If you’re a geek like me, there’s probably a bank or cluster of micro USB chargers somewhere in your house for recharging phones, tablets, Kindles, headphones, etc. Lately I’ve been playing with a couple USB chargers that I really like.
One is a USB charger with 3.5 amp (!) output. Just for context, a typical micro USB charger might be one amp. So this adapter has the potential to charge USB devices much faster than a conventional charger.
The other USB charger is 4A, but with dual micro USB plugs. So each micro USB plug puts out 2 amps–which is still quite a lot. I especially like this charger because it only takes one power outlet, but provides two very capable outputs.
If you haven’t levelled up your USB chargers recently, it might be time to take a fresh look. Or this could be a good gift or stocking stuffer for any geeks on your holiday shopping list.
Come to think of it, what other geek gifts would you recommend?
These are really nice but I invested more on the USB car chargers with 2 amp output. Like this . I tend to need more juice when on the go.
Even more so if you use the Anker 40W 5-Port 8A Charger. 😉
http://www.ianker.com/product/71AN7105SS-BA
My product of choice. And a bunch of colorful, durable USB cables…
http://www.amazon.com/oneBuyone-Bundle-Rugged-Braided-Samsung/dp/B00O5YZ0IE
I can second the Anker. Same size as a pack of cards. Charges everything. I even take one when travelling.
Do pay careful attention when getting these. For example it is common to have port restrictions (eg some only do Apple, some only do non-Apple) or variations in power provided (eg some ports are 2A, some 1A, others change based on what else is plugged in). The descriptions will make it hard to work out exactly what the problems are since they are negative features.
Or just go with the Anker (and not an earlier model).
I am piling up with QI-chargers around the house now, would be nice to find a 3-4 amps of that sort but I havent seen anyone over 1 amp so far.
Another great geek gift could probably be a powerbank with 20K+ mah to bring for hikings and stuff like that.
Usually I charge my phone with whatever charger i find plugged in into the wall-socket.
However, recently i tried to charge my Galaxy S4 with a 0.8 Amp. charger and it took about 3 hours to charge 25%. So now pay a bit more of attention regarding what charger I grab.
What I couldn’t manage to find is a good charger for using while in the car. Using the S4 as a GPS with Google maps , GPS and Data traffic on is draining the battery faster than any car charger can fill it back.
I use this PowerGen 2.4 amp charger for my S4 in the car. I use the 2 amp port for my phone and the 1 amp for a Bluetooth adapter. You can get it on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00622AG6S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I’m no geek, but adevice on getting faster charge for my stuff is always a gift.
I’ve got so many chargers and cables lying around that I’m never quite sure how long my devices will charge. On top of this, they usually all end up in my daughter’s bedroom!
As far as geek gifts go, I’m loving a retro hands-free telephone receiver. It’s not really hands-free as it looks like an old-style telephone receiver but it certainly gets some looks whenever I’m on a call walking down the street!
They won’t charge your device any faster!
ColdBox Platform Evangelist Brad Wood explains: http://www.extremetech.com/computing/115251-how-usb-charging-works-or-how-to-avoid-blowing-up-your-smartphone#comment-1447959756
🙂
I´m using an Anker recharger with 10.000 mAh for playing Ingress. It is nearly unimpossible to play longer then 2 Houres without an extra recharger. I´m playing every day an this over one year. It´s a very good gift not only for Ingressplayer.
I read your topic, I am piling up with QI-chargers around the house now, would be nice to find a 3-4 amps of that sort but I havent seen anyone over 1 amp so far.
Another great geek gift could probably be a powerbank with 20K+ mah to bring for hikings and stuff like that.
Have you used the 3.5amp charger? I am also curious as the 2 amp one i have is a lifesaver compared to old 1 am chargers. Bigger is always better if it doesn’t damage anything