For the longest time, I refused to upgrade my work-issued MacBook. I was worried about the misery, and I’d rather stick with an old Intel-powered laptop than transfer files, stop apps and sign in to accounts again. Was it important that my notebook last long enough to cover the iPhone launch? My little brain blamed it all on external factors (like being forced to use a MacBook instead of a PC), and it left me dripping with depression as I watched energy levels drop to zero at the many live events I attend every year. So when I saw the Anker Laptop Power Bank as one of the items in our Labor Day deals roundup this year, I decided to get one to ease my battery worries (instead of, you know, doing the sensible thing and settling for a new laptop).
When I opened my new Laptop Power Bank the night before the launch of the iPhone 17 Pro, I did not expect to be so taken with its features. What I knew back then was that this was a solid computer battery pack, squeezing 25,000mAh into a compact package that would save me from worrying too much about finding an outlet. But when I saw the screen flash with details on the amount of power left (to two decimal places!) and real-time charger data when I plugged it in, I was impressed. How modern it is!
Then I noticed the built-in cables – one retracts and tucks neatly inside the charger and the other bends artfully into the slot and doubles as a handle. Both ropes were woven and felt like they would resist tearing and self-destruction over time. Overall, the general build quality and performance of all components made it clear that this was a thoughtfully designed product worthy of the praise and money we’ve thrown at it since our colleagues first tested it.
But what really made me smile (and giggle, honestly) was a naughty little Easter egg. I saw a post on Threads that shows that if you pull on that retractable cable and let it go in and out a few times, the screen will show a smiley face. I didn’t believe this was true until I saw it for myself. Of course, it sounded strange, but I told myself that I was revising the chainsaw, and I was doing a formal inspection for professional reasons, not to break the machine. And when I saw the funny face appear, I felt the effect was funny rather than pervy. The good news for serious readers is that if you don’t want to see that face, you don’t have to. And if you like a little frivolous touch in your tech products, the Anker Laptop Battery Charger will please it.
Regardless of how I feel about the laptop battery charger, it doesn’t take away from the fact that this is a well-made, well-made product. It managed to get my MacBook a few extra hours, so I got to the end of the keynote for many hours, but it ran completely empty so I couldn’t recharge my phone in the back. Blast Apple Park and its complete lack of available electrical outlets!
Anker’s Laptop Battery Pack successfully eased my battery worries, brought me joy and won me over with its thoughtful design. And because I got it on sale, it was well used for $90.
