Apple OEM 15W 4 Port USB Desktop Charger

I blogged about an OEM Apple Two Port USB Charger here. It is quite a useful device and I wanted to look for more of these plugs. But on my recent trip to Kuala Lumpur, I came across this device instead. Its an OEM Apple (Rip Off) 15W USB Desktop Charger. The packaging caught my attention because it is quite familiar to Apple's.

Product Features:

•  AC wall charger with 4 USB port and US plug with cable 
•  Supports charge 4 devices at one time through just one wall socket.
•  A switch to protect your devices.
•  High efficiency and low energy consumption.
•  Provides standard USB 5V and max. 3A output(according to your device's needing ).
•  Compact and light weighted, easy to operate.
•  Ideal for home, office, travel and other indoor using.
•  Compatible for iPad 2/3, for iPhone 3/3GS/4/4S and for iPod Nano/Touch and other devices that support get recharged via USB power.

Specifications:

• Input: 100V-240V AC. 50/60Hz, DC:12-24V,5.0,3000mA
• Output: 5V 3A 15W (For USB *4)
• OFF Load: ≤0.5W
• Plug: UK plug 
• LED light color :red 
• Charger size: 50*100*27MM
• Charger weight: 0.2kg
• cable length :1.5M

The output is 3A. I would think it is sharing amongst 4 port but I hardly use all 4 ports. it is quite sufficient to charge my family's phone and iDevices. However, I foresee a problem with the various cables.

Box - Front

Box - Back. It would seem that additional
adaptors are provided. But it is not so.

Box-Side 

Box-Side. The various iDevices are supported.
It uses a UK-type plug.

The item. I feel the cable is flimsy.

Another view.

There is an indicator light and it works with
other devices as well, including tables.

Samsung Power Sharing Cable. Male to Male Micro USB Cable.

In my previous post, I mentioned about the Powerskin Battery Charger for Micro-USB. I've also mentioned about the problem that I faced. The flexi-tip of the Powerskin could not accommodate the Otterbox casing that I was using for my Samsung S4 as the flap covering the charging port was in the way of the flexi-tip. 

I bought the PowerSharing Cable by Samsung to overcome this problem. It is not easy trying to find a male-to-male Micro-USB cable. Coming across this Samsung cable was heaven-sent. The direction of the charging is one way and it is indicated on the charging tip. The Power Sharing Cable is meant for a Samsung phone to charge another Samsung device like another Samsung phone or Samsung GearFit watch. 

Here are the unboxing photos.

Box- Front. The direction of the charge is indicated
on the tip.

Box-Back

The cable and manual.

The cable being used together with the
Powerskin battery.

The direction from the Powerskin battery is
outwards.

The other end of the Powersharing cable is plugged into the receiving device. When the Powerskin is turned on, the device was charged. So I do not need to use the flexi-tip, which is quite a pity as the flexi-tip is the unique selling point. But Powerskin should take into account cases which handphone owners would use to protect their phones. Powerskin should make some allowance into the flexi-tip.

The unused flexi-tip.

Comex 2014: Powerskin Battery Powerbank for Micro-USB

I bought the Powerskin Battery Charger for Micro-USB at the recent Comex 2014. It was held between 28th to 31st August 2014. I wanted to use it as one of my travel essentials for my Samsung S4 mobile phone. One of its features is the suction pads located at the back of the portable battery. This will allow it to stick to the phone and act like a 'second skin'.

The PowerSkin is in red with the red suction cups. Taken
from their website.

Specifications:
Battery Type: Lithium Polymer
Battery Capacity: 2000mAh
Input Specification: 5V, 1A
Output Specification: 5V, 1A
Weight: 0.4 lbs / 86g
Dimension: 5(L) x 2.2(W) x 0.41 (H) in

There is only one output and its only 1A. This could be low by today's mobile phone standard.

The battery that is being used is from xPal, which also provide batteries for Energizer. I used one of its battery for my old iPhone, which I blogged about it here.

Another view of Powerskin. Taken from their
website. Take note that this is the 30-pin
iPhone charger. It is using the battery from xPal.

But after opening it and trying it, I realised, there could be problems with using it.

Lets go through the unboxing photos first.

Box-Front

Box-Side

Box-Back

Box - Back details.

Box-Back. Additional details.

Content. I bought the black version.

The suction cup upclose. The micro-USB tip.

The flexi-tip can be removed.

Indicator light for battery status.

The Problem

After trying out the PowerSkin, I realised that I have 2 problems:

1. The flexi-tip cannot accommodate the Otterbox casing. The casing is too thick and the charging port cover is in the way of the flex-tip. As shown in the top picture.

2. The texture of the Otterbox does not allow the suction cup to work. But this is small matter. 

So how do I overcome the 1st problem?

I will tell you of another device I bought in my next blog.

In the meantime, read about my other portable battery, Powerocks 7800mAh Dual USB Portable Battery.

Comex 2014: Energea Duo USB Travel Adaptor Kit

I bought the Energea Duo USB Travel Adaptor Kit at the recent Comex 2014. It was held between 28th and 31st August 2014. I was not looking to buy a travel adaptor as I already have the Arctic Charger Pro 4, which I blog about it here.

I was looking for something similar to the Apple Clone Two Port USB Charger which I bought in KL. I intend to use it only at home. I blogged about it here.

But the lady that sold the Energea Adaptor Kit gave a SGD5 off the promo price, which is already a good deal. It comes with the various adaptors and a sturdy travel bag.

The USB output is 3.4A shared, which allows it to charge a tablet and a phone simultaneously. This is similar to the Apple Clone Two Port USB Charger.

Specifications:
AC Input: 100-240V ~ 50/60Hz 0.5A
USB Output: 5.0V – 3.4A
Output Power: 17W (Max)
Dimensions: 46.0 x 42.8 x 35.0 mm
Weight: 63.5g

Features:
3.4A Duo USB Ports to charge both smartphone + tablet simultaneously
Changeable AC adaptor for US, AU, UK & EU type
LED Indicator lets you know when gadgets are charging
Compact Design allows you to travel light
Safety Circuit Protection keeps gadgets safe

Here are the unboxing photos:

Box Front.

The various adaptor plugs are included.

Another view.

How to place the plugs.

Box Back View.

Side view.

Its not exactly a pouch.

But more like a case. On the left is where you place the
cables.

With the UK plug adaptor.

UK adaptor and US Adaptor.

UK adaptor back view. It slides into the US adaptor
on the right.

With the UK adaptor attached.

And used.