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!
Sep 6, 2014, 3:24 pm
#391
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: JFK/LGA/EWR
Posts: 1,296
Anyone have a good non-grounded travel oriented powerstrip to recommend? Small is good but needs some room for fat chargers. I just want to carry 1 plug converter, plug the power strip into the converter, and plug my various chargers and other devices into the power strip. Not all chargers are USB (eg my camera battery).
I like the Bolse but that might be overkill for me.
I like the Bolse but that might be overkill for me.
Sep 6, 2014, 4:09 pm
#392
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,304
Mine just arrived over the weekend and swapped out my old Angker 40W for this. According to packaging, the unit has sensor that automatically detects when battery full charged, on a per channel basis.
From what I can gather, seems to work just fine. Every night we usually plug in a variety of iPads, iPhones and Androids. First night, had 2 iPads, 2 iPhones and 2 Androids and woke all fully charged. Second night the same, time will now tell how long it lasts.
The power cord is long, thick and heavy....would not recommend for air travel as slightly on the bulky side. The smaller monoprice or skiva or even angker better for travel.
Thanks ScottC for the recommendation.
From what I can gather, seems to work just fine. Every night we usually plug in a variety of iPads, iPhones and Androids. First night, had 2 iPads, 2 iPhones and 2 Androids and woke all fully charged. Second night the same, time will now tell how long it lasts.
The power cord is long, thick and heavy....would not recommend for air travel as slightly on the bulky side. The smaller monoprice or skiva or even angker better for travel.
Thanks ScottC for the recommendation.
The power cord looks like a standard figure 8 C7. You could replace it with a light or shorter one? This eBay seller has them for different plugs or an interchangeable plug set.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_odkw...kw=c7&_sacat=0
Sep 6, 2014, 4:44 pm
#393
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Tri-State Area
Posts: 4,728
If you check in bags and have many devices [more than 3 or 4], then this is perfect. If I was traveling with my wife, probably take this one
And yes, I swapped out the OEM cord with a much smaller retractable one!
Sep 17, 2014, 4:02 pm
#394
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: ORF
Programs: Amex Plat, AA, BA Silver, Marriott Plat, Choice Gold, HHonors Gold, IHG Diamond
Posts: 3,749
The Anker isn't the latest and greatest anymore. Which means the occasional discount: Anker 40W on sale. Use code 20DF7105 to knock it down to $19.99.
Sep 17, 2014, 9:03 pm
#395
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Chicago
Posts: 245
The Anker isn't the latest and greatest anymore. Which means the occasional discount: Anker 40W on sale. Use code 20DF7105 to knock it down to $19.99.
Sep 23, 2014, 11:51 am
#396
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: SW WA
Posts: 3,888
I'm now having problems with my Anker 40W. 2 ports are now out of commission. I'm wondering if I should just buy a new one rather than dealing with CS.
Sep 23, 2014, 11:56 am
#397
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,958
Sep 23, 2014, 11:57 am
#398
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 10,689
I received a replacement for a defective unit before I even finshed pack it to be sent back on their dime.
The other time they took back a second unit order in error due to internet connection and.or Amazon, again no charge.
Sep 25, 2014, 9:23 am
#399
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.
Oct 10, 2014, 7:44 am
#400
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
Amazon has a Sabrent 50W/5 port charger for $15.99 with coupon code.
http://slickdeals.net/f/7252172-sabr...usb-charger-16
http://slickdeals.net/f/7252172-sabr...usb-charger-16
Oct 10, 2014, 11:39 am
#401
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Exclusively OMNI/PR, for Reasons
Posts: 4,188
I'd received an email from Anker a couple of weeks ago letting me know they've been experiencing occasional failures because the ports are fused and not current-limited. They told me to contact them if I had any issues; they'd replace the unit with the latest model, which now uses current-limted (3A) ports. It also has a circuit-breaker-like mechanism that resets after a temporary short.
I sent them an email describing the problem, and received a response the next day stating that a new unit was on its way and to 'recycle' the old one.
Outstanding customer service!
Oct 10, 2014, 11:51 am
#402
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
I had a port die on one of their 5-port 40W chargers 2 days ago.
I'd received an email from Anker a couple of weeks ago letting me know they've been experiencing occasional failures because the ports are fused and not current-limited. They told me to contact them if I had any issues; they'd replace the unit with the latest model, which now uses current-limted (3A) ports. It also has a circuit-breaker-like mechanism that resets after a temporary short.
I sent them an email describing the problem, and received a response the next day stating that a new unit was on its way and to 'recycle' the old one.
Outstanding customer service!
I'd received an email from Anker a couple of weeks ago letting me know they've been experiencing occasional failures because the ports are fused and not current-limited. They told me to contact them if I had any issues; they'd replace the unit with the latest model, which now uses current-limted (3A) ports. It also has a circuit-breaker-like mechanism that resets after a temporary short.
I sent them an email describing the problem, and received a response the next day stating that a new unit was on its way and to 'recycle' the old one.
Outstanding customer service!
Oct 10, 2014, 12:50 pm
#403
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA Silver, Bonvoy Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 21,551
I've had the 4-port 36W charger for almost three months, and one of the ports died two days ago. Sent an e-mail yesterday, and I got a response today (after receiving an auto-responder saying the whole company had been on a training exercise for the past 12 days--that must've been fun) asking for the serial number. They will be sending a replacement as soon as I do.
Oct 10, 2014, 6:32 pm
#404
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 220
They are very responsive and helpful. They have replaced 2 for me, very promptly and I am impressed.
Oct 14, 2014, 9:44 am
#405
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 2
Currently using this http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00EKDVGKQ and it works pretty well for my needs.
Coupled with a dirt cheap EU 2 pin power lead and it cuts down on loads of adapters etc.
Coupled with a dirt cheap EU 2 pin power lead and it cuts down on loads of adapters etc.