Gadgets: A premium charger

Satechi ChargeView 140W is one of those chargers that does what it says it does; it will charge up to four devices at the same time. This can include just about any USB-C charging device, including high-powered MacBook Pros.

The premium desktop AC-powered charger eases the charging cable clutter many of us have by eliminating the need for smaller charging power cubes and their cables. Instead, you get a combined output of 140 watts, distributed through four front-facing USB-C ports.

A front-facing display shows, in real time, how power is being distributed to all connected USB-C devices. Two of the four ports can deliver the maximum 140 watts when used individually; the other two have a maximum of 40 watts. From there, depending on how many are being used, the distribution changes. When all four are used, they are distributed across ports one to four: 65, 40, 20 and 15 watts.

With a MacBook Pro and a Windows laptop both being used, they stayed powered and charging. Then, adding an iPhone and an iPad, all still charged pretty fast.

Satechi specs show the ChargeView 140W features GaN technology to deliver a fast, and more importantly, safe charge, preventing overheating and overcharging. All four ports deliver PPS-optimized charging, keeping power delivery optimized until charging is complete. And with USB PD 3.2 AVS on port 1, it will deliver the fastest possible charge for the latest iPhones.

The wattage output is up there among the highest available, and when you combine that with the advanced features, you have a winner. The ChargeView 140W will charge most any brand's USB charging devices, and, as Satechi is known for, it has an Apple look with its top-notch aluminum construction.

An AC power cord and a removable stand that works horizontally or vertically are included.

https://satechi.com/products/chargeview-140w-desktop-charger $99.99

The Ifi AudioGO Link 2 USB dongle is one of those devices you don’t think you need until you try it. Then you won’t know how you lived without it.

The plug-and-play device is almost like magic. Just plug it in, connect your headphones and it turns average-sounding playlists into high-resolution music. One end is a USB-C connection, and the other end of the 5.4 by 0.47 by 0.31-inch/0.30-ounce pocket-sized device is a 3.5 mm auxiliary port. Both are connected with a permanent braided cable, and a USB-C to USB-A adapter is included.

On the Ifi site, they had a statement that I thought was so true: “These days, audio is often left as an afterthought.” We do so much with our smartphones; I, like everyone else, load music and listen without giving a thought to how it sounds. Using top-of-the-line headphones helps, but the GO Link 2 gives it such an improvement.

Inside is an ESS Sabre DAC chipset that helps convert your tunes to hi-res music. If you're not a music junkie, the quickest way to describe what it does to your music is it makes what you hear cleaner and crisper, with reduced distortion. The Ifi Nexis app integration lets you personalize your sound.

I used the dongle with my wired CampFire Audio headphones, which are great headphones, and the sound only got better. In some files, the difference was subtle, while in others it was definitely noticeable.

There are no specific requirements for the type or brand of wired headphones to be used, but my common sense says they should be on the higher end. Obviously, if you're listening with lower-end headphones, there’s not a lot you can do to improve the sound.

https://ifi-audio.com/products/go-link-2 $59.00

Twelve South’s new PowerClip ultra-compact portable battery is portable as any.

The PowerClip is a compact 2,000 mAh power bank (2.5 by 1.8 by 0.6 inches/1.59 ounces), with integrated cables attached to give your device a quick boost of power on the go. Inside is a 2,000 mAh lithium battery and a built-in keychain ring. USB-C cables are integrated on both sides with a USB-C cable 1 for both input and output.

The USB-C connectors can be used simultaneously, and a full charge of the PowerClip takes about 2 hours. While charging the PowerClip itself, you can use the other cable for pass-through charging. An LED battery-level indicator shows how much power is left. A zinc-alloy carabiner is included.

With 2,000 mAh of power, consider it emergency power. It is rated to charge your iPhone up to 30%. That can be gold when you're away from home or office, charging and need that slight boost of power.

https://www.twelvesouth.com/products/powerclip $39.99, available in five color choices

Anker launched its 45W Nano Charger earlier this year, the first known charger that knows your iPhone.

This compact AC charging cube is smaller and significantly more powerful than the charging adapters that once came bundled with many smartphones. It also includes intelligent charging features designed to deliver fast, efficient power while helping extend your battery's long-term health.

The Nano Charger uses USB-C GaN fast-charging technology and features foldable AC prongs for easy portability (1.34 by 1.38 by 1.57 inches). When you connect a USB-C cable to your device, the charger automatically identifies your iPhone model and delivers up to 45 watts of optimized charging power. For comparison, many of the original smartphone charging adapters provided 5 watts or less.

The charger's front-facing display shows the detected iPhone model, along with real-time features such as charging power and temperature. According to Anker, the Nano Charger uses "3-stage power delivery and TUV-certified Care Mode" to optimize charging efficiency while helping protect your device's battery health.

You can charge in Auto or Care modes, which are displayed on the front; you choose by tapping a button above them. Anker also stated the charger will give you over 10 million daily temperature checks. The 180-degree folding prongs let it fit into most wall outlets or power strips.

https://www.anker.com/products/a121d-45w-usb-c-fast-charger-foldable-plug-compact $39.99, available in four colors