We are living in an increasingly digital world. The prevalence of technology that crops up in our day-to-day life is incomparable to any other point in human history. From the cell phones in our pockets to our mobile e-readers, laptops, and gaming devices, there is always something with a battery on our person. Over the years, mobile batteries have improved dramatically. As a result, we are seeing mobile devices with increasingly long battery life. Still, the need for additional power is always going to be there. Today, we are going to be discussing how to properly choose a power bank in order to suit your battery needs.
7 Ways To Pick A Power Bank
Power banks are batteries that you charge in your home before taking with you on the road. Power banks come in a variety of sizes depending on your specific needs. Whether you need to be able to charge a cell phone while on a road trip or you want something to power up your tablet, a power bank can be right there for you. Unfortunately, as with any new technology, it can be hard to find the perfect product for your needs. While power banks are ostensibly simple tools, it can be hard to pick the perfect product. Today, we are going to showcase seven ideal ways to pick your power bank while incorporating their specifications into the equation.
1) Understand Power Requirements –
When you look at different power banks, the primary factor differentiating them will be their built-in power capabilities. This power level will help to decide how many devices that you can charge before you need to recharge the battery itself. For example, a small power bank will be roughly 2,000 mAH. This is enough to boost your smartphone while on the road or to give a little bit of juice back to a depleted phone.
2) Opt For More –
When it comes to carrying around a mobile power bank, more is always going to better. Brand Me as someone who likes to be prepared, but don’t ever expect me to be without the power that I need. While 2,000 mAH may get your smartphone going if it depletes, it won’t be enough to get other devices up and running. If you are going to be away from power for a prolonged period of time, you’ll want extra juice. For example, a 10,000 mAH power bank will be able to charge a high-quality smartphone more than four or five times before needing a recharge. Additionally, you’ll be able to power up your cameras, tablets, or other mobile devices.
3) Consider Physical Size –
Understand that as you add more battery power to your power bank, you are also adding more physical weight. While this isn’t ALWAYS the case, the concept holds out true in more situations than not. If you want a power bank that you can throw in your gym bag or purse, you’ll likely want a smaller model that is easier to carry. If you want a power bank that you can fit in your back pocket during a hike, for example, you’ll want something that is slim and lightweight. There are many options to choose from, so be picky if you want.
4) Optimal USB Inputs –
Alright, this is where technical details start to become a little more important. When you look at a basic power bank, you’ll likely see a single USB port as well as an output for a charging station. If you only want to be able to charge one device at a time, you are good to go. Most standard USB ports will have 1AMP of power which is fine, albeit slower than newer USB ports. If you are going to be charging multiple products at a time, you might want to look for power banks with USB outputs that feature 2 AMPs of power. The more power that your USB input has, the quicker your items are going to charge. As you add more USB inputs to your power bank, you should be looking for more power from each input in order to accommodate the increased output of energy.
5) Consider Device Weight –
We’ve talked about the size and build of a power bank, now we need to comment on the weight of the device. Traditionally, a basic power bank will be only a little heavier than a traditional smartphone. However, if you want a heavy-duty power bank that features more than 50,000 mAH, you had better get used to carrying around the weight. If this power bank is for something as high-powered as a computer, the weight probably won’t be a concern since you’ll likely be engaging in stationary use.
6) Power Bank Charging Efficiency –
Now, we get to talk about the efficiency of charging the power bank itself. The USB inputs that charge your devices are different from the output that charges your power bank. Most power banks come with a USB to micro-USB cable as well as a wall charger. This is the traditional set-up and it works fine. You will be able to most efficiently charge your device via the factory wall charger. If your factory wall charger ever breaks down, make sure to get one with the same specifications. The wall charging port is underrated in terms of making sure that your products are charging efficiently.
7) Consider Total Price –
Finally, you need to take some time in order to pick a price point. Power banks can be as cheap as $10 for a measly 2,000 mAH, or they can be multiple hundreds of dollars. Find what mixes the right blend of features for your needs and look for the right model for your budget.
With our reliance on mobile technology at an all-time high, it makes total sense to protect yourself with a power bank while out and on the go. There are thousands of power bank options available for purchase. Use our guide in order to help you find the right product for your needs.
