Anker Powercore+ 20100 for charging Macbook 12?

[pjny]

I often work in my car and need to keep my Macbook 12 topped up at all times.

Anyone use the Powercore+ 20100 to charge Macbook 12? I see it only charges at 5v/2.4A which would mean I would lose battery power unless I have the laptop off. I would think the charge times would also be excessive.

Please let me know if this is worth getting. Thanks.

 

[uscmba02]

I have an Anker "2nd gen Astro E7" that is a 25600MA battery that claims to output 5V/4A. I use it to supplement my battery on my Macbook sometimes, and according to Coconut battery it charges with 0.4-3.0 watts. Im too lazy to figure out the math but I'm seeing that it doesn't charge the machine much but it will keep the battery from dropping. My power adapter reports 17-20W while charging it and using it at the same time. Hope this helps?

 

[kingofwale]

I have an Anker "2nd gen Astro E7" that is a 25600MA battery that claims to output 5V/4A. I use it to supplement my battery on my Macbook sometimes, and according to Coconut battery it charges with 0.4-3.0 watts. Im too lazy to figure out the math but I'm seeing that it doesn't charge the machine much but it will keep the battery from dropping. My power adapter reports 17-20W while charging it and using it at the same time. Hope this helps?

does it sustain it while using? if so, I might look into it as well

 

[Queen6]

does it sustain it while using? if so, I might look into it as well

At 3.0 Watts unlikely unless the rMB is idle. Right now I just carry the charger and plug in when opportunity arises, As I see little point in carrying a large battery pack that can barely keep the Notebook`s battery topped up. 20-30 minutes of charge on the mains makes for a big impact on the systems battery run time.

Major issue currently is components capable of dealing with USB C high current switching, hence why the vast majority of these USB C battery packs are only rated for the 5V bus, which realistically makes them of little use for the rMB.

Q-6

 

[masotime]

My power adapter reports 17-20W while charging it and using it at the same time. Hope this helps?

Are you using the official Apple Charger? It should show 29W... Could you give a screenshot of Coconut battery when using your adapter v. the Anker external battery? Use command-control-shift-4 to generate screenshots.

 

[uscmba02]

I use the battery primarily on a boat where plugging it in is not super convenient. I would assume that the 3.0 watts reported by coconut battery while using the mac is net charging, but I really don't know enough about USB C power managment and how Coconut battery calculates it data. I'll leave coconut battery open today with the battery plugged in under normal usage and see what happens.

 

[MagicBoy]

Does no-one make a car charger that plugs into a 12V socket?

Would make much more sense than a top-up battery pack.

 

[uscmba02]

Here are the screen shots. On battery, while using the backup battery pack, and while using the charger.

 

[masotime]

Here are the screen shots. On battery, while using the backup battery pack, and while using the charger.

Ah thanks, but I should have been clearer - could you click the "battery details" button before making screenshots? It will show the power adapter rating.

 

[Craigy Boy]

Review here of it on 9to5Mac http://9to5mac.com/2015/11/16/review-anker-powecore-plus-20100/

They seem to say that if you press the button on the battery again it starts charing via USB-C at 6amps?

"...recharge the MacBook from PowerCore+; holding down the power indicator button activates the USB-C port’s outbound MacBook recharging mode. Again, you’ll be capped at 6 Amps total across the ports."

 

[masotime]

"...recharge the MacBook from PowerCore+; holding down the power indicator button activates the USB-C port’s outbound MacBook recharging mode. Again, you’ll be capped at 6 Amps total across the ports."

The problem is that they mention "total across the ports". This could mean 3A per port, for a total of 6A. It's decent, but 3A@5V is 15W, which is pretty low compared to the max 29W the 12" MacBook supports.

 

[Trvlngnrs]

Many people are reporting that it charges their Macbook:

http://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCo...ortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending&pageNumber=2

I'm going to get one for mine as it seems it's the best out there right now!

 

[masotime]

Many people are reporting that it charges their Macbook:

http://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCo...ortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending&pageNumber=2

I'm going to get one for mine as it seems it's the best out there right now!

Thank you for the link / confirmation. It looks like it is capped at 15W. Not bad, but I guess it was unlikely it could go higher than that. Still better than 12W by 25%, which is actually a fair bit.

 

[pjny]

I'm confused at different posts stating Anker powercore+ can charge the macbook 12 2015. Anker team states: "The maximum output via the USB-C port is 15W. It seems the Retina Macbook requires an input current of 85W to charge properly, but this Anker external battery delivers a maximum of 15W. It seems it may charge very slowly if at all. We do not recommend this external battery for the Retina Macbook.

The maximum output of the PowerCore 20100 is less at 12W per port. - See more at: http://www.anker.com/product/A1372011#sthash.6V2Io0Jn.dpuf

 

[pjny]

Anyone using the Anker Powercore+ 26800 to charge their Macbook 12 2015? I just need to keep it topped up while surfing the web. Thanks.

 

[masotime]

I'm confused at different posts stating Anker powercore+ can charge the macbook 12 2015. Anker team states: "The maximum output via the USB-C port is 15W. It seems the Retina Macbook requires an input current of 85W to charge properly, but this Anker external battery delivers a maximum of 15W. It seems it may charge very slowly if at all. We do not recommend this external battery for the Retina Macbook.

The maximum output of the PowerCore 20100 is less at 12W per port. - See more at: http://www.anker.com/product/A1372011#sthash.6V2Io0Jn.dpuf

I'm certain that 85W applies to the 15" Retina MacBook Pro, which is a totally different beast. The 12" Retina MacBook officially uses a 29W charger, or more specifically 14.5V 2A. You can also charge the 12" Retina Macbook @ 15W or 5V 3A. 5V is pretty much what almost all portable USB chargers and batteries output at, even the newer USB-C variants.

 

[pjny]

Thanks. I noticed the Powercore 20100 has max output of 5V / 4.8A whereas the 26800 only has output of 5 V / 2.4 A, 9 V / 2 A, 12 V / 1.5 A. I want the 26800 for max charge but it seems there might be an issue if the Macbook battery starts depleting while the 26800 is charging it. Is there any way to figure out the minimum charge to keep the Macbook battery from losing charge? If so, the 20100 seems to be the better candidate even though it has lower capacity.

Anker site also shows the 20100 as being able to charge the Macbook 12.

I just need a device to keep the Macbook topped up at 100% in my car. I don't want to run an inverter and keep the car on.

 

[Trvlngnrs]

Here is another option http://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerDr...p/B00VH84L5E/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

According to it's description it says "For Optimal Use:
• Use your original cable or a third-party certified one (such as MFi).
• Compatible with Apple and Android smartphones, tablets (including the Nexus 7), the new 12" MacBook (5-hour recharge time) and other USB-charged devices."

I ordered one last night for $6.99 as they had a $1.00 promo code on the Amazon website.

 

[pjny]

Thanks. I see an updated version of this for $12.99 on amazon. is that just the same charger with $5+ cable?

thanks.

i am concerned i will kill my car battery in the winter if I use it to charge two iphones and macbook during long periods in the car parked.

that is why i wanted to get the 26800 battery.

Here is another option http://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerDr...p/B00VH84L5E/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

According to it's description it says "For Optimal Use:
• Use your original cable or a third-party certified one (such as MFi).
• Compatible with Apple and Android smartphones, tablets (including the Nexus 7), the new 12" MacBook (5-hour recharge time) and other USB-charged devices."

I ordered one last night for $6.99 as they had a $1.00 promo code on the Amazon website.

 

[Craigy Boy]

So does anyone actually have an Anker battery pack that they're successfully/happy using with their 12" MacBook?

I currently have the Anker 20100 (not the USB-C version) and don't have the cable that will go normal USB to USB-C. In 2 minds whether to just get a cable and use what I have, or buy the new battery pack.

Anyone used either please comment! Going backpacking around the world next month, and just want to have a decent battery pack that charges my iPhone and 12" MacBook!

 

[happyslayer]

I have it and, yes I charge my MBr with it. I just needed to get a cable from MonoPrice (USB-A male to USB-C male.) it does a good job. I also, charge my iPhone 6, iPad Mini 2r, and Bluetooth headset.

 

[masotime]

Thanks. I noticed the Powercore 20100 has max output of 5V / 4.8A

I think you're making a very big assumption here. Does it say it is a max of 4.8A on one port? Because I'm betting it is 2.4A per port to a maximum of 4.8A across 2 ports....

 

[Craigy Boy]

I have it and, yes I charge my MBr with it. I just needed to get a cable from MonoPrice (USB-A male to USB-C male.) it does a good job. I also, charge my iPhone 6, iPad Mini 2r, and Bluetooth headset.

Thanks. So you've got just the regular PowerCore 20100 or the 20100+?

Does it charge while using the MacBook or just keep it at the same percentage?

 

[Craigy Boy]

Anyone else able to comment on these powerpacks in use with 12" MacBook?

Really want to know if I'm gaining much going from the regular 20100 to the 20100+.

Experiences of people using either would be great thanks.

 

[dawgfang]

I have the non USB C Anker battery and I only tried it once and it charged mine pretty quick while the MacBook was asleep. Haven't tried to use while using computer.