| Cult of Mac

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.

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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.

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.