Review: ZENS' Apple Watch Power Bank is Pocket-Sized and Ultra Portable Thanks to Built-In Charging Puck

[MacRumors]

ZENS' Apple Watch Power Bank is a compact Apple Watch charging solution that's one of the first to come with a built-in Apple Watch charging puck, eliminating the need for bulky, complicated cable winding systems used in other Apple Watch stands and docks.

Because the charging puck is included in the body of the Power Bank, it's one of the smallest Apple Watch charging options available, and with an included 1,300 mAh battery, it serves as the most portable Apple Watch charger available for travelers.

The Power Bank is cube shaped, measuring in at about an inch and a half wide and just over an inch tall. It's small enough to fit in jacket pocket (it'll fit in a pants pocket too, but the shape is bulky) and it doesn't take up a lot of room in a purse or a backpack.


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Article Link: Review: ZENS' Apple Watch Power Bank is Pocket-Sized and Ultra Portable Thanks to Built-In Charging Puck

 

[ayale99]

I'd take it for $20.

 

[dannyyankou]

lol, why would you need a portable charger, my Apple Watch lasts longer than 24 hours.

 

[stepmuel]

Give it a USB port to also charge my phone, and I'd buy it. Charge phone and watch in the hotel room at night, and have a portable phone charger on the go. But if it can't replace a regular battery pack…

 

[jclardy]

All I want is the apple dock, but made smaller without the "padding" around the outside. Just a hinged circle with a lightning port that I can stick in my laptop bag and never notice until I need it. This is almost what I want...but I don't want another battery (nor the vertical bulk the battery takes up.)

 

[simbo123]

Nightstand mode is maybe the reason for him not getting the full 3 charges on a 38mm watch? Nightstand requires the accelerometer to be constantly powered up and switched on the display for a while at the slightest tap

 

[jclo]

Nightstand mode is maybe the reason for him not getting the full 3 charges on a 38mm watch? Nightstand requires the accelerometer to be constantly powered up and switched on the display for a while at the slightest tap

Wasn't tested in Nightstand mode.

 

[macs4nw]

Since it is specifically designed for the Watch, why on earth would it require a (not included) micro USB cord to charge this PowerBank? Because it's less expensive than a lightning cable? Many AW owners I venture to guess, have a couple of the latter lying around anyway.

Other than that, small and nifty.

 

[MLMcMillion]

Since it is specifically designed for the Watch, why on earth would it require a (not included) micro USB cord to charge this PowerBank? Because it's less expensive than a lightning cable? Many AW owners I venture to guess, have a couple of the latter lying around anyway.

Other than that, small and nifty.

I'm assuming Apple doesn't license the Lightning port, just the connector. I was under the impression they didn't license the charger yet either, has that changed?

 

[macs4nw]

I'm assuming Apple doesn't license the Lightning port, just the connector. I was under the impression they didn't license the charger yet either, has that changed?

Apparently Apple has licensed their Lightning ports and cables, so I'm inclined to think Zen's inclusion of the micro USB port might have been a cost-saving measure on their part.

 

[jclo]

Since it is specifically designed for the Watch, why on earth would it require a (not included) micro USB cord to charge this PowerBank? Because it's less expensive than a lightning cable? Many AW owners I venture to guess, have a couple of the latter lying around anyway.

Other than that, small and nifty.

Sorry if it wasn't clear, but it does come with a microUSB cable. I'll update the post to make it that more obvious.

 

[macs4nw]

Sorry if it wasn't clear, but it does come with a microUSB cable. I'll update the post to make it that more obvious.

No need to apologize; I had actually checked the Zen website, and on a quick glance, I don't believe it mentions the cable specifically, but I'll take your word for it. Keep up the good work, all your in-depth groundwork is appreciated and saves many of us time

 

[AZhappyjack]

I have the Gigaflash Power One... shown here along with the Joostcube and one from Griffin Tech... The Gigaflash is more conventionally shaped, and also serves as a portable phone charger for $45.

The Joostcube seems expensive for no more than it offers, and seems a bit unwieldy to pack and use. Different strokes for different folks.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-watch-portable-charger-comparison.1967408/

 

[nagromme]

I wouldn't mind something shaped like that, but with no battery (so a smaller cube) and the prongs built right in and retractable (like an Apple power brick). Charge your Watch right on the wall when traveling, with no cords ever. Maybe add a USB charge port or two for extra utility.

 

[MH01]

Kinda cute, but expansive for what it is.
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lol, why would you need a portable charger, my Apple Watch lasts longer than 24 hours.

Yup pointless for someone that lives in city and likes charging every 24 hours.

If you travel or go on holidays, where you don't have access to power every 24hrs, you realise the problems with an Apple Watch....

 

[Kajje]

Just what we need. Another Chinese POJ using Apple in their product name whilst adding a Micro USB plug.

Full review over here:

 

[RichTF]

Dammit, this would be ideal to take around with me, if only they'd used a lightning port instead of micro-USB. Here's hoping something similar comes out that lets me just carry the one cable around everywhere…

 

[whyamihere]

Sold! I'm tired of having to pull the bed away from the wall to get my nightstand apple charging puck unplugged, and then pack my stand and that long cable just for a night or two away. Rather than buying a separate Apple Watch puck for $30 I can spend a bit more and get the puck without the all that long cord, and a built in rechargeable battery in a nice small packable form factor. Gonna be great for camping and weekends away! And for those complaining about having to recharge with MicroUSB, last I recall Apple doesn't leave 3rd parties much of a choice in this. I'm sure they exist (as the Sasquatch does), but I've never seen a rechargeable case (other than Apple's own) or battery pack or other accessory that lets you re-charge it via lightning.