Portable and wireless charging
We’ve reached a point where our smartphones and laptops have become essential to our daily lives. Our smartphones are no longer just a way to communicate, but also a source of entertainment and a daily hub of useful apps that simply make life easier. As multitasking, multifunctional machines, they’re constantly facing the dreaded low-battery warning. You might be working on your smartphone, tablet or laptop when suddenly the screen goes black and you lose all your progress while you scramble to find a mains socket. That’s why a portable battery is your gadget’s best friend. Here are some key factors to consider when buying a really handy battery pack:
Power capacity / mAh
You may need a portable battery to power your smartphones/tablets for everyday tasks, or to power your laptops for work. Given how often you use your devices, the power capacity of a battery pack should be at the top of your list.
Power capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). There are portable batteries with capacities up to 24,000 mAh that can power several devices at once or recharge your smartphone multiple times. While you can buy a lower-capacity battery, choosing a higher-capacity model that can run many devices and even small household appliances can be a better, more convenient and more cost-effective idea.
One example offers a capacity of 48,000 mAh and two AC sockets that can power any electronic device up to 250 W.
Durability
There are hundreds of portable batteries on the market today, but only a few stand the test of time and heavy use. As with any working electronic device, durability should be a priority. The type of material and the manufacturer matter a great deal here. Buying from a reputable company committed to making quality products gives you the assurance that you’re getting something reliable.
Ports
Naturally, if you use several devices, it’s better to buy a portable battery pack with enough ports for all of them. Buying a portable battery pack or power bank that doesn’t offer the right number of ports won’t really work in your favour.
Size
Although most portable batteries these days are generally small and very easy to carry, size is still a factor to consider. As a rule, the higher the capacity, the bulkier the portable battery pack. For some people, that’s not an issue because the main aim of buying a battery is to power as many devices, as many times as possible. Others, however, prefer versions that are easy to slip into a jeans pocket or a small piece of hand luggage.
Input current
Another factor to think about is how long it takes to recharge the battery itself, which depends on the input current of the portable battery pack. Most battery packs accept current between 0.8 and 1.5 A, with higher input usually found on higher-capacity models. If you come across two battery packs that look identical and are in the same price range, this small detail could be the deciding factor.
Safety
With all the battery-explosion issues that surrounded the Samsung Note 7, it’s reasonable to wonder whether it’s really safe to own a portable battery. While there have been very few reported cases of portable batteries exploding, it’s still essential to buy from a well-known and trusted charging-solutions company. These companies offer good-quality batteries with built-in safety features to prevent overcharging and overheating, which is why battery explosions are relatively rare.
Cables
Portable batteries generally come with connection cables. Since they all work via USB ports, you can easily use the charging cables you already own. If cables are included, it’s best to check that what’s in the box actually suits your needs. Ideally, iOS users should also check whether the supplied Lightning cable connector is MFI certified. You can also check cable length, as some models come with cables in different lengths.
Design
For some people, design is a minor part of the decision-making process, but more often than not, you’ll still choose a device that looks good. You probably don’t want an ugly-looking gadget or accessory constantly within arm’s reach. Colour is also a factor to consider, as the various models available on the market usually come in several colours.
Price
The price of the power bank can be the deciding factor in your purchase. Cheaper portable batteries tend to fail more easily or come with little to no after-sales support. So if you’re buying something to power your expensive devices, it’s worth considering investing in a slightly pricier solution that will serve you well in the long term.
Brand
As with the other factors to consider, brand is crucial. You don’t want to buy a portable battery pack that will cause you more problems down the line. You should always stick to a brand that’s a pioneer in charging solutions, and one that has proven experience in providing the best charging options.
Remember that owning a portable battery doesn’t just mean you can power your devices on the go, because some even offer mains sockets to run any equipment or appliance that needs AC power. Investing in a robust, high-capacity battery pack from a reputable brand definitely comes with lifelong benefits.
