Accessories

Why a power bank that can charge a laptop is a game changer

My laptop gets twice the battery life

Published

June 24, 2018

Daniel Morial

When I first got a power bank for my phone (which I still use, by the way) about four years ago, I asked why this is not a thing yet. Power banks then became really popular with major brands selling their own models and knockoffs flying around, too. The convenience these devices brought is something I still enjoy up to this day.

Even though phone chargers are relatively smaller and lighter to carry, I prefer bringing high-capacity power banks since wall sockets are not always available. But, what if this kind of accessibility to power is also available to laptops? While bulky power banks with sockets are already in the market, they are too heavy to carry around.

The Dell Notebook Power Bank Plus is just a bit bigger than my folded wallet

This is the Dell Notebook Power Bank Plus: a 65Wh power bank that Dell claims to be the world’s first notebook power bank to charge the widest range of USB-C laptops.

Good thing most modern laptops nowadays are charged through revolutionary USB-C ports.

You could leave your charger/s at home

I had the Dell Notebook Power Bank Plus at the same time as the Dell Latitude 7390 2-in-1 laptop and they were an absolute combo. I got twice the battery life thanks to the notebook power bank, and I never had to bring the laptop’s charger.

It won’t be an issue if you have a non-Dell laptop, because this notebook power bank can charge most USB-C laptops available thanks to its high 65W power delivery. It’s practically universal and can charge USB-C laptops even from Acer, Apple, ASUS, HP, Lenovo, and more!

When there are no available sockets in the café, the Dell Notebook Power Bank Plus is a life saver

Most 14-inch laptops and below are fully compatible with its 65W power delivery. It can also be used with bigger laptops, but there’s no guarantee since bigger displays and beefier specs require higher wattage. This is why gaming laptops have really big power bricks and, obviously, can’t be charged with a power bank — at least for now.

It’s also the same principle why mobile power banks and USB-C phone chargers can’t charge a laptop despite having the same type of port. Most phone chargers are 15W and that’s just half of the required 30W power for small notebooks.

The power bank is basically a spare laptop battery that’s intelligently packaged

Dell’s power bank can also charge USB-C smartphones and tablets, so I didn’t have to bring another power bank along. It automatically changes its power output from 5V to 20V, making it safe to charge even small smartphones.

It can charge almost anything else

This power bank doesn’t just charge your everyday laptop and phones, but also other devices that can be charged through a USB port. The extra USB-A (the “normal” USB port we know and love) can deliver power even while you’re already charging a laptop using the built-in USB-C cord. The USB-A port has a charging rate of 5V=2A or 10W which is powerful enough to quickly charge a phone or even a tablet.

Not only that, the extra port can also be used as an additional USB port for the laptop that’s being charged. It can read and write data from a smartphone or flash drive — just like how a typical USB port would. That’s an added productivity feature especially for ultra-portable laptops that don’t have full-size USB-A ports anymore.

Suddenly, I don’t have to scavenge for wall sockets as much as I used to.

The Dell Notebook Power Bank Plus retails for US$ 149.99.

Related Topics:Dell Dell Notebook Power Bank Plus

Accessories

Sony’s WF-H800 h.ear in TWS headphones offer rich sound

Available in five colors

Published

February 18, 2020

Rodneil Quiteles

Already a leader in noise-cancelling headphones, Sony is offering something a little different in the true wireless headpones department — the Sony WF-H800 h.ear in headphones.

One of the first easily noticeable things is how the WF-H800 is available in five colors: red, orange, green, blue, and black.

Noticeably missing is the active noise-cancellation feature. However, it makes up for it with other Sony staple-features, primarily the 360 reality audio. The effect of which can only be truly felt once you experience it for yourself.

It also has a 6mm dynamic driver to deliver a wide range of audio frequencies as well as a feature Sony calls DSEE HX or Digital Sound Enhancement Engine. This tech restores the high-range sound that’s lost in compression. It reproduces digital music files with rich, natural sound.

It’s also lightweight and designed to fit your ears perfectly. The WF-H800 promises up to eight hours of music playback plus another eight hours with the carrying case giving you a total of 16 hours. Additionally, 10 minutes of charge time will give you up to 70 minutes of listening time.

Just like other Sony headphones, these are compatible with both Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa.

Price and availability

The Sony WF-H800 will be available at selected Sony Stores, Sony Centers, Sony authorized dealers and the official Sony store on Lazada from March 2020. It will retail for SG$ 299.

Accessories

Samsung Galaxy Buds+ levels up battery, sound quality

Published

February 12, 2020

Rodneil Quiteles

With the the headphone port nowhere to be found on the Galaxy S20 series comes a pair of improved true wireless earbuds — the Samsung Galaxy Buds+.

It’s a step up from last year’s Galaxy Buds. While last year’s version promised 6 hours of listening time, the Galaxy Buds+ takes it up to 11 hours on a single charge. You also get another 11 hours with the charging case.

In terms of sound quality, these are still tuned by AKG. It employs 2-way dynamic speakers and 3 mics to deliver better sound and voice quality

Inside the box you’ll also find a variety of wing and ear tips so you get the fit and comfort that’s made just for you.

It doesn’t have the noise-cancelling chip that you’ll find on the true wireless earbuds offered by Sony, Apple, and Huawei. Its approach to noise-cancelling has to do more with its physical design and rather than a tiny chip.

Speaking of its design, it retains the form factor of the original Galaxy Buds — which is great since it doesn’t look anything like the AirPods which many other manufacturers have taken a cue from. Speaking of Apple, if you’re not a fan of the AirPods’ design, you’ll be happy to know that the Galaxy Buds+, along with its companion app, will be compatible with iOS devices.

Availability

The Samsung Galaxy Buds+ will be available in Cosmic Black, White, Red, and Cloud Blue, starting February 14, 2020 on Samsung.com, followed by major mobile carriers and retailers on March 6, 2020 and will retail for US$ 149.

Accessories

Samsung Galaxy Buds+ price and availability in the Philippines

A minor improvement

Published

February 12, 2020

Rodneil Quiteles

True wireless (TWS) earbuds are popping up one after the other. Samsung’s latest — the Galaxy Buds+ — is also making its way to the Philippines.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds+ improves upon the battery life of its predecessor promising up to 11 hours of listening time in a single charge. You also get another 11 hours thanks to the charging case.

Its approach to noise cancellation has to do more with its 2-dynamic speaker and physical design which means this may not be in direct competition with the likes of the AirPods Pro, Huawei Freebuds 3, and Sony WF-1000XM3.

It maintains the same design as its predecessor — a welcome look in the sea of TWS earbuds that all look like AirPods. If you use an iPhone but are not fans of the AirPods’ design, you’ll be happy to know that the Galaxy Buds+ will also be compatible with iOS devices.