Learn me powerbanks

I have a few of the cheap powerbanks - one I bought in a bind, hoping it had some charge in it new... and it did! - and a couple that I got as handouts at conventions or from work or somewhere. 

Recently, I've been using them a LOT around the house. Partly because my iphone 6 is an iphone 6, so it is old and the battery sucks, and partially because I bought 12 pack of 4-inch chargers since they were really cheap. And I have to say, I really like this setup. I don't think I've plugged my phone into the wall more than 5 times in the last 7 days. But my cheap powerbanks have me worried that they're going to catch on fire, and they don't last very long, so I figured I should pony up and buy one from a reputable brand rather than risk a fire.

But what am I looking at? What does mAh mean to me? My best charger is 2200mAh. I have another one that says it is 2600mAh, but it doesn't work very well. Obviously these are good for a boost, maybe a full charge, but I have to keep swapping them out. 

So what numbers do I want to look for? What do they mean? What do I want to avoid?

1) go to iFixIt.com and buy a new battery for your iPhone.  I did it not long ago for one that we gave to an aunt and it was pretty simple and straightforward.

2) The mAh is the abbreviation for milliampere hour which is a measurement of energy stored in a battery. Specifically, it measures the amount of energy that provides one milliampere of current for one hour. This is known as Peukert’s Law   Moar info: https://www.techjunkie.com/mah-batteries/

I don't need one, but my kids apparently do, and this is the brand they like:

https://www.anker.com/products/107/power-banks?msclkid=bfad97c8de96153a2236c94af209154b&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Anker%20Brand%20Term%20Bing&utm_term=anker%20battery%20pack%20charger&utm_content=Anker%20Battery

They are listing 5000mAh for 1 to 2 charges. 

Anker is a reputable brand, but somewhat pricey.  I can usually find them on sale through amazon lightning deals, woot.com, or other similar sites.

mAh is milli-Amp/hour.  My smallest is in the 10k range, and largest is in the 30k range.  A typical phone has a 2000-3000 mAh battery, so I can charge a typical phone at least three times.  The more mAh, the larger the battery.  Batteries are heavy.  My largest charger stays in whatever travel bag I'm using and I run a cord out, my smallest goes in a pocket.

I have an Anker 10000 mAH unit that I travel with.  Been to a bunch of countries and love it.  Dont go anywhere overnight or even a long drive without it.

Most small jump packs have lighter or usb sockets, are considerably bigger, generally cheaper, and can start your car.

oldopelguy said:

Most small jump packs have lighter or usb sockets, are considerably bigger, generally cheaper, and can start your car.

Uhhhh... is there a new wave of jump starters? Because the power banks I’m talking about can be carried in your pocket, or fanny pack for the big ones. I’ve never seen a jumpstarter like that.

edit: now I want a fanny pack. Any recommendations? I need to tone down the badassity and dadness that I’ve been exuding. 

Stefan said:

1) go to iFixIt.com and buy a new battery for your iPhone.  I did it not long ago for one that we gave to an aunt and it was pretty simple and straightforward.

2) The mAh is the abbreviation for milliampere hour which is a measurement of energy stored in a battery. Specifically, it measures the amount of energy that provides one milliampere of current for one hour. This is known as Peukert’s Law   Moar info: https://www.techjunkie.com/mah-batteries/

I am writing this on my nearly five year old Droid turbo. Battery cost me about $35, about 45 minutes to install. Try it!

I got one of the 25000mah amazon ones for $39. Its been great.