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Non-Apple USB-C Power Supplies (for travel)

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underattack

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 15, 2008
83
25
I am looking to buy a non-Apple power supply for my 13" MacBook Pro. With USB-C, there appear to be some options. But I haven't found quite the right one yet. What I am looking for:

- One USB-C power power full enough for my 13" MacBook Pro (how powerful does it have to be? 60W?)
- "a couple" of old style USB ports for other devices

Super bonus: If it also acts as a simple USB hub. I am not looking for a hub with "charge through", but one that actually has a charger built in.

Anker seems to have some power supplies like that, but the larger one seems to be pre-order only. Will the smaller once work?

I think I saw some kind of Kickstarter for a powersupply+hub combo. But can't find it anymore.

Are there other options? I want to cut down on the different cords I need to carry while traveling.

My ideal dream device: 60W USB-C power, 4 USB-A ports, SD card reader, HDMI out, ethernet ... :)
detachable "figure 8" cord to the outlet so I can easily use different country style cords with it.
 
I

IllIllIll

macrumors 65816
Oct 2, 2011
1,110
331
I see several being sold on Amazon with sketchy names and specs - "Stouch", "Amavision", and get this - "Belker". They all look alike and the reviews are all over the place. They're cheaper than the Apple OEM unit (around $37) but you obviously get what you pay for.

I ended up buying an 87W "Batpower" unit that appears to have some decent reviews:

https://www.amazon.com/BatPower-A87...UTF8&qid=1497662941&sr=8-31&keywords=batpower

$70, includes a USB-C to USB-C charging cable. If you bought the Apple branded equivalent it would be $100 ($80 for the adapter, $20 for the cable).
 
U

underattack

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 15, 2008
83
25
Thanks. Does the "bat power" one come with a small adapter cable from its proprietary output to USB-c? That looked a bit awkward. I just saw the Anker one in stock again yesterday and went ahead and ordered it. Will see how well it works.
 
S

shaown

macrumors 6502
Mar 24, 2011
297
131
underattack said:
Thanks. Does the "bat power" one come with a small adapter cable from its proprietary output to USB-c? That looked a bit awkward. I just saw the Anker one in stock again yesterday and went ahead and ordered it. Will see how well it works.
Click to expand...


I use the Fisnix Dart
 
Edwyrd

Edwyrd

macrumors newbie
Jul 26, 2017
2
1
IllIllIll said:
I see several being sold on Amazon with sketchy names and specs - "Stouch", "Amavision", and get this - "Belker". They all look alike and the reviews are all over the place. They're cheaper than the Apple OEM unit (around $37) but you obviously get what you pay for.

I ended up buying an 87W "Batpower" unit that appears to have some decent reviews:

https://www.amazon.com/BatPower-A87...UTF8&qid=1497662941&sr=8-31&keywords=batpower

$70, includes a USB-C to USB-C charging cable. If you bought the Apple branded equivalent it would be $100 ($80 for the adapter, $20 for the cable).
Click to expand...

How did the Batpower work out? Is it good solution for the new MacBook Pros?
 
J

JohnnyGo

macrumors 6502a
Sep 9, 2009
957
620
My personal preference was a very light charger, so I am using this Aukey solution

AUKEY Amp Duo USB Wall Charger with Power Delivery for Nintendo Switch 2017, Google Pixel/XL and More https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LX063QN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_7hlEzbS379G2X

It’s limited to 29 watts but that is enough for the 13” mbp in most use cases. The flexibility to have dual USB outputs is also welcomed. The best feature is the minimalist size/weight.
 
U

underattack

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 15, 2008
83
25
JohnnyGo said:
Anyone has experience with Cable Matters ?

This charger is a bargain for under 30 bucks. Up to 60 watts on USBC and 3 additional 2.4a USB ports

Cable Matters 72W 4-Port USB-C Charger with USB Power Delivery in Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MS9CTB7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_wzlEzbA1VC3WE

I also like the fact that it clearly states that USBC to lightning cables will not work at all (fast charging)
Click to expand...

I did buy the cable matters power supply and it works very well so far. I also like that it doesn't get warm at all. I am charging a 13" MacBook Pro and iPhone/iPad with no problems. Plugged right into the Macbboo, the MacBook receives 60W . If I plug it in via a USBC hub, then the MacBook gets a couple watts less as expected.
 
B

BonzoDroog

macrumors newbie
Nov 9, 2017
2
0
underattack said:
I did buy the cable matters power supply and it works very well so far. I also like that it doesn't get warm at all. I am charging a 13" MacBook Pro and iPhone/iPad with no problems. Plugged right into the Macbboo, the MacBook receives 60W . If I plug it in via a USBC hub, then the MacBook gets a couple watts less as expected.
Click to expand...

Is this charger still working out for you? It looks perfect for traveling but I am still hesitant to buy any 3rd party charger. Any updates to your experience would be appreciated.
 
U

underattack

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 15, 2008
83
25
BonzoDroog said:
Is this charger still working out for you? It looks perfect for traveling but I am still hesitant to buy any 3rd party charger. Any updates to your experience would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

still working well for me. I got three now. No problems with any of them.
 
B

BonzoDroog

macrumors newbie
Nov 9, 2017
2
0
underattack said:
still working well for me. I got three now. No problems with any of them.
Click to expand...

That's great to hear. Thank you for responding! I am going to have to get one then.

I wish Apple would take notice. Including extra ports on a laptop charger would be easy to do and well received by customers.
 
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