Last edit by: gfunkdave
Mod note: this thread is closed. The wiki is kept here as a static article.
This thread is about USB chargers, at least four ports, at least 4A.
Currently, the following chargers are in the contest of being the best:
Instead of a simple figure 8 cable you can also pick up this cord: it gives you two NEMA 1-15R (ungrounded USA / Japan power outlets) as well.
This thread is about USB chargers, at least four ports, at least 4A.
Currently, the following chargers are in the contest of being the best:
- Monoprice 21W 3.5" x 2.1" x 1", 100V-240V, the plug rotates, several of us have this, seems a good choice.
- Anker 25W / 5 port this one requires an IEC C7 ("figure 8") AC cord, same as many laptops, 3.8" x 2.4" x 1".
- iXCC 30W quite high amperage, "figure 8" cable. Noone has tried it yet. Note that figure 8 cords can be replaced by a plug adapter (L-shaped and straight and even a foldable plug is available), however it's an unknown whether the adapter and the outlet can hold the weight of the adapter + cables. However, the laptop power adapter Chargesource originally sells the foldable plug for is also 5 oz -- the Anker 5 port is 0.5 oz heavier, the IXCC is 0.5 ligher, so roughly the same, so it's reasonable to believe that the Chargesource plug should work. Alternatively, a very short cable is available.
- Anker 36W USB Quad-Port Very high amperage and 3.3" x 2.5" x 1" size would make it great but the fixed plugs raises concerns.
- USB SuperCharger 42W this is a beast with 8.2A, but it's a giant of 4.7" x 2.4" x 1.4" size and has a fixed cord and can only work from 100-120V.
- Portapow 4 port is quite nice with interchangeable molded plugs that clip on for international use. (Amazon USA link)
- Anker 40W 5V / 8A 5-Port charger is a new Anker product, slightly smaller than the Anker 25W that also requires an IEC C7 AC cord, has 5 USB ports, and uses smart port technology, so you don't need to worry about whether you're plugging an Apple or Android device into a particular port. Maximum 2.4A per port. If there's a criticism, it's spotty availability, but that may be easing.
- Bolse 7 port, 60 watt, 12 A. The current highest capacity charger with smart ports that automatically provide as much juice as the device wants
- sabrent 10 port, 12 amp (60 watt) charger: lots of ports but too bulky for the amperage you get.
- new Anker 4 port, 40 watt/8amp looks like it does it all: high power, small size, and foldable plug
Instead of a simple figure 8 cable you can also pick up this cord: it gives you two NEMA 1-15R (ungrounded USA / Japan power outlets) as well.
I have found the ultimate charger solution!
#421
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Anwhere ex-MAN
Programs: A3 *G, BA Silver
Posts: 2,706
If you're in the UK, they will come with a UK plug. I travel with an EU two pin plug + a small UK adapter.
#422
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 10,659
Most have a power lead which plugs into the unit with a two pin figure 8 pattern. You just get what every lead your destination require.
I have North America 2pin, Euro 2 pronge, and UK/HK/SG 3 pronge leads which are interchangeable for the chargers as well as a few other devices and computer powerbrick.
I have North America 2pin, Euro 2 pronge, and UK/HK/SG 3 pronge leads which are interchangeable for the chargers as well as a few other devices and computer powerbrick.
#423
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Atlanta Ga
Posts: 107
nice international travel charger
recently got this off amazon and i thought i'd share it
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...d=AWZ3LXPHZK09
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...d=AWZ3LXPHZK09
#425
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Suburban Philadelphia
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Plat, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,392
I just picked up one of these http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 which I am now using as both my domestic USB charger (2 ports) and my international adapter. Works in both Germany and Switzerland which is here the bulk of my trips are. Can plug my phone and tablet into the USB and the laptop into the outlet. Lightweight. Guess we'll see how durable it is during my 2 week trip to DE and CH next month.
recently got this off amazon and i thought i'd share it
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...d=AWZ3LXPHZK09
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...d=AWZ3LXPHZK09
#426
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: YVR
Programs: Aeroplan, AAdvantage
Posts: 2,100
recently got this off amazon and i thought i'd share it
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...d=AWZ3LXPHZK09
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...d=AWZ3LXPHZK09
#427
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,297
http://www.ebay.com/itm/short-Europe...item3a854ae473
I'm looking for a compact 2-3 port Smart IC (Apple, Android devices) high quality charger with interchangeable plug. I've been carrying a US HTC oem charger which is great for slim spaces and an oem 10W iPad charger which accepts any of the Apple duckbill plugs or C7/C8. The Bolse 7 port is great but larger than I want to put in a one bag setup.
#428
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: YVR
Programs: Aeroplan, AAdvantage
Posts: 2,100
Um you saw the two prong to three cable on the Amazon photo, right? And you still hope for anything? Not even considering the USB ports, there's a high voltage (I mean 110/220V) step down transformer in there. Are sure a company packing a two-to-three prong cable will produce such a transformer in a proper, safe way? Are hotel sprinklers very good with electric fires? I doubt.
Last edited by chx1975; Dec 27, 2014 at 9:17 am
#429
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,297
Um you saw the two prong to three cable on the Amazon photo, right? And you still hope for anything? Not even considering the USB ports, there's a high voltage (I mean 110/220V) step down transformer in there. Are sure a company packing a two-to-three prong cable will produce such a transformer in a proper, safe way?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BESTEK-Power...item20dd67d530
Honestly, I usually buy travel electronics which support a wide voltage range so I don't have to deal with step down transformers. I also have a 220V Euro plug immersion coil for hot water and Apple international plug kit which fits iPad chargers. For adapters, I use WonPro grounded adapters for two outlets which usually stay put in travel abused outlets
https://www.europlugs.com/Wonpro_catalog/WADB_Ivory.htm
as well as the handy Kikkerland http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00210MRGC which is similar to the Road Warrior sold in Japan
http://www.warrior.co.jp/E/product/rw75/
#430
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Suburban Philadelphia
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Plat, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,392
Not for nothing, but don't most of these adapters have a two prong but accept a three prong?
#431
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,195
Today Amazon has the Anker 5 port 40W charger with 5 micro USB cables of varying lengths for $26.
http://slickdeals.net/f/7644814-anke...ables-25-99-ac
http://slickdeals.net/f/7644814-anke...ables-25-99-ac
#432
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 164
Today Amazon has the Anker 5 port 40W charger with 5 micro USB cables of varying lengths for $26.
http://slickdeals.net/f/7644814-anke...ables-25-99-ac
http://slickdeals.net/f/7644814-anke...ables-25-99-ac
#433
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 302
I've take a slightly different direction. Understanding that most of the electronics we use on the road (computer) are either multi-voltage or USB (even my toothbrush charges via USB), what I really need is a short US (for me) power strip that I can plug my stuff into and then a single plug converter for the power strip.
I use a Monster Power Outlets To Go that even has a 110/220 USB port. Into that, I plug:
Anker 40w 5 port USB charger (see post above)
Lenovo Computer charger
I've labeled the power strip as "local voltage only" so I won't accidentally plug a 110 volt appliance into the strip whilst I am in a 220/240 volt country.
That keeps me from carrying around more than one plug converter and all of it (including all the USB cords) neatly fit into my Tom Bihn Snake Charmer.
I use a Monster Power Outlets To Go that even has a 110/220 USB port. Into that, I plug:
Anker 40w 5 port USB charger (see post above)
Lenovo Computer charger
I've labeled the power strip as "local voltage only" so I won't accidentally plug a 110 volt appliance into the strip whilst I am in a 220/240 volt country.
That keeps me from carrying around more than one plug converter and all of it (including all the USB cords) neatly fit into my Tom Bihn Snake Charmer.
#434
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,195
I've take a slightly different direction. Understanding that most of the electronics we use on the road (computer) are either multi-voltage or USB (even my toothbrush charges via USB), what I really need is a short US (for me) power strip that I can plug my stuff into and then a single plug converter for the power strip.
I use a Monster Power Outlets To Go that even has a 110/220 USB port. Into that, I plug:
Anker 40w 5 port USB charger (see post above)
Lenovo Computer charger
I've labeled the power strip as "local voltage only" so I won't accidentally plug a 110 volt appliance into the strip whilst I am in a 220/240 volt country.
That keeps me from carrying around more than one plug converter and all of it (including all the USB cords) neatly fit into my Tom Bihn Snake Charmer.
I use a Monster Power Outlets To Go that even has a 110/220 USB port. Into that, I plug:
Anker 40w 5 port USB charger (see post above)
Lenovo Computer charger
I've labeled the power strip as "local voltage only" so I won't accidentally plug a 110 volt appliance into the strip whilst I am in a 220/240 volt country.
That keeps me from carrying around more than one plug converter and all of it (including all the USB cords) neatly fit into my Tom Bihn Snake Charmer.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...wer-strip.html
I still don't quite understand if a US surge suppressor would trip when plugged into 230 volts.
#435
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Kitchener, ON, Canada
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 1,266
Charger for 8 devices simultaneously
Hey, my fellow tech-nerds...
THIS IS NOT MY KICKSTARTER, and I have no affiliation whatsoever with the company. But - I know this will be of interest to some of us.
The OctoFire 8 Port USB 3.0 Hub with Rapid Charging (96 Watts - 2.4Amps per port simultaneoously.)
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...id-charging-96
Enjoy.
THIS IS NOT MY KICKSTARTER, and I have no affiliation whatsoever with the company. But - I know this will be of interest to some of us.
The OctoFire 8 Port USB 3.0 Hub with Rapid Charging (96 Watts - 2.4Amps per port simultaneoously.)
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects...id-charging-96
Enjoy.