While smartphone batteries tend to last longer than they did, the chances are youve been caught short.
Why Use a Portable Battery Charging machine?
Over the years, power banks have become increasingly portable.
Just ensure it is charged and take it with you.
Whats in the Box?
That is all you get.
(See below for specs).
Fortunately, it can also be charged through a dedicated USB-C input.
This means that the power bank must be charged using a suitable USB power supply.
Sadly, this is the only cable included with the machine, which is a bit disappointing.
The Shargeek STORM2 Looks Amazing
Unboxing the Shargeek STORM2, I was immediately drawn to its design.
It sits in a transparent case, with a sizeable proportion of the electronics on show.
This elevates the power bank above the average portable recharger, giving it a more industrial feel.
But that is not all.
This is referred to as a “sci-fi display screen” and rightly so.
Lets be honest, these devices are usually pretty dull; this one completely rewrites the rules.
The colorful Star Trek-inspired interface can be cycled through with a quick press of the button.
Each option you attempt to change is accompanied by a warning box, explaining the consequences.
Shargeek should be applauded for EMOS.
These are mounted on power management circuitry with four ports for charging and recharging your devices.
Power input (for charging the STORM2) is via either DC5525 input or USB-C.
Both are dual-purpose, capable of power output mode with the correct cables.
DC output is adjustable, from 3.3 to 25.2V.
Meanwhile, there is a second USB-C port and a single USB-A port.
The dedicated USB-C output port handles 100W and the PD 3.0 (PPS) Fast-Charging protocol.
The Shargeek STORM2 is also airline safe.
This means that it passes the rules for taking it with you on a flight.
How Portable Is the Shargeek STORM2, Really?
Weighing in at 450g, the STORM2 is helpfully designed so that it can be easily carried.
Its not too dissimilar in shape and size to a single 1kg hand weight.
You probably wouldnt want to take it out in the rain, though.
Drones, GoPros, and other USB-compatible DC devices can also be charged.
All of these were recharged (some of them more than once) from a single charge.
There are of course things that you cant charge.
I havent been able to test the DC-out functionality of the machine.
This would require specialist DC-to-DC cabling which I dont have.
How Many Recharges Can You Get From a Single Charge?
Charging stuff up, in reality, is a bit different to what is advertised.
Recharging the power bank, however, can take a while.
This is something you might not own, so it is worth getting hold of one.
When youre not charging your gear, youll find it hard not to cycle through the options in EMOS.
Honestly, charging things shouldnt be this much fun.
Shargeek sells power adapters, but its cheapest is more expensive than an iPhone adapter.
