| Arctic USB Charger PRO 4 Rev.2 |
| Reviews - Featured Reviews: Accessories | |
| Written by Olin Coles | |
| Friday, 07 December 2012 | |
Arctic USB Charger PRO 4 Rev.2 Review
Manufacturer: ARCTIC COOLING AG Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by Arctic Cooling. USB has made it convenient to charge mobile devices, since most people also have access to a computer with an available port. But as the devices add up, those ports become scarce. This is ideal during extended travel, when battery power for items like the Apple iPad or iPhone runs low after a movie. Keeping fully charged is a challenge while traveling, since most people leave their bulky systems at home. This is where a portable USB charge adapter comes in very handy. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the travel-sized Arctic USB Charger PRO 4 Rev 2, model PSAEQ-AC01301-BL. People love their portable electronics, and can't get escape without their phone, tablet, and digital multimedia devices in tow. We take our ebook readers with us everywhere, carry a Bluetooth wireless headset for calls on the road, and occasionally find time to take pictures with the digital camera. All of these devices require power, and when you're away from home it's hard to keep batteries charged during long trips or after prolonged use. Airports, hotels, and RVs all have power receptacles available, but most lack USB ports. Arctic Cooling offers the USB Charger PRO 4 Rev.2 (model PSAEQ-AC01301-BL) to keep your devices working while on the road, with four powered-USB ports and the ability to fast-charge at up to 2.1 amps of power. The Arctic USB Charger PRO 4 Rev.2 is available for $29.90 directly from the Arctic eStore and elsewhere online. If you're looking for a simple and affordable update to keep your family's entertainment devices powered-up while away on trips, the Arctic USB Charger PRO 4 Rev.2 could be the perfect upgrade. 
USB Charger PRO 4 Rev.2 Specifications
Closer Look: USB Charger PRO 4The Arctic USB Charger PRO 4 Rev.2 is a multi-plug compatible charger for portable electronic devices. Available for $29.90 (Arctic eStore), the kit includes the USB charger adapter, three sockets for the most popular worldwide A/C power receptacles, and a travel bag to carry it all.
At the front of the Arctic USB Charger PRO 4 Rev.2 adapter are four powered-USB ports: two fast-charge ports colored orange, and two standard charge ports in black. The top two 'Fast-Charge' ports are particular to compatible devices, such as Apple iPad and iPhone devices, but not advised for some Blackberry and Nokia smartphones. The lower two regular powered-USB ports are ideal of everything outside of 'Fast-Charge' devices.
The adapter's charger body fits several different power plugs, three included. These power sockets fit EU, US and UK receptacles, and will charge devices in Europe, America, Asia, or Africa. Arctic claims the short circuit, over-current, and over-voltage protection on USB Charger PRO 4 Rev.2 will prevent damage to attached devices.
Fast Charge-compatible devices are quickly gaining popularity, which puts the Arctic USB Charger PRO 4 Rev.2 ahead of the trend. Unlike standard USB power output rated for DC 5V at 1A, the Arctic USB Charger PRO 4 Rev.2 reaches DC 5V on 2.5A.
USB Charger PRO 4 ConclusionIMPORTANT: Although the rating and final score mentioned in this conclusion are made to be as objective as possible, please be advised that every author perceives these factors differently at various points in time. While we each do our best to ensure that all aspects of the product are considered, there are often times unforeseen market conditions and manufacturer changes which occur after publication that could render our rating obsolete. Please do not base any purchase solely on our conclusion as it represents our product rating specifically for the product tested, which may differ from future versions of the same product. Benchmark Reviews begins our conclusion with a short summary for each of the areas that we rate. As of December 2012 the Arctic USB Charger PRO 4 Rev.2 was available from several online merchants: $29.90 at Arctic eStore, $30.78 at Amazon, £14.52 at Amazon.UK, and elsewhere online. This price fits into the standard cost for products of this genre. Arctic Cooling offers a two-year warranty on the USB Charger PRO 4 Rev 2 kit, model PSAEQ-AC01301-BL. By most accounts, the Arctic USB Charger PRO 4 Rev.2 is a good-looking gadget. The softly rounded shoulders and accented curves maintain a degree of elegance, all while being modestly technical. Arctic Cooling includes a velvet carry bag for the charger and power plugs, which leaves some room for USB charge cables. Built and designed for travelers, the USB Charger PRO 4 is extremely durable. There are no weak points that might break under impact or pressure, which is a concern for anyone who checks luggage during airline travel. For users who will utilize the USA power plug, the prongs fold down and allow the Arctic USB Charger PRO 4 to assume a compact profile.
Not all smartphones and portable electronics can take advantage of the top two (orange) powered-USB 'Fast Charge' ports, since compatible devices are still considered cutting edge. Most all modern Apple devices, such as the iPad and iPhone, are Fast Charge compatible, but many Blackberry and Nokia smartphones are not. The extra amperage may push some batteries to failure, so the standard (lower) USB ports are ideal. Functionally, the Arctic USB Charger PRO 4 Rev.2 offers two high-power USB ports with two additional max-power Fast Charge ports. Most of today's devices are best charged on the regular (black) ports to avoid problems. Overall I find the Arctic USB Charger PRO 4 R2 to be a useful tool for mobile travelers who may need to charge multiple devices at once. It's a cutting-edge forward-thinking charger that fits most power receptacles around the globe. For around $30, this could save some space in the travel bag! Benchmark Reviews invites you to leave constructive feedback below, or ask questions in our Discussion Forum.
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Comments
Getting a replacement is very time consuming
I am now on my third charger - if it breaks again I will not just throw it away and buy something else.
Ian