Nov 10, 2013, 7:18 pm
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!
Jul 15, 2014, 4:23 pm
#361
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Location: Denver, CO
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I picked up the Anker 36W quad-port after my PowerGen dual-port USB charger started to constantly overheat. Works great. May buy another one to keep in Sweden.
Jul 18, 2014, 10:22 pm
#362
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 136
Was looking at this: http://www.skross.com/product/en/20/...r-MUV-USB.html [$39.50]
But based on this: "The dual USB port provides a total of 2100 mA of load power, sufficient energy to charge two USB devices easily, even if another device is connected via the adapter at the same time."
Kinda like it as I'm going to be hitting up China, UK and Europe in September...
But a bit concerned as looks like it would be slow charging stuff via USB? Will need to charge two things via USB each night...
But based on this: "The dual USB port provides a total of 2100 mA of load power, sufficient energy to charge two USB devices easily, even if another device is connected via the adapter at the same time."
Kinda like it as I'm going to be hitting up China, UK and Europe in September...
But a bit concerned as looks like it would be slow charging stuff via USB? Will need to charge two things via USB each night...
Last edited by Hellfire; Jul 18, 2014 at 10:32 pm
Jul 18, 2014, 11:35 pm
#363
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
2.1A isn't much power split among two ports. It's fine for charging two phones but not a tablet and a phone. I'd suggest going for one of the options in the sticky.
Jul 20, 2014, 9:04 pm
#364
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: YVR
Programs: Aeroplan, AAdvantage
Posts: 2,100
From slickdeals: http://www.amazon.com/RAVPower-Charg.../dp/B00GSNNWDA figure 8 cable. $19.99 - $7 w/ promo code 7QPZSVZX . A bit too big for my tastes and the two high-amperage-for-Apple-only bothers my little Android loving soul 
but cheap for sure.
but cheap for sure.
Jul 21, 2014, 2:40 am
#365
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Location: VCE
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I was asked for the serial number and a series of other data which I was easily able to locate from Amazon where I purchased the device.
A new device was sent via Amazon to my office and arrived 10 days after my original inquiry.
The new device is working well and no complaints about the fast level of service.
Jul 25, 2014, 11:11 pm
#366
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 136
If you're debating a choice between the black and white Anker 40W charger and travel is a factor, you may be better off with the white model. I have both, and the AC cord included with the white model is much more pliable than the black one. It's fairly difficult to coil the black cord into a small bundle, and for that reason I prefer the white one for packing.
They otherwise work equally well. I ordered the black one because I preferred the color/style over the white model, and needed another charger for a permanent location at my vacation home. I had planned to travel with the black one, but once I discovered the issue with the power cord, have relegated it to non-travel status.
They otherwise work equally well. I ordered the black one because I preferred the color/style over the white model, and needed another charger for a permanent location at my vacation home. I had planned to travel with the black one, but once I discovered the issue with the power cord, have relegated it to non-travel status.
Jul 26, 2014, 7:45 am
#367
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Exclusively OMNI/PR, for Reasons
Posts: 4,188
They're electrically identical. The difference in my case is in the pliability of the vinyl insulation on the power cords. It could be that they've sourced their power cords from different suppliers over time, and the one I received with the black unit was made by a manufacturer that used a different vinyl formulation.
Jul 26, 2014, 10:31 am
#368
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2000
Posts: 37,486
They're electrically identical. The difference in my case is in the pliability of the vinyl insulation on the power cords. It could be that they've sourced their power cords from different suppliers over time, and the one I received with the black unit was made by a manufacturer that used a different vinyl formulation.
Jul 26, 2014, 2:05 pm
#369
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Exclusively OMNI/PR, for Reasons
Posts: 4,188
Jul 26, 2014, 6:56 pm
#370
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When the 40W came out it looked different from the 25W (at the time), but the new 25W version is, well, new.
Jul 26, 2014, 11:22 pm
#371
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 136
K, I'm going to order around $25 worth of stuff off monoprice... anyone want to send me a referral ? You'd get a $10 credit I think
Last edited by Hellfire; Jul 27, 2014 at 11:46 am
Jul 28, 2014, 9:25 pm
#372
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 136
4. I also carry at least one of these Kopi cables (in my photo, it's the cable with the yellow tips). These cables are scientifically designed to provide maximum energy throughput for charging - and you can measure the fact that that's true. You can read about it here. If you have a high capacity battery device and you need to charge at maximum speed, you cannot get more electricity throughput than by combining the Anker 40W recharger with a Kopi cable.
Jul 30, 2014, 10:59 am
#373
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Anker 40W charger (white only) for $20!
http://www.amazon.com/Family-Sized-D...6739517&sr=8-2
Enter code 20DF7105 at checkout
http://www.amazon.com/Family-Sized-D...6739517&sr=8-2
Enter code 20DF7105 at checkout
Jul 30, 2014, 6:08 pm
#374
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Chicago
Posts: 245
Anker 40W charger (white only) for $20!
http://www.amazon.com/Family-Sized-D...6739517&sr=8-2
Enter code 20DF7105 at checkout
http://www.amazon.com/Family-Sized-D...6739517&sr=8-2
Enter code 20DF7105 at checkout
If you have Prime: I decided to allow Amazon to ship it with 'no rush'. That added a $1 video credit to my account. Since I decided later to add the second unit, I might get $2. No rush is 5-7 days shipping instead of the two. I'm not going anywhere for a couple weeks, so I thought I would try it.
Aug 1, 2014, 9:53 pm
#375
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: Former UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 576
Anker 40W charger (white only) for $20!
http://www.amazon.com/Family-Sized-D...6739517&sr=8-2
Enter code 20DF7105 at checkout
http://www.amazon.com/Family-Sized-D...6739517&sr=8-2
Enter code 20DF7105 at checkout