesterday, and now I’m sad.
Mehhhhhhh
Oh, cool, one for each ear, great package deal
Ok, I’m also sold on another couple of power banks that I don’t really need. Curse you Meh!
/buy
@D_a_v_e It worked! Your order number is: moaning-circular-olive
/image moaning circular olive
Are these worthwhile for the switch or nay
@vinuash kinda
they will only charge your switch at 2.4A/12 watts
so if you are playing a game and charging, it wont increase in battery but it wont decrease either
if you are willing to spend the money, you should get a USB c power delivery power bank that can charge the switch at a full 18 watts https://www.amazon.com/10000mAh-Delivery-Portable-OKZU-External/dp/B07M8JWBQ6/
@vinuash I personally would not use any charger with the Switch that didn’t come with it, unless it has been formally approved by Nintendo. I think the Switch uses a proprietary charge circuit that doesn’t always play nice with off-the-shelf chargers. I have heard several stories of Switch consoles being bricked or otherwise made useless after owners attempted to charge them with chargers or power banks not approved for them…and of course this is not covered under warranty!
Even if you could use this power bank safely with the Switch, it’s too small to really provide much of a charge.
@PooltoyWolf @vinuash I have used low-power chargers with the Switch and learned what is said above – it will trickle-charge very slowly and can’t support active use. I haven’t had any problems with damage or heard much about that.
USB-C is a format that allows the device (Switch in this case) to negotiate with the charger for more voltage. Many chargers (like this one) only provide 5V, so they can never meet the Switch’s full power demand. Other USB-C protocols adopted Samsung and many computers now use a higher voltage. I have heard that the official Switch adapter uses a different non-standard voltage.That’s why I agree that only the Switch charger can fully power a Switch (and especially the dock which needs more power in docked mode.) I did buy an AmazonBasics replacement Switch charger (plug-in, not portable) and it worked fine too
[UPDATE] Just remembered I did buy a Switch car-adapter (12V “lighter socket”) and it did support the Switch handheld fine at full charge rate. So that’s an option for portable charging if you can do it in a car or RV. Not sure if that would have enough power to run docked mode but it’s a “semi-portable” alternative charge option. Note this was a Switch-specific USB-C adapter. Other USB-C phone chargers will only do the 5V (or if they can do higher, it’s not what the Switch wants) so those are not recommended…
@pmarin
That is not how I understand it. It’s not the USB-C format that does this, it’s the QC 2.0 or QC 3.0 protocol. Those can ride on any USB plug whether it be USB-C, Micro, or Mini.
@pmarin Partially correct. USB-PD (which requires a USB-C connector, but not all USB-C connectors are USB-PD) can, and the newest Quick Charge is fully USB-PD compliant.
Connectors
Heat
Almost all of these will slow down based on heat.
Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a REAL oddball here, though. For that, I strongly recommend this site: https://switchchargers.com/how-it-works/
In the end, you can get the Switch up to 18w via USB-PD 15v x 2.6a; that said, this charger will likely top out at the ‘passable’ tier for the switch - 7.5w, via USB 5v x 1.5a.
Refs:
@itomeshi @pmarin There is a USB 2.something charging spec that standardized current negotiation for charging only ports. On the charger side, tying the 2 data pins together with a total of 200 ohms or less indicates a charging only ports.
This specification assume that the device being charged is smart enough to make all of the decisions. The charger side can be a dumb brick, the cable can just be some wires. The smart device is supposed to start with no more than a 500 mA charging rate and to slowly ratchet up the current until the device gets all the current it can handle, the voltage at the device end drops below some threshold, or the device reaches 2.4 amps.
This charger maxes out at 2.4 amps, because that is the highest current allowed through the dumb charger/smart device charging standard. USB PD and USB QC both allow higher currents, but also require some intelligence in the charger. USB-PD requires intelligence in the cable.
@hamjudo Do you have any reference for that 2.4a charging spec? I see some information on Apple having one at (1), but nothing about a USB ‘official’ one. For example, the wikipedia page, (2), doesn’t list a 2.4a standard.
That said, Apple having a 2.4a standard is notable enough to be valid. Anker PowerIQ 2, for example, is generally a mix of Apple 2.4a and Quick Charge 3 emulation.
I predict no sell-out today. Meh’s one day streak still stands.
What’s the point of the USB-A input?
If it had USB-C (phone) and MicroUSB (headset, lots of things) cables, I’d be in! (great for travel)
For charging you can use the wall or they can add a MicroUSB port just like everything else. I don’t see the point in dedicating (precious) cable to USB-A.
@rmeden it’s to charge the battery pack if you don’t have a spare wall outlet to use
Let’s assume there’s a situation where there’s only one wall outlet, and you don’t have a power strip, but you have say a 5-port 40W USB AC adapter. You can then use one of the ports to charge the battery pack
Another use case I just thought of is similar, but instead of a multi-port USB hub, you need to charge your laptop with the single wall outlet, however you can use your laptop’s USB port to charge the power bank
@akumax @rmeden This
@akumax I can see a possible purpose, but your situation could mostly be achieved with a MicroUSB charging port like most batteries.
My point is a more commonly needed built-in cable (MicroUSB or lightning) would make the product useful enough for me to buy.
@akumax @rmeden A micro usb charging port would require carrying another cable, which this is trying to avoid. With the ac plug and the attached input cable, everything need to charge the albeit anemic battery is included.
KuoH
@akumax @kuoh The attached USB-A cable is only used to charge the battery using a computer or an external wall-wart. You can plug the battery directly into 110-240V AC, so another cable isn’t needed to charge. If you’re going to have a computer or wall wart, having a microusb cable isn’t a big deal. Having a MicroUSB or Lightning internal cable (output) would have made this a much handier device.
@akumax @kuoh I should add my current “primary” battery has a built in MicroUSB and came with a lightning adapter in a nook and cranny. My current phone is USB-C now. This product would be superior to my current one if it did (or had adapters for) MicroUSB/Lighning since it has the wall plug.
Meh is mostly products that are almost good, except for one small oversight… this fits well!
Bought these last time. Fast charge. Easy portable. Best portable charger ever.
I guess l am also sold on another couple of power banks that I don’t really need. Curse you too, Meh!
/Buy
@narfcake It worked! Your order number is: feisty-smiley-loss
/image feisty smiley loss
Got these last time. Work great for me, love the convenience of the built in USB-C plug. Plug works with my Spigen case without issue. It’s just enough power to keep my Note 9 alive all day with very heavy usage. Think I’ll get another set.
/buy
@EmptiMind It worked! Your order number is: permissible-giddy-pest
/image permissible giddy pest
No more chargers !!
I bought these the last time and would have loved them… If the USB C end wasn’t so bulky it won’t fit without removing the phone case
USB-C plug but no mention of USB PD compliance. No USB PD, no sale.
@ellett USB has its own Police Department?
Enough power banks. Why do I even look?
@SadSadSatellite Huh? Looking on mehstalker, the last power packs were 56 items ago.
@SadSadSatellite Besides, they’re well liked obviously.
/giphy impartial ratty elf
Wife has a phone she “forgets” to charge. It’s too much to carry a power bank and cord but with a built-in cord, this might work. overblown-enigmatic-throne
I bought a few of these last time for my kids to use with their Nintendo Switches and they’ve been perfect. The built-in USB–C cord makes all the difference. The power banks are nice and thin and easily fit in the Switch storage cases. Highly recommend!
@allergic2skank I would be very surprised if these power banks can charge a Switch at all, let alone while it’s being used. Additionally, these aren’t certified by Nintendo, so if they damage the console, it won’t be covered by the warranty.
Ok, I’m sold on another couple of power banks that I don’t really need. Curse you Meh!
Just an extra comment to say that I LOVE THESE THINGS. They are so slim and easy to carry around that I’m never without extra power for my greedy Samsung, and I never have to worry about choosing between a phone call and playing Pokemon
. Yay!
Specs
What’s in the Box?
Price Comparison
$44.56 (for 2) at Amazon
Warranty
90 days
Estimated Delivery
Monday, July 13th - Friday, July 17th
/buy
@ciabelle It worked! Your order number is: nifty-puffy-prose
/image nifty puffy prose
/image sudden-clumsy-narwhal
/giphy sudden-clumsy-narwhal
Bought these last time, and are now my primary packs for my Galaxy and iPad. Very happy with them
Super happy, just bought 2 more sets!
/buy
@Potatoboy It worked! Your order number is: peculiar-glittery-square
/image peculiar glittery square
/buy
@spl152db It worked! Your order number is: unfriendly-mythical-belief
/image unfriendly mythical belief
Do they make the wall plug in chargers with an attached cord for an iPhone? Then it would be perfect!
@hudsonaccount yes
@Jondaniel do you happen to know where? Can’t find them anywhere.
Give me a 10,000 mAh capacity and a Lightning connector instead of that USB-A and I’m in.
I got these last time, and they stopped working
@sherip1025 I got them this time and one stopped working, worried about the other one now
/giphy painted-encouraging-power
Ooo
I’d definitely go for it except that USB C plug is obviously incompatible with most cases
got mine…and with a little creative trimming on the c-usb plug it works fine…lg g5 ottterbox defender,