This is a review of Anker Astro Pro 14400 mAh external battery: Amazon.com: [Upgraded Version] Anker Astro Pro 14400mAh Portable Power Bank Pack External Battery Charger for iPads, Samsung Tablets, iPhones, Android Smart Phones (Dual USB Output: 5V, 2A; DC Output: 9V / 12V, 2A) [12 connectors for mobile phones, 6
I think when you get into capacity of 14400 mAh you are no longer in external battery territory but rather "portable power bank" section. I have reviewed a number of different external batteries before, but this one offers something different. In addition to your standard usb outputs you also get a selectable 9V/12V DC output to power up your other devices.requiring voltage other than 5V.
Obviously with a higher capacity you will also see a heavier weight and bigger dimensions of the external battery. This Astro Pro clocks at about 385 grams and dimensions of 150 mm x 82 mm x 21 mm. It will not be pocket friendly, but surprisingly it still feels portable enough to throw into your backpack or just a bag on a go. As a matter of fact, the battery feels very rugged and solid, something that might give you a piece of mind when you are traveling. The whole body of the battery has a rubberized non slim finish, similar to Thinkpad laptops. The top has a reflective design which opens up to 4 vertical blue LED indicators (each one corresponding to 25% of battery capacity) and a power button.
The charging input comes from AC wall adapter which charges your battery relatively fast considering 12V/1.2A input. This is not your typical 5V input because this battery is designed to provide 12V/9V output in addition to 5V, so you need a higher voltage to begin with; 9V and 5V are derived from 12V internally. As I mentioned you can select either 12V or 9V DC output with a switch on a side. That output will provide 2A of output current. The same with both 5V USB outputs, each one will be able to supply 2A of current and can be used simultaneously. According to Anker, Output 1 is designated for Apple products and can charge even iPad 4 w/retina. Output 2 should be able to accommodate any Samsung tablet/phone or any other smart phone/tablet. For Note 2 - you can use either of the ports. For other smartphones or tables - you are covered with either one of these ports.
And speaking of full coverage. You get a lot of different connector types to cover most of your needs. The coiled heavy duty USB cable with it's selection of tips should cover most of the common micro-usb, mini-usb, apple, and cheaper tablets, while DC output cable has plenty of tips to cover laptop, netbook, camcoders, digital cameras, and other devices. Yes keep in mind - this will come VERY handy when you want to charge your Digital camera or DV recorder when you are outside and run out of juice. You also get a stretchable storage pouch which fits Astro Pro and cables. Keep in mind, 14400 mAh rating will have to be de-rated 30% down which is typical for EVERY external battery because of conversion through 5V usb connector going to your smartphone or other device.
Overall, if you are a looking for a more universal and versatile external battery to charge your phone and other digital devices (camera, dv, etc.) on the go - this will be a great solution to consolidate everything in one piece which is still portable. As usual, Anker offers 18-months warranty they really stand behind, a big plus!
Here are the pictures of this beast:
I think when you get into capacity of 14400 mAh you are no longer in external battery territory but rather "portable power bank" section. I have reviewed a number of different external batteries before, but this one offers something different. In addition to your standard usb outputs you also get a selectable 9V/12V DC output to power up your other devices.requiring voltage other than 5V.
Obviously with a higher capacity you will also see a heavier weight and bigger dimensions of the external battery. This Astro Pro clocks at about 385 grams and dimensions of 150 mm x 82 mm x 21 mm. It will not be pocket friendly, but surprisingly it still feels portable enough to throw into your backpack or just a bag on a go. As a matter of fact, the battery feels very rugged and solid, something that might give you a piece of mind when you are traveling. The whole body of the battery has a rubberized non slim finish, similar to Thinkpad laptops. The top has a reflective design which opens up to 4 vertical blue LED indicators (each one corresponding to 25% of battery capacity) and a power button.
The charging input comes from AC wall adapter which charges your battery relatively fast considering 12V/1.2A input. This is not your typical 5V input because this battery is designed to provide 12V/9V output in addition to 5V, so you need a higher voltage to begin with; 9V and 5V are derived from 12V internally. As I mentioned you can select either 12V or 9V DC output with a switch on a side. That output will provide 2A of output current. The same with both 5V USB outputs, each one will be able to supply 2A of current and can be used simultaneously. According to Anker, Output 1 is designated for Apple products and can charge even iPad 4 w/retina. Output 2 should be able to accommodate any Samsung tablet/phone or any other smart phone/tablet. For Note 2 - you can use either of the ports. For other smartphones or tables - you are covered with either one of these ports.
And speaking of full coverage. You get a lot of different connector types to cover most of your needs. The coiled heavy duty USB cable with it's selection of tips should cover most of the common micro-usb, mini-usb, apple, and cheaper tablets, while DC output cable has plenty of tips to cover laptop, netbook, camcoders, digital cameras, and other devices. Yes keep in mind - this will come VERY handy when you want to charge your Digital camera or DV recorder when you are outside and run out of juice. You also get a stretchable storage pouch which fits Astro Pro and cables. Keep in mind, 14400 mAh rating will have to be de-rated 30% down which is typical for EVERY external battery because of conversion through 5V usb connector going to your smartphone or other device.
Overall, if you are a looking for a more universal and versatile external battery to charge your phone and other digital devices (camera, dv, etc.) on the go - this will be a great solution to consolidate everything in one piece which is still portable. As usual, Anker offers 18-months warranty they really stand behind, a big plus!
Here are the pictures of this beast:
