USB-A

Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on USB-A:

Powerful new desktop speakers put on light show, charge gadgets

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Edifier QR65 active speakers
Edifier's new desktop speakers put on a light show and charge gadgets.
Photo: Edifier

Edifier’s new QR65 Active Monitor Speakers pack 70 watts of power with hi-res audio certification, put on a light show and act as a fast gallium nitride (GaN) charger for your other gadgets, too.

And the value-oriented Chinese audio brand brings all that and more across for $369 per pair.

Ugreen’s potent new power bank charges 3 gadgets on the go

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Ugreen 100W 20000mAh Power Bank
Ugreen's new power bank works with most devices and recharges itself in just a couple of hours.
Photo: Ugreen

The new Nexode 100W 20,000mAh Power Bank lets users fast-charge three devices at once on the go, the company said Tuesday.

And the portable charger’s 65W “rapid recharge” feature lets it fully power itself back up from an empty battery in just 2 hours.

Build an army of cute ‘robots’ to conquer charging needs [Review] ★★★★☆

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The adorable little charging bots come in 30W and 65W versions and black or purple colors.★★★★☆
The adorable little charging bots come in 30W and 65W versions and black or purple colors.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

If you like cute, Ugreen’s got you covered. Its new Ugreen Nexode RG fast chargers are adorable little “robots” that can charge iPhones, iPads and more. “RG” stands for “Robot GaN,” meaning they’re gallium nitride (GaN) chargers.

And they really only look like robots. They’re not going to walk your dog or rise up and destroy humanity or anything. Probably.

The company sent me a trio of the little cuties to check out. You could get several for different electrical outlets, and when they’re not plugged in, they could stand guard over your computer setup.

Tilting iPhone platform sets 100W multidevice GaN charger apart [Review] ★★★★☆

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This unusual GaN charger juices up MagSafe iPhones via the tilting platform and other devices via USB-C and USB-A ports (up to 100W).★★★★☆
This unusual GaN charger juices up MagSafe iPhones via the tilting platform and other devices via USB-C and USB-A ports (up to 100W).
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Need a compact and potent MagSafe charging station to replace a slow 3-in-1? Coming out just after iPhone 15’s release, Ugreen’s unusual new Nexode 100W GaN Charging Station could fit the bill, charging up to four devices at once.

Rolled out Thursday, the speedy charger takes up a small space by putting a MagSafe platform for iPhone that tilts up on top and USB-C and USB-A ports in the squat body. The company sent me one to try.

Versatile new 4-in-1 MagSafe charger takes unusual form

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You can see in the photograph how the MagSafe charging pad for iPhone can sit flush or tilt up.
You can see in the photograph how the MagSafe charging pad for iPhone can sit flush or tilt up.
Photo: Ugreen

The new Ugreen Nexode 100W GaN Charging Station, rolled out Thursday, combines MagSafe charging for iPhone with GaN USB-C charging for other devices in a compact form factor, the company said.

I’ll have an in-depth review of the new charger, which Ugreen said is ideal for home and on-the-go use with the new iPhone 15 and other MagSafe iPhones, on Friday.

Fast-charge iPhone and more with new power bank — for under $20

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At less than $20, this power bank is surely one of the cheapest ways to fast-charge your iPhone and more.
At less than $20, this power bank is surely one of the cheapest ways to fast-charge your iPhone and more.
Photo: Baseus

With fast chargers for iPhone and other gadgets becoming common, it’s no surprise they’re getting cheaper. But Baseus may have reached a new low with its Airpow PD 20W Fast Charging Power Bank, the company said Thursday.

It costs just $20 normally and is on sale now at just $16.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Momax power station packs 6 ports, 100W of power and wireless charging

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Not only does it have 6 ports, it offers fast wireless charging, too.
This portable power bank will keep all your Apple gear humming.
Photo: Momax

It’s a total drag when your iPhone, iPad or other device runs low on power and you don’t have a way to charge it — or your charger is old and slow but you don’t have much time. That’s when the new Momax 100W 6-Port Charging Station comes in super handy.

SPONSORED
This post is brought to you by Momax.
The charging station’s name pretty much says it all, minus one crucial feature. Not only does it deliver a blistering 100 watts of power via six convenient USB-C and USB-A ports, it can fast-charge wirelessly. You just lay your iPhone or other Qi-enabled device on top of the station for that. Plus, it’s reasonably priced — and Cult of Mac readers can knock 30% off the normal price with the discount code below.

New quad dock drives extra displays and other gear [Review] ★★★★☆

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This slim dock does a lot. You can run three external displays with your MacBook and hook up several other peripherals.★★★★☆
This slim dock does a lot. You can run three external displays with your MacBook and hook up several other peripherals.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Advanced computer docking stations keep getting better. The new Alogic Quad Display DV4 Universal Docking Station is a fine example, easily connecting up to four screens and several other peripherals to a computer.

That’s important for anyone relying on a laptop with limited ports — like many MacBook Pro and MacBook Air users over the years — who can appreciate a good docking station that broadens limited connectivity options.

Supercharge MacBook on the go with Ugreen’s new power bank

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Charge up to three devices at once from the new power bank's big 25,000mAh battery.
Charge up to three devices at once from the new power bank's big 25,000mAh battery.
Photo: Ugreen

Ugreen introduced its latest on-the-go charger for MacBooks and other gear Thursday. The new Ugreen 145W Power Bank offers fast charging and a rather large 25,000mAh battery capacity.

The company said “the intelligent power bank can charge three devices simultaneously and even charge a 13-inch Macbook Air in just 90 minutes.”

Ugreen Nexode 140W Charger is a compact, multiport powerhouse [Review] ★★★★☆

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The 5-foot braided cable that comes with the charger is one of its highlights.★★★★☆
The 5-foot braided cable that comes with the charger is one of its highlights.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

In the fast-growing world of increasingly compact-yet-powerful gallium nitride (GaN) chargers, Ugreen is a player. The company has expanded its line of multiport chargers and recently sent me its Nexode 140W model to try out.

I found it potent, reasonably compact and a fine purchase for most people who need to charge laptops, tablets, smartphones and other devices — especially if they can get it at the discount below, which makes it an exceptional value.

DockCase USB-C dock with display smartens up connectivity [Review] ★★★

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The display isn't life-changing, but it can be useful and it's kind of cool.★★★
The display isn't life-changing, but it can be useful and it's kind of cool.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

After trending toward fewer and fewer ports for a while, Macs have added some back lately, offering better connectivity for the latest laptops and desktops. But it never hurts to have a dock to connect additional devices, share files and distribute power — and now you can get one with an informative display.

DockCase has shaken up the fairly boring world of USB-C docks with its new series. The company sent me its 7-in-1 USB-C Smart HD Display Dock Pro to take for a spin. DockCase said it’s the first to offer such a dock with an HD display.

Price is right for potent, 3-port Ugreen GaN Fast Charger [Review] ★★★★☆

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UGreen's 65W GaN charger can top off three devices at once.★★★★☆
UGreen's 65W GaN charger can top off three devices at once.
Photo: DAVID SNOW/Cult of Mac

Strange to think that until quite recently, people carried around separate chargers for each device. And some people still do. But if you’re on the go for work or leisure, wouldn’t it be much better to bring one compact charging device and a few cables?

With compact and potent gallium nitride (GaN) chargers, you can — if yours has the requisite power and ports.

The Ugreen 65W GaN Fast Charger seems like a Goldilocks type, in that regard. At 65W of power output, it’s strong, but not as big as even more-potent chargers. And it has three ports to cover your basic charging needs.

Anker’s bulked-up battery pack broadens charging options

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The new Anker 633 Magnetic Battery packs a 10,000 mAh capacity.
The new Anker 633 Magnetic Battery packs a 10,000 mAh capacity.
Photo: Anker

If you’re one to suffer charging anxiety while out and about, Anker has your cure. It unveiled its latest portable, MagSafe-compatible charging bank Monday, the Anker 633 Magnetic Battery.

The beastly little brick packs a 10,000mAh battery capacity, Anker’s first product of this kind to do so. Plus it features speedier wireless charging than some previous packs as well as spritely USB-C charging when you just want to pull out a cable and get it over with.

Every MacBook and iPad user should carry these 3 adapters

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Every MacBook and iPad user needs these 3 adapters
A small collection of adapters can really make your life easier.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Adapters simplify the sometimes-messy process of connecting things to our computers. I regularly travel, and I’ve found there are three USB adapters that get me through most of my connection problems.

If you, for example, suddenly need to use a new accessory at a client’s office, or get power at an airport, these adapters will get you through. And they are very affordable.

Go off-grid with Anker’s new portable power station

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Need to live in the woods for a while? This could help.
Need to live in the woods for a while? This could help.
Photo: Anker

Whether you’ve suffered a power outage, decided to go on a camping trip or finally realized you need to ditch civilization once and for all, Anker’s burly new 757 PowerHouse portable power station can help.

With a powerful battery and loads of ports, it’s for anytime you go off-grid.

Apple stops trying to kill USB-A, HDMI and SD

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Apple gives up trying to kill USB-A, HDMI and SD
Even Apple’s newest Mac Studio desktop has USB-A and HDMI. And there’s an SD card reader on the front.
Photo: Apple

For years, Apple seemingly worked to finish off the old USB-A and HDMI formats, as well as the SD card reader. It quit building them into most of its products, replacing them all with smaller USB-C ports. But that campaign appears to have stopped… at least for now.

You need look no farther than the newly announced Mac Studio for proof. It has USB-A, HDMI and an SD card reader.

It’s a sign that Apple is in a tough spot. There are good reasons to kill all of these. And an overwhelming reason to keep them. Let’s discuss.

Tiny keychain cable charges gadgets and opens bottles, too [Review]

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The High Six features USB-C, USB-A and Lightning connectors.
The High Six features USB-C, USB-A and Lightning connectors.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

If you want to be a helpful elf after the holidays — always ready to help charge up people’s devices and open their bottled beverages — you can be. Just carry the nifty little Vonmählen High Six 6-in-1 keychain charging cable in your pocket, with or without keys.

The review sample I received didn’t look flawless or work exactly as advertised, but the company said it will address some issues before it commences shipping the High Six in January 2022, as described below.

Can your iPhone charger open your beer? This one can.

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The High Six compact charging cable and adapter set is also a bottle opener -- all on a keychain.
The High Six compact charging cable and adapter set is also a bottle opener -- all on a keychain.
Photo: Vonmählen

German accessory designer Vonmählen is rolling out a 6-in-1 keychain pocket tool called the High Six – which it said is “the world’s most compact key chain charging cable.” In addition to its various adapters for your charging and data-transfer needs, it has a bottle opener. You know, for your refreshment needs.

In no hurry? Sleek, compact Zens 4-in-1 magnetic charger tops up your gear. [Review]

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The aluminum build gives the Zens Magnetic + Watch Wireless Charger a sense of premium quality.
The aluminum build gives the Zens Magnetic + Watch Wireless Charger a sense of premium quality.
Photo: David Snow / Cult of Mac

The Zens Magnetic + Watch Wireless Charger stands in the ranks of MagSafe-compatible chargers designed to be your go-to device for juicing up multiple pieces of Apple gear — and the sleek and compact 4-in-1 device does it in style. But not with a huge amount of charging power.

The Zens Magnetic + Watch Wireless Charger tops up four devices — all at once, if you like.

A puck on a dark metallic stem holds a MagSafe iPhone (12 or 13 series) firmly in place, horizontally or vertically. The surface underneath charges an AirPods case or any Qi-enabled device. A USB-A charging stick lets you top off an Apple Watch in Sleep mode. And a USB-A port on the side powers up something else, like an iPad.

Bluetti Power Week showcases 5 new products plus sale items and freebies

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Bluetti Power Week sees the introduction of new products and special deals.
Bluetti Power Week sees the introduction of new products and special deals.
Photo: Bluetti

Recently, power supplies purveyor Bluetti added five new charging products to its fleet — two new portable power stations, two “industry first” battery modules and a DC-charging tool that adds capacity to most of the company’s products.

And, with Bluetti Power Week running between August 20 and August 30, many of the company’s other products are deeply discounted. Plus, you can take advantage of some freebies.

TeamGroup unleashes trio of fast USB flash drives

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The biggest and fastest of TeamGroup's new USB flash drives goes by the name
The biggest and fastest of TeamGroup's new USB flash drives goes by the name "Extreme Speed."
Photo: TeamGroup

Though cloud storage has made drive-based storage seem a little like an also-ran, local, portable, physical storage still has a place. So it’s good companies still try to improve it. TeamGroup has released three speedy new USB-3.2 flash drives, including one that carries the name “Extreme Speed.”