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Crunch

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jun 26, 2008
701
76
Crazy L.A.
Hello everyone!

I got a quick question regarding charging power banks on my Mac.

I bought a new Anker PowerCore 20100 and it didn't come with an AC adapter, and then they try to up-sell you: "Best charged with an Anker USB charger". That's not happening, although I like Anker, the company.

Anyway, so I have the latest-generation Mac Mini w/ USB 3, etc. The "manual" of the Anker PowerCore has an image of a laptop for the purpose of charging the power bank, but I still want to make sure that's a good idea, since it's brand new and everything. The input on the Anker is 5V/2A, by the way.

I run one USB 3 hard drive, and one USB 3 hub which is part of my monitor, even though I don't use it, ever.

Does that leave enough power for the Anker power bank to be optimally charged??? Or should I use a regular AC adapter? Would one of the 12W iPad chargers be a good/better idea, or does it truly not matter?

Thanks a bunch!
 
You can charge the power bank with your laptop. It's just going to take longer than if you had a dedicated charger because the computer isn't going to provide as much power as the dedicated charger.
 
I have a 16000mAh Anker battery and it can take hours and hours for a full charge, even from a higher amp charger. If the battery pack is fully dead it will take over 8 hours to charge from an iPad charger, I don't have exact numbers however.

I would only charge it from a laptop in an emergency (like if you forgot the charger at home) and get a dedicated charger for normal use.
 
Just confirming what the previous poster said. I have an Anker too. Whether I use a powered USB hub, direct USB connection to iMac or MacBook or even a high capacity iPad charger it takes quite some hours for a full charge.
 
Just use a USB wall charger. You don't need Ankers one. The 12V iPad charger will charge it faster but the 5V iPhone chargers will also work fine.
 
]The 12V iPad charger will charge it faster but the 5V iPhone chargers will also work fine.

Just for clarity sake, and to make sure someone doesn't get a 12V charger on accident.
they're 12 and 5 Watts.
Both are 5V.
 
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