Why You Can Trust CNET These $15 mobile chargers have built-in cables and are therefore awesome
Normally $30, Olala's power banks save you the hassle of schlepping cords. Plus: A sweet standing desk for just $100.
Slide open the top panel of the Olala S75 to reveal two charging cords. Handy!
The vast majority of mobile chargers (also known as power banks) require you to BYO cables. That's a first-world problem if ever I heard one, but it's a hassle all the same.
Ideally, a charger should have the cable you need built right in, so there's one less thing to bring, clutter up your carry-on and accidentally leave behind in the hotel room.
Charge an Apple and Micro-USB device simultaneously with the Olala S70-i, a steal at $15.
Today I bring you two such chargers, each priced way below normal (and each available from Olala Gadgets via Amazon while supplies last). First up: The Olala S70-i 7800mAh portable charger with built-in Lightning and Micro-USB cables for $15 with promo code 50OLALA1. Regular price: $30.
Those cables tuck away in side channels when not in use. There's also a 2.4A USB port in case you need to charge, say, a second Lightning device or an old-fangled Mini-USB item. (I'm looking at you, graphing calculators.)
One other nice little perk: There's a built-in LED flashlight. You will, however, need to BYO AC adapter to recharge the charger -- preferably one that outputs 2A at least. That way it can fully recharge in about 4.5 hours.
Next up: The Olala Slide S75 7500mAh portable charger with built-in Lighting and USB cables for $17 with promo code 50OLALA1SP. Regular price: $34.
It's similar to the first one, but different: A sliding top cover reveals the two built-in cables, one Lightning and one USB. The latter is a Type-A input cable, which makes it a little easier to actually recharge the charger. (Just plug it into your laptop, for example.) You can also use the included Micro-USB cable to recharge the usual way, as there's a Micro-USB input as well.
Need to power a non-Lightning device? The Slide includes the obligatory standard USB port for plugging in just about anything.
Both chargers have average user ratings of around 4 stars, and most of those ratings check out, according to both Fakespot and ReviewMeta. Why aren't the scores higher? I'd say quality control: A handful of users apparently received bum units. But Olala offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and one-year warranty, so I have no qualms about recommending them. Indeed, I've owned an S70-i for a couple years. It's been rock-solid.
Your thoughts?
Bonus deal: I'm a big fan of standing desks -- as long as they're adjustable, because sometimes I prefer to sit. Electric ones are nice, but, wow, pricey.
A tablet-friendly standing desk!
Gas pistons FTW! For a limited time, Besteker (via Amazon) has this Ansteker adjustable standing desk for $100 with promo code 27LZECU2. Regular price: $200, and a lot of very similar desks are priced in that same range.
This dual-level desk has a keyboard tray, which is crucial for keeping your keys and monitor at comfortable heights. It raises and lowers via a gas piston.
It also has two items I haven't seen before: A slot for a tablet (in case that's your laptop of choice) and a little drawer!
For $100, I'm liking this. A lot.
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