Gadgets :: July 24, 2019
by Gregg Ellman
(@greggellman)
Moshi’s SnapTo magnetic car mount for Qi wireless charging is a great, easy system for charging and handsfree smartphone use.
The easy part is the setup. Unbox it and figure out your installation location. Accessories are included for vent and dash/window mounting.
The vent mount can be a little tricky, but after you get the right angle it’s simple. I love the vent mount system for traveling since it fit every rental car I’ve tried.
Mounting on a flat surface depends on your vehicle, whether it’s a flat area or the windshield. Once your location is set, peel back the 3M adhesive and lock it in place.
With either mount, make sure you test the location before mounting it for use so the phone faces where you want with all the necessary views and access.
The key to the SnapTo system is the Moshi case, built with slots for the SnapTo magnetic system tabs. They come in many color, styles and fashions. I tried it with the Moshi iGlaze case (iPhone XS) and it worked perfectly. The slots inside the case keep the tabs flush with the inside of the case so nothing scratches your smartphone.
A four-foot USB power cord is included to connect the charging mount to your car for power.
The real test after the 30-second installation was whether my phone was charging and how it worked while driving. During a weekend of errands, except when I manually pulled the phone off, everything stayed connected and charging.
Moshi also has a SnapTo wall mount ($18.95). So if you’re already using the system in your car the wall mount works with the same case to mount your phone on any flat surface in landscape or portrait modes. This includes desks, walls, nightstands, whatever.
While using the wall mount, it doesn’t supply power but you can have a charging cable connected directly to the smartphones charging port for power.
www.moshi.com SnapTo Magnetic Car Mount with wireless charging $59.95
New and more powerful portable electronic gadgets often translate to the need for more portable power with different connections.
The new myCharge PowerLumens ($59.99) from the Adventure series of batteries designed as rugged durable power for charging in the most extreme conditions. It’s available in 10,000mAh or 20,000mAh sizes, which are good for about 5 times or 10 times extra battery power respectively. Both models come recharged, ready to work
A pair of USB-A power ports are built into the side for a total fo 2.4A output.
While the battery power is the key element, there are a few other feature to make it a great, versatile device for everyday use, camping or even in some emergency situation.
One side panel has a built-in LED light with features including 500 lumens light levels, SOS setting and four brightness levels. Working off the internal battery, the light can shine for up to 41 hours continuously. A LED battery indicator to display remaining battery power is on the side.
An anti-corrosive metal kickstand folds out from the side, making it simple to stabilize and angle the light for perfect viewing. I also liked the handle for attaching it to my backpacks carabiner clip for easy access and I can see it being handy during early evening hikes.
The power is the key and the charging is done with safe-cell to ensure safe charging and smart-sense ensures the battery is compatible with your device.
Another great battery from myCharge is the HubMax Universal ($99.99), and is true to its name. The battery has both Apple Lighting and USB-C cables built into the battery.
If your device doesn’t fit one of those, no problem. Use your charging cable in the built-in standard USB port. All three ports can be used simultaneously to pull power from the 10050mAh battery, good for up to six times extra battery power.
To recharge the HubMax fold out the built-in wall prongs and plug directly to any standard AC outlet. The outside of the 2.8-by-0.9-by-4.6-inch $99.99 battery is built with an aluminum body and both safe-cell and smart-sense technology are included. Pressing the power button on the side will display the battery level.
