STACK #207 Jan 2022

LIFE TECH FEATURE

visit stack.com.au

NKS,

POWER BA CHARGERS STORAGE STAY CON NECTED

&

Few things are as frustrating as a smartphone with a flat battery when you need to make an important call home, or a tablet/ laptop that runs out of juice while you’re writing a 2,000-word essay. The need to recharge tech can be overlooked when life gets busy and the school year begins, leaving users – and the battery level – seeing red. That’s where power banks come to the rescue. These compact and portable high capacity batteries deliver a fast recharge while on the go, or an emergency top-up. They’re a must-have addition to the school bag, offering peace of mind that devices will last all day long. The type of power bank you need depends on the type of device being charged, how often you charge it, as well as how quickly you want it to charge. Also consider the number of devices you want to charge – multi-port banks will charge several devices simultaneously, from smartwatches and phones to earbuds and tablets. Power banks support USB-A and USB-C (for fast charge) connection, making them compatible with most devices’ USB charging cable. Charge is measured in milliamps per hour (mAh) – the higher the mAh, the longer the power bank will last. If the power bank’s mAh is PORTABLE POWER

less than the device it’s charging, it won’t charge that device to a full 100%. How many charge cycles will it deliver? Your device’s mAh value lets you quickly calculate this. For example, most smartphones have a battery that’s approx. 3,000 mAh, therefore a 10,000mAh power bank will charge it three times. Aim for a power bank that will charge a phone at least twice. 15,000mAh is ideal for devices like earbuds and e-readers, while a maximum capacity of 20,000mAh will keep a laptop or tablet energised. 30,000mAh is recommended for larger laptops doing heavy lifting. A 20,000mAh capacity should be sufficient to charge the kind of devices taken to school, like earbuds, phone, tablet or laptop. The Cygnett Boost V2 20K Power Bank is an ideal choice for everyday school use and will charge three devices simultaneously, with up to 5.2 phone charges when fully powered. It’s fitted with a USB-C port for 15W fast charging, along with two USB-A connections, and a digital display to check the bank’s power level. If a power bank will only be used for a quick recharge or an emergency top-up, then opt for one with a basic, low capacity of 5,000mAh, like the Cygnett ChargeUp Move 5K Dual USB Power Bank , which also offers optimal charging for Apple devices. However, if it’s going to be used more frequently and for a full charge, consider a fast-charging model that won’t take hours to fully power up. And remember to always keep power banks and charging devices away from direct heat – never leave them in a hot car during summer.

Say watt Wattage is another thing to look for when considering a charger. You can determine the maximum wattage of a device by its INPUT value. Most smartphones require 5W to charge and tablets up to 12W, while Quick Charge certified tech uses 18W to speed things up. The amount of watts you need in a charger will depend on the device’s power consumption and how many devices will be charged at the same time – should you need to power up a pair of phones, you’ll need 24W.

jbhifi.com.au

20 JANUARY 2022