I don't know how I overlooked this one as it's what I equip our staff with by default -- Anker 615. (
). Portable power strip (2 AC outlets, 2 USB-C, 1 USB-A) and the cord neatly wraps around it. 65W. Unfortunately it has the same issue as every other multi-port charger in that it only puts out full power with 1 USB-C connected and each port has a different rating... Brother P-Touch to the rescue. I label them (Phone, Laptop, Phone) before handing them out to staff. It drops down to 45w / 18 w when two devices are connected, which is enough to keep our users happy.
Originally Posted by
freecia
I also prefer to slow charge when time allows to reduce heat which can impact battery life over time as I tend to keep phones longer than some.
Slow-charging is always the best way to go if you have the time. This has been true for as long as batteries have been made, no matter the chemistry. Although, with as cheap as USB battery packs are, you always have the time.
I do like USB packs which can be quickly charged themselves though. I'd rather beat up a USB battery pack than my devices. The Anker 26800mAh battery pack (
) battery packs as well. Both charge in 5 hours, which is slow for the 10,000mAh pack, but reasonable for the 20,000mAh.
Originally Posted by
moondog
I have dozens of USB-A --> USB-C cables, which I've found useful because USB-A ports are so common (e.g. cars, airplanes, hotel room nightstands). My quick read of that Reddit suggests this is no-no? Or are there nuances to watch out for?
You won't have a problem. USB-A generally only puts out 5 volts DC at 0.5A-3.5A. Think of Amps as current
available to the device for its use if it chooses to use it. The only exception are devices which use the Snapdragon Quick Charge protocol (usually Android), and those are smart enough to query the charger to see what it can do. If the charger and phone both support QC, they'll have a little conversation and see what they both support, then will dance.
Originally Posted by
gfunkdave
But how common are these "malware via USB charger" problems in the real world? It seems like something to be more concerned with if you're a government official or CEO.
In a research lab? I'm sure it's out there. In the wild? NEVER. Android locked USB access in 2013, so it's not a viable way of passively getting data off a phone. I believe IOS implemented similar features in the same year in IOS 7. If you're worried about it, go search Amazon for USB Condom (seriously). Or use a cable without data pins, or use a USB meter which can block data, or use a USB battery bank as a pass-through. Plenty of options, but even with the stuff I deal with, I'm not worried about it.
Originally Posted by
moondog
Please forgive me for these rookie questions, but is there anything wrong with charging a phone using such a powerful block? I also notice that some of the Anker and Ugreen charging blocks have multiple USB-C ports (e.g. labeled 100 and 10, perhaps). Is it recommended to use the lower number for phones because they are only phones and you don't want to give 'em too much juice?
The issue is that higher-power ports require larger, heavier, more expensive circuitry. A power supply may have 3 USB-C ports, but realistically most people aren't going to be charging 3 laptops simultaneously. Hence the different ports. Save the expensive circuitry for the heavier loads (laptops). There's no harm in plugging a small device into a more powerful port, but the other way around (heavy device into a weak port) isn't good. It won't damage anything in the short term, as the laptop should pop up a Slow Charging warning and will reduce its power draw, but you're definitely putting a lot of strain on the weak port's circuitry. It'll handle it, but why put 100% stress on a port when you can use the next port over where the same load would only be 30% of its capacity.