Batteries and Chargers – Page 15

The MightyPurse is an inexpensive phone-charging wallet

NEWS – I’ve written about purses or wallets with built-in backup batteries before, but most of those have been rather expensive. The Hbutler MightPurse Quilted Wallet is an inexpensive alternative to those bags.

Hbutler makes this wallet of leather. The quilted design and the push-lock closure on the front flap make this bag look similar to a designer bag I’ve seen. Inside, the wallet has a triple gusset construction that features two separate organizational compartments along with 16 credit card slots, 2 bill-folds, coin compartment, and room to put your phone and other items. Concealed inside is a slim, lightweight 4000mAh rechargeable battery that can recharge a smartphone up to two times. Auto power-on technology starts the phone charging as soon as it’s plugged in. The battery has a built-in microUSB charging cable, and a certified iPhone Lightning adapter is included. Finally, there’s a concealed USB cord to recharge your purse.

The quilted wallet is 5.11” tall x 8.26” wide x 1.37” deep and weighs 17.4oz. It comes with a detachable leather-and-chain strap for wearing the bag crossbody or on your shoulder. (Sorry for the fuzzy picture. That was the best the listing had.)

The Hbutler Women’s MightyPurse Quilted Wallet is available in black with gold hardware or red with silver hardware for $29.99 from Amazon.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Batteries and Chargers, Purse

The MightyPurse is an inexpensive phone-charging wallet originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 19, 2018 at 12:00 pm.

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Add a USB charger to your nightlight

NEWS – Even though our condo has more electrical outlets than any other place I’ve lived, we still never seem to have enough. I have so many things to charge or power, and a need to have lamps in every room because only the kitchen has an overhead light, that I have no room for nightlights. With the RevJams USB Wall Charger Night Light, I’d be able to have a charger that is also a nightlight.

The charger’s multifunctional button turns the LED nightlight on or off with a tap, or long-tap it to adjust light levels. A smart memory function recalls the last LED light setting. The two USB ports on the bottom automatically detect connected devices and deliver the optimal charging voltage to protect against overcharging and overheating.

The RevJams charger has prongs that fold away for easy transport. The charger is available in white with rose gold accents or with silver accents. The RevJams USB Wall Charger Night Light is $24.95 at The Grommet.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Batteries and Chargers

Add a USB charger to your nightlight originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 14, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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Studio Proper Apple Watch Dock review

REVIEW – I’m a firm believer of the old adage “a place for everything and everything in its place.” I have a spot for my keys, wallet, and pocketknife, but when it came to my Apple Watch, it’s always been haphazardly placed on its charger next to my nightstand. Now, Studio Proper’s Apple Watch Stand gives that expensive Watch a dignified charging spot.

What is it?

Proper’s Apple Watch Dock is a simple, elegant stand for displaying and charging your Apple Watch, for use on a desk, counter or bedside table.

Hardware specs

designed for simple placement and removal of your Watch
seamless cable management
precision machined from solid aluminum
compatible with all series of Apple Watch

What’s in the box?

Only the Apple Watch Dock, but the packaging is nice
does not include charging cable

Design and Features

Proper’s Stand couldn’t be easier to set up. It’s literally two pieces, the aluminum stand and a rubber piece that both holds the Apple Watch’s magnetic charging disc (not included) and the cable. Once assembled, which took all of 2 minutes, you’re left with a charging Stand with a long cable sticking out the back.

This simply plugs into a USB port or charging plug and you’re all set.

The Watch itself slips over the top of the stand and is held in place by the magnetic disc. It seemed to work better by clasping the bands first so that they hugged the stand a bit as they would a human wrist. This prevented it from slipping down a bit further and accidentally coming uncoupled from the disc.

Step 2: secure the disc in the rubber stopper

As far as functionality, that’s exactly what Proper’s Stand is made for. Holding, displaying and charging the Watch. However, it also acts as a bit of a damper to prevent the Watch display from coming on while in charging mode.

While the Watch is being charged, the slightest movement causes the display to illuminate. This includes footsteps, bed movements or even vibrations from the small fan that I have on my nightstand. The Stand acts as a small buffer against these accidental movements.

Step 3: slip the watch over the stand and BOOM, done

The material on the bottom of the Stand is like a hard plastic, which protects the surface its on, but also makes it a little slippery. It’s very easy to turn and move, depending on the surface. I would have appreciated a softer rubber but found a small cloth to add some friction between the Stand and my wooden nightstand.

In terms of looks, Proper’s Watch Stand is beautiful, sleek and goes with just about any design style. It’s basically a machine-carved solid chunk of aluminum, which is very “Apple.” It will look good for years and years.

What I like

nice, heavy aluminum stand gives my Watch a place to “sleep”
does a nice job of managing the charging cables and disc

What needs to be improved

the bottom could be a bit more grippy
expensive

Final thoughts

Having a charging stand for my Watch is a perfect example of a luxury you didn’t know you needed. It was fine to leave my watch just sort of laying haphazardly on top of whatever surface I placed it, but once I had a dedicated — and nice looking — place for it, it would be tough to go back. Proper’s stand is unnecessary, expensive, but undeniably lovely.

Price: $69.95
Where to buy: Studio Proper
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Studio Proper.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Apple Watch, Batteries and Chargers

Studio Proper Apple Watch Dock review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 8, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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RAVPower 16750 Updated Phone Charger Battery review

REVIEW – I know what you’re thinking. Another portable charger review. They’re all pretty much the same, right? No so, Dear Reader! Sometimes little details matter. I’ve got a updated design from RAVPower to show you what I mean. Let’s check it out!

What is it?

It’s a portable charger with 2 USB ports and a 16750 mAh capacity.

Hardware specs

16750 mAh capacity
4.5A Max Output
DC 5V/2A
10.7 Ounces
6.1″ by 2.4″ by 0.9″

What’s in the box?

You’ll get the charger, a travel bag, and two USB to micro-USB cables (one 24″, one 8″).

Design and features

Yeah, portable chargers are a pretty common commodity these days. But there’s some nice usability happening with this RAVPower model that I think makes it a standout.

Let’s start with some thoughtful convenience details. This charger ships with both an 8″ and 24″ USB to micro-USB cable, each of which has a little black band to keep it orderly. It also includes a carrying pouch with an external pocket for wrangling those cables, which has the support info printed right on the bag. Little details like this show me that someone is paying attention to user needs.

Portable chargers aren’t exactly sexy devices, but this unit has a nice ergonomic shape for easy handling. That’s a plus, especially when sliding it in and out of your bag.

Your power button, status indicators, and input/output ports are all located on one end of the device. Hold the power button down to see how much juice you have in the unit, or to start charging if it doesn’t kick in automatically when a device is plugged in:

Your power indicator lights, micro-USB charging port, and USB ports are all on the end cap. The USB ports uses something RAVPower called “iSmart technology” to adjust the output to your devices for smooth, stable charging. Each port sports a 4.5A max output with protection against overcharging or short circuits:

The whole charger is slightly bigger than my iPhone 6s, which means you can stash it just about anywhere in your bag. Here are some reference photos for sizing:

(In case you’re wondering, I happened to be grooving to some classic Steve Winwood albums while taking these pics today. Great stuff. The man is a rare talent.)

With a total of 16750 mAh. RAVPower measures that output as 5.3 charges for an iPhone 8, 1.3 charges for an iPad Air 2, and 3.2 charges for a Galaxy S8. Real-world measurements can be different, but these numbers align with what I see on comparable units. It will take 9-10 hours to fully recharge using a 2A or 2.4A power source.

I’ve been carrying the RAVPower 16750 Phone Charger around with me for about a month now. The power capacity is great. I’m charging the unit once every two weeks or so, and using it charge my iPhone a couple of times a week. It’s all good there.

I really like the 2 USB ports for charging multiple devices at once. I’ve been stuck in a couple of situations where my iPhone and Apple Pencil have both fizzled at the same time. Charging is fast, smooth and efficient.

And putting all of those ports on one end has a nice usability benefit. Check out the picture below:

I’ve got the charger inserted in a pocket in the main compartment of my backpack. With a long charging cable, I can charge stuff outside of my bag while I am on the train. It’s easy to get to those ports due to the simple design and adds a wee bit of convenience with the orientation of the ports on the end of the charger.

We’ll see how the durability holds up over extended use. My son has an older model RAVPower charger that has been going strong for over a year now, and he was a big fan. I expect similar performance here. I’ll keep you updated in the long term reviews!

What I like

Ergonomic, functional design
Ample power capacity with 2 USB ports
Long and short USB to micro-USB charging cables included
Nice carry bag

What needs to be improved

None to be found

Final thoughts

This little charger has made its way into my daily carry. Great power capacity, slim ergonomic design, and some nice usability features. What’s not to like?

Price: $35.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by RAVPower

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: Batteries and Chargers

RAVPower 16750 Updated Phone Charger Battery review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 4, 2018 at 11:00 am.

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Ninety7’s SKY TOTE makes the Amazon Echo 2 mobile

NEWS – The 2nd gen Amazon Echo 2 is where the Alexa voice assistant lives and waits to respond to your every whim. Too bad she’s stuck connected to your desk when she deserves to be freed from the shackles her power cord. Now you can free her with the help of Ninety7’s SKY TOTE.

The SKY TOTE replaces the Amazon Echo 2’s factory sleeve with a new one that features a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that will provide up to 8hrs of listening time and a nifty carry handle for grab and go convenience. With the SKY TOTE, you can take the Echo 2 from room to room or even outdoors as long as there is WiFi coverage.

The SKY TOTE is priced at $49.95 and is available now from Ninety7.com.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Amazon, Batteries and Chargers

Ninety7’s SKY TOTE makes the Amazon Echo 2 mobile originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 4, 2018 at 10:00 am.

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