power bank

Xiaomi’s 20000 mAh Mi Power Bank 3 Charges Devices at Up to 45W via USB-C For ~$30 →

January 24, 2019 · 10:34

Adam Conway, on XDA Developers:

The Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 has two USB-A ports and one USB-C port. The two USB-A ports can output at 5V/2.4A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A if only one port is used, or 5V/3A when both are. The singular USB-C port can out output at up to 45W. The Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 can charge in just 4.5 hours if you have a 45W charger. Using a regular 5V/2A charger will take about 11 hours to charge, while an 18W charger will take 6.5 hours.

Speaking of power banks, this will be my next purchase. 30 USD for 20K mAh capable of charging my MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, iPhone, and Apple Watch? ‘Are you getting it? These are not four separate devices.’

Apple Releases Official Battery Cases for iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR →

January 24, 2019 · 10:22

Samuel Axon, writing for Ars Technica:

Today, Apple quietly began taking orders for battery-equipped cases for all three 2018 iPhone models—iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. The value proposition and designs are essentially the same as with battery cases made by Apple for prior iPhones.

While the cases are probably made well enough, the 30% price hike is unacceptable. I’m not a person that needs extra battery life often, so buying one at these prices and not being able to use it when I go to a newer iPhone makes no sense whatsoever. On the other hand, a good power bank will keep going for years — my 10K mAh Xiaomi is still fine after being actively used for 5 years, it holds its charge, and it cost me around 20-30 USD. And it can also charge all my other devices.