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I late tested one of the novel portable power banks , theAnker Solix C300 DC Portable Power Station . Anker built its business on batteries and charging solutions , so whenever it drops a new product , it ’s worth select note . The Solix C300 DC is a succinct power bank designed to keep portable devices runningduring emergenciesor on the go . As a frequent camper , I first keyed in on its kill - out lantern , but during three weeks of testing I noted other detail that mark this twist from similar example . In this inspection , I will share my observation , including the pros and gyp as I have them .
Anker Solix C300 DC: At a Glance
Buy the Anker Solix C300 DC at :
Testing the Anker Solix C300
Three week throw me plentitude of meter to try out theAnker Solix C300 DC Portable Power Stationon a camping trip and at habitation . It ’s a mere machine that was quite literally “ plug - and - play , ” and it ’s an “ internet of things ” ( IoT ) machine that requires a connexion to the Anker mobile app for admittance to all of the available control options . After unboxing the unit , I had to consign it , download the mobile app , and couple the power cant to the app . full setup time , not including send clip , was about 5 hour . After that , try it was a matter of create unlike scenarios to understand how it would work in tangible life .
The two broad use - cases that I explored were abode emergencies and travel . When apower outage occursat house , the top priorities are lights , infrigidation , raw electronics , and temperature control . The C300 DC does not have the capacity to power large appliances , but it does have a pop - out lantern that is surprisingly bright , and it can keep earphone , laptop computer , and other small electronics powered up for several days . While travel , a portable spark and the power to reload portable devices are precisely what ’s need . The C300 DC held slew of battery capacity for all of my weekend tenting penury .
Features
The C300 DC ’s most big feature is its small-scale size and lightweight make . Its step is less than 5 inch square , and it put up less than 8 inches tall with the lantern closed . It weighs a little over 6 pounds . The lantern pops out 2 inches above the body of the power station . The unit also has a nylon webbing hold that withdraw up no extra space , or else of a unbending charge plate one . The small size was one of the characteristics that I especially like about this unit . It ’s right smart too easy to overpack for a weekend , and this unit stores a luck of energy in a small space .
As for input and outputs , the power station has 8 total ports . Two of the USB - coulomb vent are 2 - way ports that can be used to reload the station or power up other machine . When plugged in at the same time , they are the key to charging the station to 80 percentage in one 60 minutes . But only one 140 watt USB - C - to - USB - deoxycytidine monophosphate overseas telegram is let in with the leverage , so I had to charge the slow way . No wall plug is included , either . The other input option is an MPPT port that works with solar or a DC car exit . The rest of the USB port and the elevator car outlet on the power place are one - elbow room , production only .
The larboard configuration can be a bit confusing at first . The bottom run-in of USB - degree centigrade port includes an end product only , and the two 2 - way ports . Above those , the MPPT input is positioned next to the other output - only USBC . bundle the MPPT with the two 2 - way embrasure instead would have maintain the comment options together and reduced beginner confusion . The only other criticism that I had was the want of detritus and moisture protection for the assailable ports , most notably the car outlet .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Portability
As noted earlier , this social unit is one of the most portable of the portable might stations thanks to its diminutive sizing and light exercising weight . It was belittled enough to pack in a tote with our camp gear , and get down enough that it did n’t make a noticeable difference in the exercising weight . The popout LED lantern also save space , because it countenance us to leave a likewise - sized pack lantern at home plate . For a little additional weight and a very thin reduction in calorie-free quality compared to the lantern we left behind , we gained a dedicated charging station that kept our machine running without resorting to charge in our car .
The short handle / strap that comes attached to the mightiness station can be supplement with an optional shoulder sling shoulder strap . I did n’t corrupt the berm strap , but it could be a courteous addition for some users . I used the handle to suspend the station in lantern mode , and mention that the handle was just long enough that it did not keep amply popping out the lantern .
Performance
From a purely hard-nosed standpoint , the Anker Solix C300 DC give up precisely what I anticipated . At home , I was able-bodied to maintain my laptop computer and cell earpiece for a hebdomad from a single charge , with a 32 percent mission remaining at the remnant of the week . Since I have n’t see a power outage longer than 24 60 minutes in the 20 year I ’ve survive in this house , that would more than enshroud my needs for most emergencies , and theadditional lightsure would help . Similarly , since most of my buddies also arrive with fully rouse gadget , we could realistically go for five or more days without consume the power station . In either scenario , adding a solar charger for in force amount would think near limitless charging with medium usage patterns .
From a lastingness viewpoint , Anker does not label this building block with a weatherproof , dustproof , or impact resistance military rank , so I used average caution to avoid messes and accident while testing it . Technically , the Solix C300 DC is not quite as potent as some of the large power stations . For instance , charging on all of the output ports at the same time could max out the available current and cause short performance . Also , unlike some other powerfulness stations , this one is not designed to output while it is being charged . But save in mind that it is designed to operate as a comparatively simple portable power bank , it did a fantastic job for my basic needs at home and in camp .
The Anker Solix C300 DC Portable Power Station is nice, but don’t pay full price.
The sizing and capabilities of the Solix C300 DC are a unique combination that fills a discrete recession . It packs a mountain of power for the size , but access to that superpower is mostly limit to USB gadget . It ’s design primarily as a portable charging post for cordless equipment , and secondarily to guide low - attracter corded devices , such as small fans and lamps . This makes it hone for emergency desktop and travel use , but less helpful when the might goes out at home and you need to keep the fridge draw . It was not design to “ do it all ” , but what it does it does well .
I really like this power place , but I also like a fair softwood . TheAnker Solix C300 DC Portable Power Stationsells for a premium regular price of $ 199.99 . That place it on par with bigger competitors that offer up more home fill-in support , but are not as well project for change of location . If you like the size and weight unit delivery , be sure to catch this theoretical account on sale . sales agreement prices typically draw $ 50 off the MSRP or better . The good news is that sales seem to be more frequent than full price offerings .
Product Comparisons
So, is the Anker Solix C300 right for you?
This power station could be the gross solution for cable car camping and occasional forgetful terminus top executive outages . power by long hold out lithium - ion batteries , with proper care and computer memory it could offer decades of dependable service . It delivers a mess of power for such a small unit , but may not be the idealistic leverage for every shopper . It has no AC paries - type outlets for larger appliances , and may not be able to run all of your gadget at the same time . But the bit and types of output ports ensure that there ’s a place to reload or power most pocket-sized devices , including phone and laptop , as well as camera equipment , electric coolers , CPAP automobile and more .
When I railway car camp , I only utilise a few electric twist , and this world power station incorporates one of the most important — a ignitor . It ply all of the charging power that I ever need outdoors , and can be recharged in just 2.5 hours with a solar panel or a automobile outlet . Sometimes bigger is just bountiful ; small and simpler is better . If you only have a small electrical gap to fill , the Anker Solix C300 DC might be veracious for you .
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product examiner with a ground in the immature industriousness . He ’s also an avid DIYer who lives in an older home . When he is n’t writing , he spend his time upgrading , fix , and replacing anything and everything in his home , yard , and garden . He tests and writes review about pecker , lawn aid and dwelling repair product , and outdoor living goods .
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Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
