Navigating the world with all your essential tech in tow means one crucial thing: staying powered up. In today’s connected world, a reliable travel adapter isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Enter the Anker PowerPort 3 International Travel Adapter, a device designed to streamline your charging needs across borders. Anker, a brand synonymous with quality charging solutions, steps into the international travel adapter arena with the PowerPort 3. While it hits many marks for global travelers, a closer look reveals areas for potential improvement, particularly for those venturing to Australia or New Zealand.
Anker PowerPort 3 International Travel Adapter
First Impressions: The Anker PowerPort 3 Adapter at a Glance
For frequent travelers, the quest for the perfect universal travel adapter is ongoing. Bulky, all-in-one adapters have their place, but often falter when it comes to delivering the high wattage needed for laptops. As someone who travels with a power-hungry Dell Inspiron laptop demanding 45W, the Anker PowerPort 3 immediately caught my attention as a potential upgrade. This adapter promises to not only power laptops but also simultaneously charge two additional USB-A devices, aiming to be a single-solution for many travelers’ charging needs.
Variety of Universal Travel Adapters; Anker, EPICKA and Kikkerland
Delving into the Specs, Design, and Features
Currently available in white, the Anker PowerPort 3 Travel Adapter comes in a 3-Port configuration. Its dimensions closely mirror a standard MacBook charger, measuring approximately 3.0″ x 2.8″ x 1.2″. Weighing in at a portable 7.2 oz (206 g), or 5.8 oz (164 grams) without attachments, it’s designed to be travel-friendly without adding significant bulk to your luggage.
Output and Wattage: Powering Your Devices
Close-up view of the Anker PowerPort 3 adapter showcasing its three USB ports: one USB-C and two USB-A, emphasizing its multi-device charging capability.
Priced around $50, the 3-Port Anker PowerPort 3 adapter lives up to its name by offering a USB-C port and two USB-A ports. It boasts a total maximum output of 65W intelligently distributed across these three ports.
Charging 3 Devices Including 45W Laptop (2)
The USB-C port is capable of delivering up to 45W of power, sufficient for many laptops including the 15” Dell Inspiron, Dell XPS 13”, and MacBook Air. However, for more power-demanding laptops like larger MacBook Pro models, it might not provide optimal charging speeds.
For users prioritizing higher power output for a single device, Anker also offers a 2-Port model. While maintaining the same compact size, the 2-Port version can channel up to 60W to a single device, making it ideal for those with more demanding power needs or fewer devices to charge simultaneously. Choosing between the 2-Port and 3-Port model hinges on your specific power requirements and the number of devices you typically need to charge.
Laptop Charger Cable Wattage
Unsure about your laptop’s power needs? A quick check of your laptop’s original power adapter will usually display the wattage. While the Anker PowerPort 3 will still function with devices requiring more than 45W, it will charge them at a slower rate.
Three Total Output Plugs on PowerPort III
The two USB-A ports on the PowerPort 3 contribute to the remaining 20W of total output. Each USB-A port can deliver a maximum of 5V/2.4A (12W). When two devices are connected to the USB-A ports, the power is intelligently distributed between them.
Plug Compatibility: Where Can You Use It?
Three Major Adapter Plugs
A true “universal travel adapter” should ideally accommodate the four primary socket types used globally. The Anker PowerPort 3 is compatible with three of these major types:
- Type A: Used in North America, Japan, and parts of Central and South America.
- Type C: Standard across most of Europe, South America, and Asia.
- Type G: The standard in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Notably absent is compatibility with Type I plugs, which are used in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and parts of China. Many universal adapters offer a rotatable Type A plug to convert it to Type I, but the Anker PowerPort 3 lacks this feature, limiting its usability in these regions. This is a significant drawback for travelers heading to the Oceania region.
Interchangeable Attachments: A Modular Design
CARD 4-Pro Includes Plugs in a Single Unit
Unlike some travel adapters that integrate all plug types into a single sliding mechanism, the Anker PowerPort 3 employs a system of three detachable plug attachments. This modular design has both advantages and disadvantages.
The upside is that if your travels are confined to regions using only one plug type, you only need to carry that specific attachment, reducing bulk. However, the downside is the increased risk of losing the separate attachments, particularly for frequent travelers moving between regions with different socket types.
Wall Socket Stability: Addressing Potential Issues
Anker PowerPort 3 in Type
Travelers often encounter a variety of wall sockets, some of which are old, loose, or awkwardly positioned. While the Anker PowerPort 3 has performed well in various international outlets, its blocky design, similar to Apple chargers, could present challenges in certain situations.
Weight is Positioned Away From Outlet
The weight distribution, situated away from the wall socket, can cause the adapter to become unstable and potentially fall out of loose outlets. This might require propping it up or finding alternative outlets, especially if the socket is located in a hard-to-reach area.
Magnet Holds Type
To mitigate this issue, Anker has incorporated a locking mechanism in the two-prong Type A attachment, preventing it from easily sliding out of the adapter. While the other attachments lack this locking feature, they generally fit more snugly, offering better stability.
Final Verdict: Is the Anker PowerPort 3 Your Ideal Travel Companion?
The Anker PowerPort 3 International Travel Adapter stands out as a well-built and versatile charger from a reputable brand. It provides sufficient ports and power output to serve as the primary charging solution for most travelers and their electronic devices.
For travelers whose laptops require 45W or less, the PowerPort 3 can effectively replace both a dedicated laptop charger and a separate travel adapter, streamlining your travel gear. If you primarily use multiple USB-C devices or own a laptop requiring up to 60W, considering the 2-port version might be more beneficial.
Drawbacks to Consider
However, the Anker PowerPort 3 is not without its shortcomings. The most significant is the absence of Type I plug compatibility, making it unsuitable for travel to Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries. For travelers frequently visiting these regions, this limitation is a deal-breaker. Additionally, the weight distribution and blocky design could pose stability issues in certain wall sockets.
Shop Anker PowerPort 3
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