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Review on πŸ’‘ IDMIX 100W 4-Port USB C Charger: MacBook Fast PD Charger with GaN Tech for USB C Laptop Devices and iPad by Instructor Niederhaus

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Latest technology, high performance, great charger design that works on multiple devices

I've been looking for a GaN charger with high power output and more than two USB-C outputs for a long time. It has 3 USB-C outputs and 1 USB-A output. This isn't a huge problem as there are adapters and cables that allow you to map each output to a socket on your device. This is important when charging larger devices like laptops, but you need to use a cable with the right specs, which I'll cover at the end of this review. The 100W power rating of this charger gives you the ability to charge two 15.6" or 16" MacBook Pros and one iPad at the same time. Like the latest high tech flashlights (best example I can use), these products are getting smaller but with more power. Before this charger I had 4 outputs (2 USB-C plus 2 USB-A). It was also rated for 100 watts, but not for two at the same time. With most of the latest charging boxes you should really check the specs as many control the outputs by reducing them to a lower level depending on how much you are using at a time. The advantages of GaN technology are numerous. , but most importantly, gallium nitride (GaN) has much higher efficiency, which is due to the internal resistance of the device. The point is that you can get better performance with less internal heat generation. Older technology chargers may be designed for the same tasks, but they get too hot to work safely. Another important difference is that the outputs are "smart" and can determine what the connected device needs in terms of power. For example, a 16-inch laptop might only need 40W when it's off and charging, 50W when it's on but in sleep mode, and 60W when it's on and the display is active. The only reason this matters is that this charger allows you to charge multiple devices and it will recognize what the device needs in its current state and deliver exactly what is needed. Many devices now have QC or PD, i.e. quick charging. You can't buy a QC or PD charger and expect fast charging unless the device supports it. Basically all current cell phones, tablets and laptops support one of the fast charging technologies, but if your device is older you can either contact the manufacturer or maybe do a quick web search to find out if your device supports fast charging. . Even if your devices don't support fast charging, you can still use a charger that supports it, but your device will charge normally. You're also future-proof as your next device will almost certainly support one of the fastest charging technologies available. All in all, it's an elegantly designed charger that incorporates cutting-edge technology, making it very practical. The USB-C outputs are perfect for any device as you can easily find cables that convert USB-C to Lightning (the iPhone has it, even the new 13 series), as well as mini and micro USB. New laptops and Android phones tend to have USB-C, so a USB-C to USB-C cable is the way to go. Also, not all cables are designed for higher performance. You can invest in a 100W charger and connect it to a 16-inch laptop, but unless your cable is rated for higher performance, you won't get the same results. You can't determine a cable's rating by looking at it, but you can certainly order the right cable. 100W USB-C cables are easy to find, but make sure you order a cable that is specifically rated for 100W. You may never need the full 100W, but if you have the wrong cable, the connection from the charger to your devices becomes the bottleneck. at 18 watts. This is similar to Apple's OEM iPad charging socket. I haven't had any issues with it, but if I notice it I'll update this review.

Pros
  • Small and compact
Cons
  • Updates available