Without exception, all modern mobile devices have a common drawback – the time of their battery life is limited capacity of the battery used. Moreover, for a long time, each producer thought their cable interface – in fact, this approach allows you to bind users to a particular accessory manufacturer, which led to the very real mobile slavery. However, a few years ago, most manufacturers of smartphones and tablets has finally agreed on a single power connector microUSB – since all devices and batteries which serves lithium battery with a nominal voltage of 3.7 V, are able to be charged from the nests USB.

Such unification really makes life easier for users. However, in the field of power laptops and even some categories Tablet PC is not so rosy – there is no standard so far, so manufacturers put those connectors that are more suited to them – for one reason or another. However, there is a solution – universal autonomous chargers have included a lot of adapters, allowing adapt to many types of connectors used. In addition, they allow you to vary the output voltage, however, a relatively small range, which still can not cover all user queries.

We decided to carry out a comparative testing of several models of universal chargers to find out how they are easy to use.

iconBIT FTB20000M

The range of the company’s products have long been present iconBIT variety of power supplies. Naturally, the firm has not left unattended and rapidly growing market for mobile devices, offering users several models of compact notebook batteries.

For conducting tests we were given a mobile charger with index FTB20000M. The model comes in a cardboard box, the back of which is traditionally reserved for technical specifications – all in great detail and in Russian.

Set of more than rich. Has its own AC charger and a convenient carrying case with two compartments, which can accommodate the battery itself and all accompanying accessories. By the way, adapters, we counted as many as 20 pieces, in addition, there are two extensions, as well as special cables cable for connecting laptops Apple.

The housing is made of anodized aluminum. Located on the top panel indicators and output voltage of the internal battery, while the main connectors and controls placed on the front end of the device. There are a connector for the charger, and two output connectors – USB and versatile. By the way, very nice addition it was possible to select the output voltage – supported values of 12, 16 and 19 V. The choice is made by slightly recessed slide switch.

According to the specification, the maximum current through the USB connector must not exceed 2 A, while the output power notebook power is 60 watts.

Test trials have shown that the protection of the USB port is activated when the threshold is 2.5 A, which is even slightly higher than the stated figure. Output voltage is drops to 4.7 V. The high-voltage output freely withstand loads up to 3.5 A, and then activated built-in protection.

TopON Top-Max

Company TopON, known for its accessories for mobile devices, has introduced new products in a series of Top-Max, whose purpose is to charge all sorts of gadgets, if there is no power outlet nearby.

Charging is packed in a cardboard box with a transparent window through which the prospective buyer can look at the device “live”. On the back side you can see the technical specifications of the model, as well as learn about the device compatible with most laptops and netbooks.

Components do not let us down – except for mobile charging box contains 11 different connectors for connecting laptops, nine adapter to charge the device (power supply not included), paper guide, and of course, the universal connection cable. By the way, a special adapter for the Apple notebooks included not included.

Metal case on the top panel are placed two-line display and buttons for switching devices.

When initializing the first thing will be asked to choose the most appropriate output voltage is adjustable from 12 to 19, while the maximum value of the discharge current must not exceed 3.5 A.

An interesting feature: the device has two output connectors, one of which is made in the form factor USB – it is used to charge smartphones and tablets and is designed for a maximum current of 2 A. The testing showed that the current limit for him is 2.5 A – a further increase in consumption fire protection. The minimum value of the voltage in this case is 4.7 V.

Maximum output load intended for powering laptops, varies depending on the voltage. So, for a value of 12 V, the current can reach 6 A, whereas at 19 protection works at 4.4 A.

Hiper PS-221

This is an interesting charger provided to us for conducting tests, is not only excellent appearance and quality of workmanship, but also very rich set – manufacturer carefully put a lot of different adapters for connecting to mobile devices, including the technique of Apple, AC adapter, instructions and a handy bag for carrying and storing all this wealth.

The packaging is in a closed cardboard box, on the back side where you can find detailed technical documentation.

The housing is made of metal, plastic is present only in the side frame of the model. Battery indicator consists of four LEDs surrounding the power button. Next to it is another line is displayed, showing the nominal output voltage.

Main connectors placed on the front end panel – a 19 V input for external power supply, USB-connector and an outlet for charging laptop.

The main governing body is the button located on the top panel. It performs several functions – so, when pressed briefly indicates the charge status, long press to turn on or off, and double-click switches the output voltage. By the way, every time you turn the voltage value is always reset to 12 V.

USB-connector output current up to two amps. Testing has shown that the protection is triggered when the value of 2.8 A, the output voltage drops to 4.8 V, indicating a fairly powerful controller.

The maximum current that can issue a connector for charging laptop is 4 A, but this is true only for low output voltage. When installing 19 protection works on the load of 3.6 A.

Rombica NEO PRO180

Universal Charger represented a young company Rombica, designed for those who love to travel. It fits easily into a backpack or bag, and the relatively small size and good looks certainly please fans of fashion accessories.

The model is packed in a small cardboard box, made in bright colors. The back surface is fully occupied listing specifications in several languages, including Russian. On the side of the package is available with the types of connectors supplied and their applications.

Packaging is very good – in addition to traditional USB-cable with microUSB connector on the miniUSB adapter and universal cable supplied with 10 interchangeable connectors. Not forgotten, and users of products Apple – for them, the set includes two cables with MagSafe 1 and 2, respectively. Of course, not forgotten, and external power supply, which allows to recharge the unit from the usual outlets.

Its appearance resembles much thinner model Mac Mini – Unibody body style made of bright anodized aluminum quibble here is nothing.

To control the device designed single button placed on the top panel. It is responsible for turning on and off the battery, the battery level control, as well as for the selection of the output voltage – supported values 12, 16 and 19 V. There are four buttons around the display, made a ring shape – they represent the built-in battery. Another three LEDs can be seen on the side – they are responsible for the information on the output voltage of the converter.

Four connectors, all located on the front face of the charger. Accordingly, two USB-connectors are used to connect tablets and smartphones, and the remaining two are for external power supply and universal cable.

Battery capacity is 18,000 mA.ch while to fully charge it from an external power supply unit will take about three and a half hours.

According to the manufacturer, the maximum output current (connector to charge the laptop) is 3.2 A. Our test is not denied – protection works at a value of 19V / 3A. USB output also did not spoil the overall impression – on the weakest of them (1 A) fire protection in excess of the threshold of 1.5 A, while the voltage at the maximum load drops to 4.8 V.

Summarizing the results of our testing, we can recognize that all, without exception, we tested standalone chargers excellent job with its main task.

“Best Buy” we considered the model Hiper PS-221 – with relatively small dimensions of the device has sufficient capacity, and most importantly – more than attractive price.

But the “Editor’s Choice” was a device iconBIT FTB20000M, has an outstanding capacity built-in battery and a lot of extra features.

The post Review of external universal battery appeared first on Raqwe.

IconBIT company offers a wide range of tablets, which have devices with different aspect ratios and sizes of diagonal screens and resolutions, processors and graphics subsystems. The hero of this review – a balanced and stylish NetTAB Skat RX.

Options

iconBIT NetTAB Skat RX for sale in a well-decorated cardboard box, the size of which is only slightly larger than the plate (except for the thickness, of course). The package includes everything you need to get started: a brief user manual, charger, cables, and a pair of headphones.

The manufacturer does not offer accessories for this model, but with today’s abundance of cases and protective films find something to your taste is not difficult.

Design

Yes, the look iconBIT NetTAB Skat RX over something very similar. But Skat RX dimensions 202 x 136 x 8,6 mm, and in fact, what you’re thinking – 200 x 135 x 7.2 mm. Well, the hardware buttons on the bottom center of the panel is not. And iconBIT slightly heavier (335 g vs 308 g). Available in two color options Front panel – black and white. 

Display at Skat RX with an aspect ratio of 4:3 and 7.85 inches on the diagonal. For the film fits loosely, but to read and Web-surfing – perfect. Around the screen to measure the widest border: comfortable to hold the tablet with one or two hands and fingers do not get on the sensitive area.

Above the screen there are two “eye” – the camera and light sensor.

The housing is made of a metal alloy. Its rounded edges that still visually reduces the already small thickness. Go to the top of the faces milled edging. The build quality and materials are not satisfactory. 

On the rear panel, only the main camera lens, it is in the corner, so cut off his fingers in both portrait and landscape orientation, you can only specifically.

All connections and controls focused on the upper face on the lower – only indoor decorative mesh speaker (two or, at least, the holes – steam).

Memory card slot Micro SD (Compatible models with capacity up to 32 GB) is on the left, followed by a 3.5-mm headphone jack socket for connecting the charger.

Connectors Micro-USB and Micro-HDMI in the center. Installation of three standard cables is not difficult, but if you purchase should pay attention to the dimensions of the fork – too “good” (large) can interfere with other cables.

Located on the right to control the volume rocker and the power button.

Functionality

To begin with, as can be seen from the outside. Charging iconBIT NetTAB Skat RX only through a separate power connector. First, the inability to connect the tablet to your home or car charger through the usual Micro-USB connector seems to be a rash decision.

However, the common argument is that it is not all that bad. First, the playback of media content from external drives. Second, work with USB-3G-modem. All this is easier to do when you have a separate power connector. Although he and specific, but not unique, and complete standard charger provides 5 volts and a couple of amps. To provide themselves with electricity on the road enough to find a USB-adapter.

Built-in rechargeable 4000 mA / h recharged in approximately four hours. Housing with moderately hot.

iconBIT NetTAB Skat RX works as a USB-host that allows you to connect (cable is included, however, is very short, it is better to buy / find in the bins extension) external drives. Or digital cameras and other devices that can store data.

Powered external 2.5-inch hard drive, of course, will not work (you will need Y-cable and an additional source of energy), but charge the smartphone battery Skat RX in a critical situation can be.

Display with capacitive sensor and support for multiple (up to five – speed of response and accuracy within the normal range) of touches made by IPS-technology, its resolution is 1024×768 pixels and pixel density – about 163 of an inch. Highlighting matrix, LED, claims to uniformity not. Viewing angles are great, the degradation of image quality with considerable deviation is observed, but it is minor and certainly not critical.

The measurements showed that the maximum brightness is 312 cd / m ², with a value of 50% – 190 cd / m ², a minimum of 66.5 cd / m ². In bright sunlight, it is barely enough to consider the text, and at night is too bright – and others in the way and my eyes get tired fast. 

However, the screen looks good, juicy and has to stand on the counter of a series of “classmates”.

For communication with the outside world meet modules Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0. An internal modem is not provided, but you can use an external one. It is a pity that there is no receiver GPS – whether it is installed, would have made a wonderful car GPS navigator.

The tablet is based on the chip Rockchip RK3188 (28 nm process technology), there are four core ARM Cortex-A9 (ARMv7) at a frequency of 1.6 GHz, the graphics subsystem – ARM Mali-400 MP4, 533 MHz. RAM – 1 GB DDR3, drive – 8 or 16 GB, depending on the model.

The plate was excellent (considering the price) shown in the synthetic benchmarks. In AnTuTu Benchmark result was 18711 points. 3D-rating AnTuTu – 2706 points.

Epic Citadel pleased with the smoothness of a walk and a good result – an average of 46.7 k / s at a resolution 1024h720, noticed the minimum value of 24 or 25, which is also good.

Want to play? iconBIT NetTAB Skat RX – a smart choice. Run this is not casual insistence on to the system as the game Need for speed: Most wanted. The sensor accurately tracks the position of the tablet space, and manage virtual car comfortably. The graphics look at, drop the frame rate is not noticed.

As mentioned earlier, Skat RX is equipped with HDMI-output. When connected to a TV, you can select the parameters of the signal and the degree of scaling. Unfortunately, it’s only HD and the old telestandart 720×576, available in two frequency sweep – 50 and 60 Hz.

Suitable whether Skat RX for viewing the video? If you are willing to put up with big black bars on the screen in widescreen movies, yes. All test clips and video from digital cameras full-time player played great.

Running the supplied headphones are seen as the main possible only if there is no serious claims to the sound. Bass in them is not enough, as the top tight.

Autonomy plate leaves much to be desired. He stands three to four hours of heavy use, in a gentle (read with a little brightness, Web-surfing) – five to six hours.

Cameras

The fact that the photographing or filming video tablet man looks at least strange to have stopped joking. iconBIT, apparently also does not encourage the practice, so the camera at Skat RX «Spartan.”

The front facing camera with 0.3-megapixel (640×480) is designed for video calling. She has a rather large focal length, so at arm’s length is obtained shoulder portrait: dignity or lack of it – it’s a user (not always necessary to show the person that is going on behind your back.)

The rear camera takes pictures. 1600×1200 – not the highest resolution, but the problem is not in numbers, but in quality. Compression algorithms so aggressive that a megapixel picture can hardly be used for photocopying documents. 

This shot was made at an average illuminance (speaking in fototerminah, then at ISO 100 and aperture f / 2,5 exposure would amount to 1/60 sec.), And the text on the verge of readability.

If the original size is smaller, the quality will rise somewhat (only due to the relative size of the text). Overall iconBIT Skat RX allows to photograph the pages of the book in the library or read the synopsis and then imprinted, but you should choose the most illuminated place.

Android

The tablet comes with Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean). It is gratifying to note the absence of useless applications: available only a browser and a couple of players (audio and video), so Google Play Market. Root-default rights are not available.

Before writing this article the plate was used for about a month. This allows you to make well-founded conclusions about its work.

First, the stability pleased. A hard reset is not required once. All applications are functioning as they should be.

Secondly, the performance. For all the mundane tasks (not to mention the responsiveness of the interface) performance of the system was missing. The plate broke even simultaneous video playback in a small “window” and a tour to Epic Citadel without noticeable slowdown.

Do not like the relatively small battery life (heals purchase an external battery and adapter that given the price of the device itself will not make a dent in the family budget).

Impressions from the use

Do not like the work of Wi-Fi signal is weak (in the home / office environment is treated by changing the position of the router or its replacement or purchase of an extender in public – transfer closer to the transmitting antenna).

Form Factor 8 inches / 4:3 proved to be very convenient. Dimensions and weight iconBIT Skat RX allows you to comfortably use your tablet at home or on the road.

Like:
+ A balanced set of components and an attractive price
+ Appearance and Design
+ Stable operation of the system

Did not like:
– Short battery life
– Search for the adapter to charge from other power supplies

The post Tablet iconBIT NetTAB SKAT RX Review appeared first on Raqwe.