Friday, December 28, 2018

Living A Slim GaN Life




I got a little surprise for Christmas from my parents.  I wasn't expecting them to use my Amazon Wishlist but they did and they got me a Ravpower 45W GaN Wall Charger. Gallium Nitride (GaN) allows the circuitry in chargers to be much smaller.  You can read more in the whitepaper here.

I thought my Google Pixel USB-C to AC Adapter was small, but the RavPower Wall Charger was just obscenely small. It can charge my Google Pixelbook, Pixel, Pixel 3, Nintendo Switch, Razer Stealth just fine. 





They're getting smaller, minus the actual USB-C cable.  I'll put it thru some tests over the next few weeks to see how it holds up.

Currently $54.99 with a 3 off coupon.  Anker has a 27-watt variant, but it doesn't meet my wattage requirements for my laptops.

Monday, December 24, 2018

QIPLUS: 3-in-1 Global Wireless Charger & Powerbank Review

QIPLUS: 3-in-1 Global Wireless Charger Powerbank Review


I was in the market for a Wireless Charger Powerbank with USB-C Power Delivery, USB-A and passthru charging.



I have the CVIDA Qi Wireless Charger 10000mAh Power Bank https://amzn.to/2LJhvRC that only works with the iPhone 8/X and Samsung Galaxy Phones.  Also, I couldn't get the Passthru charging to work and USB-C Power Delivery didn't work.

Along came the QiPlus on Indiegogo, so I backed and got it shipped unfortunately in 5 weeks.

Had I known it would have taken 5 weeks to get here I would have just ordered from Amazon.

Apparently, it's a white label qi power bank with an extra long power cord.  It's been available on Amazon since June 1st, 2018 (Link).  Amazon is providing fulfillment.

It's nothing special.








It takes Display never gets to 100%

It doesn't have USB-C Power Delivery, so if your laptop has more than a 6700 mAH battery, then it will charge the Qiplus. Both my Pixelbook and Razer Stealth laptops charge the Qiplus.

I think the coil in my Nexus 5 stopped working and it isn't up for wireless charging tricks anymore.

(Update 12/24/2018)

I was plagued with failing usb-c cables and the common source was the Qiplus. 

I emailed their support team and got the following statement:

The Port type C is only used as input port which can only be used to charge the Qiplus product itself. It is not designed as an output port and cannot be used to charge other devices.

I would have not purchased the thing if I'd known that :-(




Wednesday, December 19, 2018

SHAPL Suitcase & Backpack First Look

SHAPL Suitcase & Backpack First Look



I have more luggage, yeah!   It's not like I need more luggage.  I backed the SHAPL Suitcase & Backpack 3pc. Full Set on Indiegogo back in July.  It came right on time just before Christmas Travel.   I'll have a full review after Christmas.


It comes with the following items:

3 x Bluetooth Tracker
1 x 20" Carry-On Suitcase
1 x 25" Full-Size Suitcase
1 x Backpack
4 x 26-Letter Alphabet Sticker Set


I would have to say just with unboxing and setting up the bluetooth trackers, it's the most well packed piece of luggage that I've purchased.   The box was beaten up from Korea, but the luggage was perfect.




I look benign, but I'm a Matryoshka doll hiding another suitcase and backpack.






Here's the bluetooth tracker.  You'll need new CR2032 3V Litihum batteries.


Compartments, compartments!




Shoe compartment



20" and 25" next to each other


Instructions


Here's the backpack.  It's more like a briefcase with shoulder straps.






Laptop compartment



USB-A Port on the Bottom




Here's the usb-a cable to attach to a battery pack.


Tucking the straps in


Backpack on the handle using the luggage strap.




It has the little rubber feet to lay on its side.


Here's what the app looks like: