Choosing the Best Power Bank for Travel and Emergencies

Welcome to another episode of Tech Brewed, where we dive into a handy tech tip with your host, Greg Doig. Ever been in the middle of capturing the perfect Instagram story or traveling for work when your device suddenly runs out of juice? That's where power banks come to the rescue! Think of them as portable outlets, ready to charge your devices on-the-go. Whether you're at a festival, going on a camping trip, or just need backup during an outage, power banks have got you covered. From compact models perfect for emergencies to high-capacity versions that can even power laptops, Greg takes us through everything you need to know about picking the right power bank. Tune in for some practical tips and find out why a power bank is like insurance for your digital life. Stay techie and charged up with us!

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Transcript

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Welcome back to another tech tip. I'm Greg Doig. Have you ever been halfway through the perfect Instagram story when your phone dies? Or maybe you're working remotely at that cute coffee shop when your laptop battery hits the red zone. We've all been there. So what exactly are power banks then? Think of a power bank as portable batteries that fit in your bag or even pocket. They're like having a wall outlet that follows you everywhere. You charge them up at home, then they're ready to charge your devices when you're out and about. And why does everyone need a power bank? Let's be honest. Our phones run our lives these days for a lot of people. A power bank is that friend who's always there to save you when your phone dies during an important call, you're traveling and can't find an outlet, you're at an all day festival posting stories, or you're camping but still wanting to take photos, which you don't wanna have, but they happen power outage, and you need to stay connected. So most power banks can handle smartphones, usually three to four fold charges, tablets, wireless earbuds, smartwatches, some can even charge laptops. So for the everyday user, if you just need something for emergencies, a smaller 5,000 to 10,000 milliamp hour power bank is perfect. It'll fit in your pocket and give your phone at least one full charge. For the power user, if you're always on the phone, go for a 20,000 milliamp hour model. Yes. It's a little bit heavier, but it can charge your phone multiple times before needing a recharge itself. And for the digital nomad, if you're out there traveling or working remotely, look for a 26,800 milliamp hour or higher capacity with laptop charging capabilities. Some even come with AC outlets. People are loving these options according to reviews in a popular website. AnkerCore ten thousand, which is pocket sized but packs a punch, the Mophie Power Station XXL, it charges multiple devices at once, And the RAVPower twenty six thousand eight hundred. They say it's the marathon runner of power banks that keeps going and going. So when you're picking out your new power buddy, keep an eye on the following. You ready? Here we go. Number one, capacity. Higher milliamp hours means more charges. Two, size and weight. Are you gonna carry it daily or just for trips? Three, look for quick charge or power delivery if you're impatient like me. Four, USB c is the future, but maybe you still need USB a, so check and make sure you get the right one there. And five, extra features. Some have built in cables, wireless charging, and even flashlights. So here are some power bank life hacks. Keep it in your daily bag so you're never without. Charge it overnight when you charge your phone. For longer trips, charge it the night before. And in cold weather, keep it in an inner pocket because batteries hate cold. And some airlines restrict large power banks, so check before flying. A good power bank is like having insurance for your digital life. You hope you won't need it, but you'll be so glad you have it when you do. So which power bank has your name on it? The tiny emergency one or the do it all powerhouse? Make sure you do your homework before buying yours. And that's your tech tip for today. As always, stay techie, and come back for some more.