Even though laptop battery life increases with every new generation, you would still want a way to charge your laptop on the go when you eventually run out of juice. That's why laptop power banks are increasingly becoming more popular—it offers you the convenience of charging your device even if you're away from an outlet. If you're in the market for a laptop power bank, you should ensure that you get a good-quality portable charger compatible with your device. But with so many power banks on the market, it is hard to know which one to choose.
Read Also: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - Best Red Carpet Moments
To help you out, here are eight things to look out for when shopping for a laptop power bank.
1. Charging Capacity
A power bank's charging capacity is measured in milliampere hours (mAh) and is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a laptop power bank.
Laptops have big batteries, so it takes a lot of mAh to charge one fully. Because of this, we recommend going for a power bank with a capacity of at least 20,000mAh. This should be enough to recharge the best laptops you can charge with a power bank at least once.
2. Charging Output and Input
You want to ensure your power bank has high charging output and input. The higher the output amperage, the faster your laptop will charge. Similarly, the higher the input amperage, the quicker your power bank will recharge.
If you want to transfer energy from your power bank to your laptop, get a device with a high watt-output rating. That way, you can quickly get your computer to full charge and avoid the power bank bulk on your desk.
3. Brand Name
A laptop power bank from a reputable brand will likely be of better quality and with more features than a power bank from a lesser-known brand.
Once you've identified a reputable manufacturer, read customer reviews on particular models. Pay close attention to the review's comments regarding the power bank's durability and safety certifications. The best power banks will avoid issues like overcharging and overheating.
4. Number and Type of Ports
Pay attention to the output ports on the power bank. You'll want to ensure it has the correct ports for charging your devices. USB-C, Micro USB, and Lightning are some of the most common ports on power banks.
Some laptop power banks allow you to charge multiple devices at once, so look for a power bank with several USB ports, including USB-C and USB-A ports.
Many people use power banks with USB-C output to charge their laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Also, numerous small devices, including phones, headphones, and wireless mice, support USB-A charging.
Power banks with USB-C ports supporting the Power Delivery (PD) technology have some of the fastest possible charging (output) and recharging (input) speeds.
5. Build Quality
Power banks made from cheap materials, including low-quality plastics and substandard materials, make them more susceptible to damage.
You want a sturdy power bank that can withstand accidental knocks and weather elements. You should choose models with casings made from tougher materials like silicone rubber, polycarbonate, and anodized aluminum.
6. Portability
Laptop power banks come in various shapes and sizes. Some are light and designed to fit in a laptop bag or backpack, while others are bigger and heavier.
Bigger and heavier power banks tend to have higher charging capacity, so consider finding a balance between portability and energy capacity. If you plan to carry it around on the go, we recommend power banks weighing less than a pound.
7. Safety Features
The two common causes of power banks exploding are imperfect circuiting and overcharging. Because of this, it's advisable to look for a power bank with safety features like built-in protection against overcharging, short-circuiting, and overheating.
Also, consider power banks with lithium-polymer batteries. Thanks to their sturdy packing, these battery types are considered safer than their lithium-ion counterparts.
8. LED Indicators
You can use a power bank's LED indicator lights to monitor its charging status and amount of charge left, so get a power bank with visible LED indicator lights. If it lacks an LED indicator, you'll have to use your best judgment to determine when to charge it, which can be annoying.
Charge Your Laptop With a Power Bank
Even though some laptops already have an astounding battery life, many models still do not have enough battery life to get them through a day's use without requiring a top-up. This makes power banks an essential accessory for those who usually use their laptops on the go.
So, if you're planning to get a laptop power bank to get things done practically anywhere, tick off the boxes above so you can get a model that'll last you a long time.
