Design

The AUKEY USB-C 12-in-1 hub has a portable design that makes it ideal for slipping into your laptop bag. However, I’m using it as a permanent fixture on my desk, so I have it sitting upright behind my laptop stand as the USB-C cord itself is fairly short. I wish the cable was longer so I could hide it better under my desk.

The aluminum casing feels sturdy and the extra thick USB-C cable looks like it will stand up to years of plugging and unplugging.

Features

Here are the ports you’ll find on the AUKEY Hub.

1. Gigabit Ethernet port
2. HDMI port
3. HDMI port
4. VGA port
5. USB 3.1 Gen 1 (USB 3.0) port
6. USB 3.1 Gen 1 (USB 3.0) port
7. USB 2.0 port
8. USB 2.0 port
9. USB-C data port
10. SD card slot*
11. microSD card slot*
12. USB-C Power Delivery input

* Note that only one card slot can be used at a time (for example, if you insert a microSD card, your computer will not recognize if you later insert a regular SD card until you remove the microSD card first).

Performance

I’m testing this hub with a Dell Latitude laptop with a “Display Port Over Type C” USB-C port (so not specifically Thunderbolt 3). I’ve connect the AUKEY hub to HDMI and VGA and both run great with the laptop screen open (so, essentially 3 screens if you include the laptop’s screen). Unfortunately, you can’t add a 4th screen by utilizing the 2nd HDMI port if the VGA is in use, but 3 screens is more than enough for me!

I’ve also connected a lighted keyboard, wireless mouse receiver and wireless headset receiver to the hub and they are all working without any hiccups. I’m using a Dell 45-watt USB-C charger with the system and the AUKEY hub passes through the power to the laptop without an issue.

I was also happy to find that the AUKEY hub did not require any additional drivers to be installed on my laptop (some hubs do some weird “virtual” display driver installations, but that’s not the case with this hub).

AUKEY USB C Hub 12-in-1 Type C Adapter with Ethernet, 4K HDMI,VGA,2 USB 3.0,2 USB 2.0,100W...

AUKEY USB C Hub 12-in-1 Type C Adapter with Ethernet, 4K HDMI,VGA,2 USB 3.0,2 USB 2.0,100W...

out of stock

as of October 6, 2023 1:14 am

BUY NOW

Amazon.com

Last updated on October 6, 2023 1:14 am

The post AUKEY USB-C 12-in-1 Hub Review appeared first on Technically Well.

Charge Connectivity

This cable allows a full 3 amp charge. During testing, I did not notice any resistance in the power transfer. Some lower-quality cables can reduce charging speed due to their inability to transfer a full 3 amp charge. The cable also features a standard 56kΩ resistor for safety so it does not try to pull more than it should from 2.4 amp chargers.

I tested this cable with the Nintendo Switch and Samsung Galaxy Book 12 and both devices charged fine. Volutz also notes that this cable should also support the Samsung Galaxy S10, LG G6, Google Pixel and many more.

This 5-pack of cables comes in a variety of sizes that Volutz has nicely categorized with colors.

Data Connectivity

This USB-C cable supports data transfer at USB 2.0 speeds up to 480Mb/s. Therefore, these cables can be used to back up your phone and transfer files with compatible applications.

Durability

This cable features a nylon covering and special housing (they call it “DualHousing”) at the connector to help protect against damage caused by bending. Thanks to this, the cables are able to withstand over 50,000 bends!

The special housing also makes the cables very easy to grip when plugging and unplugging them.

Warranty

Volutz gives a generous 2 year warranty on their cables that even covers wear and tear. Sure, a lifetime warranty would be better, but I’ve found that if a cable is going to fail, it typically happens within the first year.

Volutz USB C Cable/Type C to USB Fast Charging Cords (5-Pack; 10ft+6.5ft+2x3.3ft+1ft) Durable,...

Volutz USB C Cable/Type C to USB Fast Charging Cords (5-Pack; 10ft+6.5ft+2x3.3ft+1ft) Durable,...

out of stock

as of October 11, 2023 12:30 pm

BUY NOW

Amazon.com

Last updated on October 11, 2023 12:30 pm

The post Volutz USB-C Cable Review appeared first on Technically Well.

Design

The AUKEY GaN 65W charger (model PA-BR) is definitely smaller than most laptop chargers, and it’s even smaller than a comparable Anker model.

A soft white LED on the top glows to let you know that the unit is receiving power. It’s not too bright that it would keep you up at night if you use it in a bedroom.

Features

The AUKEY charger features a 65W USB-C port on top, with an additional 18W USB-C port on the bottom to fast charge newer smartphones. Please note that when both ports are in use, the total wattage cannot exceed 65 watts.

The charger features a technology that AUKEY calls “Dynamic Detect“ that allows it to allocate most of it’s power to the USB-C port if it is the only one in use, or to divide the 65 watts of power appropriately if both ports are in you use. If both ports are in use, the top port will typically only output about 45 watts.

This charger also has foldable prongs, making it ideal for backpacks and travel.

Performance

Please note that the following tests were performed when using just the USB-C port of the Aukey charger.

Nintendo Switch Charging

The Switch requires about 18 watts (15V – 1.2A) to charge and play at the same time in handheld mode, and the AUKEY PA-B4 charger was able to provide the needed 15V to charge and play at the same time.

Acer R13 Chromebook Charging

My Acer R13 Chromebook is not compliant with the USB-C Power Delivery standard, however the AUKEY PA-B4 charger was able to charge it anyways. The stock charger can reach 45 watts (20V ⎓ 2.25A) while the AUKEY PA-B3 charger provided 41 watts (14.5V ⎓ 2.86A).

Lenovo 14W Laptop Charging

The stock Lenovo 14W laptop charger output 45 watts at 20V – 2.25A. The AUKEY PA-B4 charger was able to output the 20V profile (well, close enough at 19.687 V) and provide the 45 watt charge the Lenovo 14W requires.

Dell Latitude 5590 Laptop Charging

The Dell Latitude 5590’s stock charger is 65 watts. Although the AUKEY PA-B4 charger was able to support the 20V profile. The laptop recognized it as a 60 watt charger (and complained that the 60 watt charger was not a “full speed” 65 watt charger). Despite the message, the laptop continued to charge while in use.

iPhone Fast Charging

Starting with the iPhone 8 and including the iPhone X, XS, XR and 11, you can use a Power Delivery charger (and a USB-C to Lightning cable, which needs to be purchased separately) to fast charge your iPhone to 50% in as little as 30 minutes. For more information about this, please refer to the Apple support article regarding fast charging. This Aukey charger supports the Power Delivery requirements needed for fast iPhone charging.

Technical Specs

Top USB-C Output (when only the top USB-C port is in use): 5V ⎓ 3A / 9V ⎓ 3A / 12V ⎓ 3A / 15V ⎓ 3A / 20V ⎓ 3.25A, maximum 65 watts

Bottom USB-C Output: 5V ⎓ 2.4A / 9V ⎓ 2A / 12V ⎓ 1.5A, maximum 18 watts

When both ports are in use, the total output will not exceed 65 watts.

USB C Charger AUKEY USB Fast Charger 65W PD 3.0 with Dynamic Detect [GaN Power Tech] USB C Dual...

USB C Charger AUKEY USB Fast Charger 65W PD 3.0 with Dynamic Detect [GaN Power Tech] USB C Dual...

$45.99

in stock

2 new from $45.99

1 used from $34.99

as of October 9, 2023 11:26 pm

BUY NOW

Amazon.com

Last updated on October 9, 2023 11:26 pm

The post AUKEY USB Fast Charger GaN 65W PD 3.0 (PA-B4) Review appeared first on Technically Well.

I like the compact design of this charger! While it’s slightly larger than Apple’s stock charger, it packs two ports: one USB-C port and one Quick Charge 3.0 USB port.

The unit features foldable prongs that makes this unit ideal for throwing in a backpack or suitcase for travel.

Performance

The USB-C port’s maximum output is 18 watts. This will allows you to fast charge the iPhone 8 and later, as well as most tablets and phones.

It also charges the Nintendo Switch, but it may not be able to keep up with the power requirements if you are playing a game. However, if your Switch is in sleep mode, it will charge faster than regular USB wall chargers.

I tested out the charger with my Samsung Galaxy Book 12 and it did indeed provide an 18 watt charge to the tablet.

The Quick Charge 3.0 USB port can output 9V for devices that support it. It can also be used with most Qi wireless charging pads (since most don’t include a wall charge) to achieve up to 7.5 or 10 watts of wireless charging power.

Please note that when both ports are in use, there is a 15 watt overall power limitation.

Value

This charger is ideal for both travel or in a more permanent location. For example, it would be ideal for pairing the Quick Charge 3.0 port with a Qi charger on your desk while keeping the USB-C available for your phone or tablet. Or, take it on your travels to charge both your phone and the kid’s Nintendo Switch at night.

Technical Specifications

18W Power Delivery Port Output: DC 5V/3A, 9V/2A, 12V/1.5A, 15V/1.2A
18W Quick Charge USB-A Port Output: DC 5V/3A, 9V/2A
USB-C & USB-A Port Simultaneous Output: DC 5V/3A, 15W Max

Visit Amoner’s website to check out some of their other offerings!

USB C Wall Charger, USB C to USB C Cable, Amoner UL Certified Wall Charger with 18W PD Charger...

USB C Wall Charger, USB C to USB C Cable, Amoner UL Certified Wall Charger with 18W PD Charger...

out of stock

as of October 6, 2023 12:34 am

BUY NOW

Amazon.com

Last updated on October 6, 2023 12:34 am

The post Amoner USB-C 18W Wall Charger appeared first on Technically Well.

Design

The Anker PowerPort Atom PD 2 is smaller than many similar 60W USB-C chargers, including Apple’s 60W MacBook charger. This is thanks in part to Anker’s use of gallium nitride instead of silicone, allowing them to fit components in smaller spaces

The charger features two USB-C ports, allowing you to charge two USB-C devices (such as laptops, phones, tablets, etc) at the same time. A soft blue LED above the charging ports lets you know that the charger is receiving power, but does not indicate the status of the devices it is charging.

The unit is larger than the one port Atom PD 1 charger and is about the same size as the original PowerPort 2 charger.

Features

The unit complies with the USB-C Power Delivery standard and allows you to charge many laptops, phones and tablets. It can fast charge the iPhone 8 and up if you have a USB-C to Lightning cable that Anker also makes (but is not included with this charger).

The charger features a technology that Anker calls “Intelligent Power Allocation“. This means that if you’re only using one port, it will receive 60 watts of power. If you’re using both ports, it will split the power 30/30 between the two ports. Unfortunately, it is a hard 30/30 split: if one device is only using 18 watts, the other device still caps at our a maximum of 30 watts. Therefore, if you need all 60 watts to charge your laptop, for example, then you’ll one to make sure to have only 1 device plugged into the charger.

This charger also has foldable prongs, making it ideal for backpacks and travel.

Unfortunately, there are no USB cables included with the charger, so you’ll need to use your own.

Performance

Please note that the following tests were performed when using just one port of the Anker PowerPort Atom PD 2.

Nintendo Switch Charging

The Switch requires about 18 watts (15V – 1.2A) to charge and play at the same time in handheld mode, in which case the Anker PowerPort Atom PD 2 can provide the needed 15V to charge and play at the same time.

Dell Chromebook Charging

The Dell 14-inch Chromebook charged almost as quickly as the stock charger. The stock charger can output 45 watts (20V – 2.25A) while the Anker PowerPort Atom PD 2 charged at about 37 watts (19.3V – 1.93A), which is basically as fast at the stock charger.

Acer R13 Chromebook Charging

My Acer R13 Chromebook is not compliant with the USB-C Power Delivery standard, however the Anker PowerPort Atom PD 2 was able to charge it anyways. The stock charger can reach 45 watts (20V – 2.25A) while the Atom PD 1 provided 41 watts (14.5V – 2.86A). This Chromebook struggled with other Anker PD chargers, so I was happy to see it work with the Anker PowerPort Atom PD 2.

Dell Latitude 5590 Charging

The Dell Latitude 5590’s stock charger is 65 watts. Although the Anker PowerPort Atom PD 2 only outputted about 40 watts (19.2V 2.12A) to charge the laptop in the photo below, the laptop did recognize it as a 60 watt charger (and complained that the 60 watt charger was not a “full speed” 65 watt charger). Despite the message, the laptop continued to charge while in use.

Samsung Galaxy Book 12 Charging

My Samsung Galaxy Book 12‘s stock charger maxes out at 25 watts (12V – 2.1A), but the Anker PowerPort Atom PD 2 actually exceeded it and charged the tablet at about 40 watts (19.3V 2.06A).

iPhone Fast Charging

Starting with the iPhone 8 and including the iPhone X, iPhone XS and iPhone XR, you can use a Power Delivery charger (and a USB-C to Lightning cable, which needs to be purchased separately) to fast charge your iPhone to 50% in as little as 30 minutes. For more information about this, please refer to the Apple support article regarding fast charging. The Anker PowerPort Atom PD 2 supports the Power Delivery requirements needed for fast iPhone charging.

Technical Specs

Output (when one port is in use): 5V ⎓ 3A / 9V ⎓ 3A / 15V ⎓ 3A / 20V ⎓ 3A

Anker 60W 2-Port USB C Charger, PowerPort Atom PD 2 [GaN Tech] Ultra Compact Foldable Type C Wall...

Anker 60W 2-Port USB C Charger, PowerPort Atom PD 2 [GaN Tech] Ultra Compact Foldable Type C Wall...

out of stock

as of October 10, 2023 12:20 am

BUY NOW

Amazon.com

Last updated on October 10, 2023 12:20 am

The post Anker PowerPort Atom PD 2 Review appeared first on Technically Well.

Design

Anker’s newest USB Type C charger features a dedicated USB-C output and 4 regular-size USB ports. It’s an update to last year’s 5 port USB-C charger.  Despite the somewhat confusing blue color, the regular USB ports do not support Qualcomm QuickCharge technology.  However, the 4 ports do feature Anker’s PowerIQ technology, so they output up to 2.4amp at 5V each, meaning that iPads and other tablets can be automatically detected and charged at full speed.

The entire unit is in a small form-factor, black matte casing common with Anker’s other multi-port chargers.  It is slightly larger than Anker’s regular PowerPort 5 charger.  The dimensions for this USB-C 5 port charger are 2.64 x 3.27 x 1.1 in, making it slightly more compact than Anker’s first 5 port USB-C charger (which was at 3.07 x 4.06 x 1.1 in).

Features

This charger is similar to Anker’s original PowerPort 5, swapping one of the USB ports for the newer USB Type-C port.  This helps “future-proof” the charger as we should see more and more device adapting the USB-C standard.  The USB Type-C port can output up to 30W, making it capable of charging the latest MacBooks.  I found that it can also fast charge my Nintendo Switch.

The charger also comes with an adhesive strip to help you secure the charger in a permanent location.  This makes it convenient for mounting under a desk or for placing it at your home’s “charging spot” so the whole family can charge their gadgets (without walking off with the charger).

The power cable can be detached from the charger, making it convenient to pack up for travel.

Performance

In my testing, the Nintendo Switch charged at 15V 1-1.5A and the Samsung Galaxy Book 12 at 20V 1-1.5A.  The only item that gave me trouble was my Acer Chromebook R13, which can accept a 15V 3A charge that exceeds the Anker charger’s 15V 2A maximum.  Power Delivery via USB-C is still fairly new so there are bound to be some compatibility issues.

The unit can output 60W split with a maximum of 30W available to the USB-C port.  If you’re charging a MacBook at 30W, that would leave 30W — or 6 amps — left for the remaining 4 USB ports.  If you were to max this unit out with all 4 ports charging a tablet each while you were charging a MacBook (probably not a likely scenario for most people), that would mean the tablets would charge slightly slower at 1.5 amp each.

Safety

The new PowerPort 5 Speed with USB-C features Anker’s standard “MultiProtect” safety features.  This includes surge protection, heat control, overcharge protection and more. There is no UL-certification label on the unit, which is normal for Anker products and I’ve never encountered a safety issue with the other Anker units I own.

Specifications

USB PD Output

• 5V 3A
• 9V 3A
• 15V 2A
• 20V 1.5A

USB Type-C, Anker Premium 5-Port 60W USB Wall Charger, PowerPort I with 1 Power Delivery Port for...

USB Type-C, Anker Premium 5-Port 60W USB Wall Charger, PowerPort I with 1 Power Delivery Port for...

out of stock

as of October 10, 2023 11:34 am

BUY NOW

Amazon.com

Last updated on October 10, 2023 11:34 am

The post Anker PowerPort 5 with USB-C Power Delivery 2017 Review appeared first on Technically Well.

This hub is geared towards newer MacBooks and Chromebooks with a USB-C connection.

What’s unique about this hub is that you can plug your charger into it and it will charge your MacBook while you’re using the USB ports to access data off of your external drive. There’s even an HDMI port built-in to the hub that allows you to connect a monitor to extend your desktop, up to a 4K resolution.

When not connected to the charger, the hub can provide about 900mAh, which is usually enough to power one external hard drive. If you have a charger connected to the hub, then it can supply up to 1500mAh, so you should be able to connect both a external hard drive and a mouse or camera. But in general, two external hard drives are a no-go.

The hub also includes a soft carrying sleeve to help prevent scratches while you’re traveling.  As is common with Anker accessories, the hub has a premium look and feel to it.

Check out the Anker USB-C Hub with HDMI and Power Delivery on Amazon

The post Anker USB-C Hub with HDMI and Power Delivery appeared first on Technically Well.