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The perfect power bank for Surface Go, Mophie Powerstation USB-C XXL

On my article about working with the Surface Go, I found issue with using regular power bank that is insufficient to charge the Surface Go, to the point that it could throttle the processor when going below 20%. So right after I wrote that article, I went on to search for a power bank that support USB-C PD (Power Delivery).

However, not many power bank is up to the criteria that I needed.  The first and foremost requirement is the size must be reasonable, as I’ll be taking it around along with the Surface Go, so anything beyond 20,000 mAh is out of question.

Another thing is, I’m looking for a more well-known brand, so I avoid generic power bank that has unknown brand name. This means I’ll be looking for the likes of Anker, Aukey and other reputable company in this space. I also wanted to be able to charge the Surface Go at full speed, so the USB-C PD must be able to output at least 24W.

Power bank for 12″ Macbook, Anker PowerCore+ 20100 casual review

Powercore+20100-1

Apple make a bold move when they introduced the new 12″ Macbook last year, that it features only one USB-C port which doubles as both data and charging port. It became the main critics in the tech community, though Apple keep going with their decision when they updated the Macbook this year, still features the single USB-C port.

However, one good thing about the USB-C port is that it is universal. Apple sell expensive adapteralong with the new Macbook, but other companies also has the freedom to offer cheaper alternatives, like this adapter from Juiced Systems. Another advantage of USB-C, together with low-power Core M processor of Macbook is that it has low power consumption and in turns, allow it to be charged from a portable battery. Enter Anker PowerCore+ 20100, one of the portable battery that tries to sell on this capability and I put it into my own test.