Windows Phone Accessory Review: NRGdeck Power Bank 5000

NRGdeck Power Bank 5000 Lead

If you use your Windows Telephone a lot on the go – whether to play games, watch videos, or plain onetime make calls and text – y'all've probably see the dreaded 'Disquisitional Battery Alert' once or twice. Every bit the telephone's battery ages, it starts holding less of a accuse, thus making battery life an even greater concern. Yous can e'er purchase a new battery, only people similar me who plan to supercede their existing phones with a shiny new Windows Phone 8 handset afterward this year probably don't desire to spend too much on an accompaniment they won't be needing any more in a few months. That's where the NRGdeck Power Bank from Porta Solutions U.s. comes in.

The NRGdeck is an external battery pack/charger for USB devices, so information technology'south not strictly a Windows Phone accompaniment. But it is a versatile charging product that can power 2 devices at once, helping keep your phone and other electronics going when wall outlets are in curt supply.

5000 gigawatts, I mean, milliamps

At the fourth dimension of this writing, the NRGdeck Power Banking concern comes in one capacity: 5000mAh. Porta Solutions recently added a new unit of measurement to their website with a whopping 11000mAh chapters, merely that unit isn't available for buy just yet. Still, the 5000mAh model I'm reviewing should provide more than enough power for most users' needs. For comparing, the original Samsung Focus bombardment holds 1500mAh, the Focus 2 1700mAh, and the Nokia Lumia 900 clocks in at 1830mAh. Thus a fully-charged Power Bank 5000 can really more than than double (and in some cases, triple) a WP7 handset's bombardment life. Not too shabby!

A Titanic battery

The Ability Bank 5000 is a black rectangular device with curved edges measuring 4.33 inches x 0.57 inches x 2.76 inches and weighing 5.28 ounces. That makes it a bit smaller and lighter than an HTC Titan 2, only non dramatically so. Obviously at that place is a tradeoff between size and utility with the NRGdeck, the semi-large physical size allowing for much greater ability capacity than the tiny batteries constitute inside normal smartphones. Nonetheless, information technology's not so heavy that y'all'd detect it when stored inside a messenger purse or backpack, and information technology could fit within (and fill) an empty pants pocket in a pinch.

The front (iv.33 x 2.77 inches) of the NRGdeck boasts a logo, an iOS-like power push, and a four unit LED ability indicator. Plug the unit of measurement into a ability source (a wall outlet, estimator, etc.) and the LEDs light up every bit it charges. I didn't measure the charging time, just it went from almost empty to full overnight when plugged into the wall - not bad at all considering how long some phones have to charge.

NRGdeck Power Bank 5000 charging 2 devices

The but other side of the NRGdeck with any features is the two.77 inches ten .057 inch side that holds a micro USB input port and ii standard USB output ports. The output jacks are non identical: one pumps 1A of ability (enough for your average Windows Phone) and the other two.1A (for tablets and other high power devices). As if the versatility of output wasn't useful plenty, the Power Bank 5000 can actually charge two devices simultaneously. During my recent circuit to Casual Connect Seattle, I often plugged in both my phone and digital camcorder at the aforementioned time with no apparent bear upon on charging speed.

1 cable and many plugs

The NRGdeck includes a single gyre cablevision (approximately 24 inches in length) with a standard male person USB end and a non-standard circular female end. To brand use of said cable, yous'll demand to attach 1 of several plugs. Included are a micro USB plug (perfect for Windows Phones), a mini USB plug, an iOS plug, and a round plug.

If you're just using the Power Bank with micro USB devices like WP handsets, yous can get out the micro USB plug attached all the time; plug it into the input port on the device to charge it; and plug it into an output port to power the phone. No need for additional cables or plugs in that situation. But whatever USB cable with one standard male end will work, making the included cable optional rather than required.

Functioning

What's it similar to actually apply the NRGdeck? Quite the pleasure. Once y'all've connected a device to the unit'south ability output, you must turn on the Ability Banking company in order to charge the device. Lightly tapping the ability button doesn't quite do the play a joke on; I had to hold the push for a second or the NRGdeck would power down instead of initiating charging. That nitpick bated, once y'all larn to hold the power push long plenty, you lot shouldn't have whatsoever problems getting the juice flowing every bit intended.

While the NRGdeck transfers power to another device, its bluish power LEDs come on and indicate remaining accuse. Equally the power gets used, you tin run across information technology tick down from 4 LEDs all the way to zero. The charging process works best with the Power Banking company and any connected devices sitting on a flat surface so the ability cord or cords don't go bumped as well much.

I establish that I could utilise my Windows Phone while connected to the NRGdeck, but if I moved the telephone around besides much the connection would come loose – pretty much the same every bit using it when continued to an AC charger. Powering a camcorder during non-stationary utilise wouldn't be a great thought, considering the weight of the bombardment would probable tug at the cable and interrupt the flow of power.

Overall Impression

Some folks can ability their phones from a single nightly charge and never run besides low on juice – it all depends on your usage habits. For my ain function, if I practise an 60 minutes or so of unplugged gaming, I'yard guaranteed to run downwards before the end of the day. Factor in trips to places where wall outlets aren't available, and the need for an extra battery or a product like the NRGdeck becomes apparent.

The NRGdeck Power Bank 5000 is a fantastic solution for powering portable USB devices, including Windows Phones. I love that information technology will piece of work with Windows Telephone viii handsets and many other portable electronics that come along within the next few years. If you're a regular user of high-drain devices like tablets or larger camcorders, you might want to hold out for the upcoming Ability Bank 11000. Just almost smartphone users volition do just fine with the 5000 mAh model.

During my recent conference trip, I used both my Windows Phone and smaller camcorder quite ofttimes throughout the day, hands draining the charge from their built-in batteries. But the NRGdeck kept upward with my needs and never ran dry out as long as I charged everything at night. The freedom to use my phone for any purposes I wanted, including gaming, without worrying that it would end up completely dead before I got back to the hotel was most appreciated. If you rely on your phone for entertainment, business organisation, and everything in betwixt as well, y'all might but need a Power Bank too.

The NRGdeck Power Bank 5000 retails for $69.99, simply you tin get it for just $thirty.99 through an Amazon tertiary-party seller. Amazon fulfills the order, so information technology'southward eligible for free Prime aircraft.

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