The Powerqube Mini: charge many devices with a small cube.

By Scott Davert, 3 January, 2016

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

Review Category

Rating

5 Stars

Review

Over the past couple of years, I've had to do a fair amount of traveling for work, and I've also done quite a bit for pleasure. When you travel to more than 15 states a year, it's quite inevitable that you will stay in multiple hotels with multiple kinds of lay-outs. And as I work in a job where technology is one of my primary focuses, I have to take a lot of technology with me from place to place. Not only must I transport it, but I also must keep things either plugged in or charged. Not all spaces to demonstrate technology are created equally, and for that matter, neither are hotels. One of the things I've been on the hunt for is a way to effectively charge all of the devices I need with as low of a profile as possible.
While the <a href="http://www.applevis.com/accessory-reviews/miscellaneous/powerful-Powerqube"&gt; Powerqube</a> is a wonderful device, it's not exactly low profile. Sure, I could fit it in my bag and lug it around, but I was looking for something a bit less cumbersome that would be more portable. One of the solutions to this first world problem came in the form of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/POWERQUBE-MINI-Chargers-Smartphone-Packaging/dp/B014I5SSPQ/ref=pd_sim_107_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=21RYS2BTmRL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1RRCABN06D551ZJASWBK"&gt; Powerqube Mini</a> The Powerqube Mini measures 4.5 inches long, 4.5 inches wide, 1.7 inches tall, and weighs slightly less than a pound It comes with a detachable AC plug for the wall that is about 5 feet long, and sports 3 USB ports on one side, 2 AC outlets on the other side, and you attach the plug for the wall to the back of the Powerqube Mini. The detachable cord is unique to the Mini, as the cord on the back of the full-sized model is permanently affixed.
Performance was very good on the Powerqube Mini, which was expected given the 2 plus years I have been using its larger counterpart in my home. I was able to charge my iPad Mini 2, my iPhone 6S, a Braille Sense u2, my ComPilot, and my Macbook Air all at the same time. All devices charged as rapidly as if they were on AC outlets, even though only 2 of the devices actually were. This was the most recent example of using the Powerqube Mini to its full potential when I traveled to see friends and family for the holidays. I've also been able to charge 3 tablets at the same time and all worked as advertised. The Powerqube Mini does become slightly warm when it's being fully utilized, but certainly it's nothing dangerous.
In conclusion, priced at $25 on Amazon, the Powerqube is a small yet effective way to charge multiple devices at once. With 3 USB ports, it's not likely you will need to carry as many power bricks with you as if you were using a standard power strip. The Powerqube Mini is very small, thus making it easy to travel with, and its price point makes it a worthwhile option even if you are looking for a small charging station in your home. I have been using the Powerqube Mini for about 4 months, and it is performing just as well as it did the day I received it.

Devices Accessory Was Used With

iPhone
iPhone
iPhone
iPad
iPad
iPad
iPhone

Disclaimer

The article on this page has generously been submitted by a member of the AppleVis community. As AppleVis is a community-powered website, we make no guarantee, either express or implied, of the accuracy or completeness of the information.

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Comments

By KE7ZUM on Thursday, January 7, 2016 - 21:14

Sounds convenient, however the 1 usb port might be a letdown and what if your thing you are charging has a brick at the end of the plug. I don't know what they were called, but they were like 1 foot cords you plug the brick in to and plug the other end in to the power strip or what ever it would be. Do you think those would work on the power cube mini? Good `.

By Scott Davert on Thursday, January 7, 2016 - 21:14

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

The Powerqube, as mentioned in the review, has 3 USB ports. I'm not quite sure where you got the idea it only has one. I hope this helps.

By KE7ZUM on Thursday, January 7, 2016 - 21:14

Oops? I heard 1 usb port and 3 outlets. I hope I just misread, if so, perfect. Lol!

Anyway would the cables I talked about work with the power cute mini?

Take care and be blessed.

By Scott Davert on Thursday, January 7, 2016 - 21:14

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

It has 2 AC plugs and 3 USB ports, it's written in the description. smiles. So, yes, you could use the 2 AC outlets for either of those plugs. There is enough space between the 2 outlets to be able to plug most things in just fine.

By Riley on Sunday, February 7, 2016 - 21:14

I have a couple questions about this device.
1. How long does it take to fully charge, and how do you tell?
2. How long can I use it for before I need to charge it again?

By KE7ZUM on Sunday, February 7, 2016 - 21:14

Actually I don't think this is a battery. You plug your devices that you want to charge in, and plug it in to the wall. If I'm wrong let me know.

Hope this helps.

By Diane on Monday, March 7, 2016 - 21:14

I purchased this last week and got it just in time for a hotel stay. The AC and USB outlets are nicely spaced and the detachable AC plug makes it easier to pack. Will bring it any time I travel. Thank you, Scott.