STACK #243 January 2025

TECH FEATURE

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Cable-free convenience

Wireless power banks charge devices without the clutter of cables and adaptors.Types include charging pads, docks and stands, and most use a magnetic connection between the charger and device – just place the device on the charger’s surface to begin charging. Qi is the universal standard for wireless charging, while the newer Qi2 uses a magnetic power profile and is backwards compatible with Qi and MagSafe 15W chargers. Devices must be Qi-certified to use these wireless chargers. Belkin BoostCharge Pro Magnetic 5K Power Bank with Qi2 15W This 5,000mAh fast charging bank suits iPhones and other Qi2 certified

POWER IN THE BANK

In today’s tech-reliant world, a dead battery can be more than an inconvenience – it can disrupt your day. So keeping devices charged throughout the school year is crucial, and portable power banks offer a simple and practical solution. Words Bec Summer P ortable power banks are compact, high-capacity batteries designed to recharge devices on the go. They’re perfect for students needing a reliable way to keep phones, tablets, laptops, and earbuds going all day long. The type of devices to be charged, how often, and how quickly, determines the type of power bank you need. Many support fast charging for compatible devices, and banks with multiple ports can charge several devices simultaneously. Whether you’re charging multiple devices or just require fast and efficient power, a portable power bank is indispensable for staying connected, alleviating battery stress, and maximising productivity in the classroom.

phones. Plug it into the wall and it will recharge itself once your phone is powered up, giving you up to 16 hours of charging time on the go. It also has a kickstand for hands-free video calls or streaming while charging.

Cygnett Charge Connect 5K Magnetic Slim Power Bank Suitable for wirelessly fast charging

What to look for in a portable power bank

iPhones 12 and above, as well as MagSafe and Qi compatible phones, this ultra-lightweight bank has a 5,000mAh capacity and USB-C 15W port. Ideal for travel and

Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-Port Laptop Power Bank 20K You’ll always be powered up

with this big 20,000mAh battery that delivers up to 60W of power. Ideal

USB-C supports higher voltage levels, enabling faster charging than a USB-A connection. DYK?

approved for airline carry-on baggage.

for laptops, tablets, and phones, you can even charge all three at once via the bank’s USB-A and dual USB-C ports. Plus, a handy digital display shows you how much juice is left in the tank.

Capacity is key A power bank’s capacity is measured in milliamps per hour (mAh), and the higher it is, the more charge cycles it can hold. 5,000mAh is ideal for quick top ups or charging a single phone, while 10,000–15,000 suits phone charging and smaller devices like earbuds. More juice is required for laptops and heavy-duty usage, so opt for 20,000–30,000 or more. Say watt Most phones require 5W to charge and tablets up to 12W, while Qi-certified fast charging uses 15W to speed things up. The amount of wattage you need depends on a device’s power consumption and how many will be charged simultaneously.

Power points Keep a power bank fully charged to ensure that it's ready when you need it, but never let its capacity reach zero before recharging. Always keep power banks and devices away from extreme heat or cold to prevent battery damage. Optimise your device settings, such as screen brightness and background app refresh, to conserve battery life. Utilise built-in battery saving features on your devices to extend battery life.

Cygnett ChargeUp Move Gen 2 5K Power Bank

This lightweight, pocket-sized power bank can charge two devices at once via dual USB-A ports. It will fully charge a phone 1.3 times and also suits tablets and earbuds. Plus, it comes pre-charged and ready to go out of the box.

28 JANUARY 2025

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