Gadgets: Power banks

There are many portable power SUB batteries to choose from, and while they might look similar, odds are they aren't. A battery like Anker's new MagGo Power Bank takes versatility to a new level.

The travel-friendly portable battery has the Anker ultra-compact design with a 3.7-by-2.0-by-1.3-inch, 8.64-ounce size. Inside the MagGo Power Bank is a 10,000 mAh rechargeable battery with a built-in 8.46-inch USB-C cable and a USB-C port, which can be used simultaneously for multiple devices charging up to 30 watts. When the cable isn't used to supply power, it works as a carrying strap.

The MagGo Power Bank stands out with the built-in officially certified Apple Watch foldable designed MagSafe-compatible 5-watt Apple Watch charger. Anker testing has it charging an Apple Watch Series 9 to 47% in just 30 minutes. The watch charger will fold up to 90 degrees.

The 10,000 mAh battery fully recharges in 1.5 hours and can charge other devices while recharging itself. It will supply about two total charges for an iPhone 15 Pro and up to 11 for Apple Watch Series 9. The attached USB-C cable has been tested for a 5-year lifespan

The MagGo Power Bank is $79.99 and available in black, white and pink. A green version will be released later this year.

https://www.anker.com

Twelve South has just launched the ButterFly SE 2-in-1 Qi2 travel charger for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods.

Twelve South calls the charger the world's smallest 2-in-1 MagSafe charger. It takes a USB-C connection to power up. Essentially, the ButterFly SE is a pair of discs. When you fold them out, you get a pair of chargers (2.25 by 1 inch) for the devices. They can be used together or individually, with the 5-watt fast-charging Apple Watch charger able to angle up. AirPods and iPhones need to lay on the wireless charging pad for power.

For wireless phone charging, the ButterFly SE can fold open 180 degrees, attach an iPhone's back for 15-watt charging, and work as a hands-free stand. The Compatibility is listed as iPhones with MagSafe (16/15/14/13/12), Apple Watch (all series) and AirPods with a wireless charging case.

The ButterFly SE has a soft-touch, non-slip finish, costs $9.99, and is available in black, pink or white. A color-coordinating braided USB-C charging cable is included.

www.twelvesouth.com

Cuktech's new CP253L 45W 20,000mAh Power Bank is a powerful portable solution for charging power-hungry devices on the go.

The $29.99 battery has 20,000 mAh of power and a smart LED display on the side. A press of a button provides real-time battery percentage status. It is rated by Cuktech to charge an iPhone 15 up to 3.9 times, a Samsung S24 Ultra 2.9 times, an iPad Air 1.9 times or a MacBook Air 1.2 times.

There are three choices for connecting devices: a built-in 6.5-inch USB-C cable and USB-C and USB-A ports. Cuktech has tested the built-in cable to withstand more than 10,000 uses. The cable's USB-C end can be tucked into the charger's side and double as a carrying strap.

It can charge three devices simultaneously with fast charging 45 watts of maximum output. With a 40-watt USB input, the new Cuktech powerhouse battery can be recharged in 60 minutes to 43% capacity.

https://cuktech.com