Wired for Success: Logoed Tech That Connects

Powerbanks

Think of a power bank as your device's trusty roadie, always there to give you an extra jolt of energy when you're running low. In simple terms, it's a portable charger that stores electrical power. You juice it up beforehand, and then when your phone, tablet, or other USB-powered gadgets are gasping for battery life, you connect them to the power bank for a recharge on the go. It's like having a spare tank of gas for your digital life!

A power bank's "power" essentially refers to its capacity to store and deliver electrical energy, typically measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). Different power bank powers don't fundamentally change how they work, but rather how much energy they hold and how quickly they can deliver it. You'll see variations in mAh ratings, which dictate how many times a power bank can charge your devices. Some also boast different output capabilities, like supporting faster charging protocols (e.g., Quick Charge or Power Delivery) that can juice up compatible devices more rapidly. So, the "types" of power bank powers really come down to their storage capacity and charging speed capabilities.

What are the different types of mAh options and what does it mean?

Here's a list of common mAh capacities for power banks and what they generally mean in practical terms:

• 5,000 mAh:
  • Practical Use: This capacity is typically good for providing roughly one full charge to most standard smartphones. It's a compact and portable option for a single day's backup power.
  • Example: Can charge an iPhone 15 (around 3,877 mAh battery) from empty to full once, with a little power to spare.
    
• 10,000 mAh:
  • Practical Use: A very popular and versatile capacity. It can usually charge a standard smartphone two to three times, or provide a significant boost to a tablet. Good for a few days of use or for sharing power.
  • Example: Can charge a Samsung Galaxy S24 (around 4,000 mAh battery) fully twice, with some capacity left.
    
• 15,000 mAh:
  • Practical Use: Offers even more charging power, capable of charging most smartphones three to five times or fully charging larger tablets. Suitable for longer trips or heavier device usage.
  • Example: Could fully charge an iPad Air (around 8,827 mAh battery) once and still have enough power to significantly charge a phone.
• 20,000 mAh:
  • Practical Use: High capacity, often capable of charging a smartphone five to seven times or providing one to two full charges for some laptops (especially smaller ones with USB-C charging). Ideal for extended travel or for powering multiple devices.
  • Example: Might charge a smaller USB-C powered laptop (check your laptop's battery capacity in Watt-hours and the power bank's output capabilities) close to a full charge, and still have plenty for phone top-ups.

• 25,000 mAh and above:
  • Practical Use: These are high-end power banks with significant capacity, often allowed as carry-on luggage on flights (check airline regulations, generally under 27,000 mAh). They can charge multiple devices repeatedly, including laptops, tablets, and phones, over several days.
  • Example: Could potentially charge a larger laptop once or more, and still have ample power for numerous phone and tablet charges throughout a long trip or power outage.

Important Considerations:

• Battery Capacity vs. Actual Output: Keep in mind that power banks aren't 100% efficient. There's always some energy loss during the charging process due to heat and voltage conversion. Therefore, the actual number of charges you get might be slightly less than theoretically calculated. A general rule of thumb is to expect around 60-80% of the advertised capacity to be usable.
• Device Battery Size: The mAh capacity of your phone or tablet's battery will directly impact how many times a power bank can charge it. You can usually find this specification in your device's settings or on the manufacturer's website.
• Portability: Higher mAh power banks tend to be larger and heavier. Consider the balance between capacity and how portable you need the power bank to be.
• Corded vs. Wireless: Some power banks feature traditional USB ports, meaning you'll need a cable to connect and charge your devices. Others offer the convenience of wireless charging pads, allowing you to simply place compatible smartphones or accessories directly on the power bank to power up without the need for a cable. Some newer technology includes MagSafe wireless charging.
  • Qi charging is the underlying technology that enables wireless power banks to charge your devices without cables. When you place your Qi-compatible device on the wireless power bank, an electric current flows through a transmitting coil in the power bank, creating a magnetic field. This magnetic field then induces an electric current in a receiving coil within your device. This induced current charges your device's battery.
  • MagSafe power banks are designed with magnets that perfectly align and securely attach to the back of MagSafe-compatible iPhones (currently iPhone 12 series and newer) without the need for cables utilizing Qi charging. This ensures optimal charging efficiency and a reliable connection.
  • MagSafe is also available with other accessories like PopSockets, phone holders and so much more.

When choosing a power bank for promotional merchandise, think about your target audience's needs and how they would most likely use the product to select a practical and appreciated capacity.

Charging Cables

Alright, let's plug into the world of branded charging cables! Beyond the power source itself, the humble charging cable offers a fantastic opportunity to keep your logo connected to your audience. From sleek and simple designs to multi-functional marvels, logoed charging cables come in a variety of styles to match any brand aesthetic and user need. Let's untangle the possibilities and see how these often-overlooked accessories can become powerful brand ambassadors.

• The "Versatile Connect" Multi-Cable: Imagine a durable, braided cable in your brand's colors. This cable features connectors for Lightning, USB-C, and Micro-USB, all branching from a central point where your logo can be prominently displayed. It's a practical solution for users with different devices.
  
• The "Streamlined Charge" Single Cable: Picture a high-quality USB-C to USB-C cable made from a smooth, modern material in a neutral or brand-specific color. Your logo could be subtly laser-etched onto the connector, offering a sophisticated and lasting impression.
  
  
• The "Illuminated Flow" Cable: Envision a single Lightning cable with a translucent casing that emits a soft LED light when charging. The light's color could match your brand. Your logo can be printed along the cable or on the connector for a visually appealing and functional item.
  

Cables can be for charging only or can also include data transfer. All data transfer cables can charge devices, but not all charging cables can transfer data. If you need to move files or sync information between devices, you'll need a cable specifically designed for data transfer.

With so many different connectors on the cables here is a quick overview of what they are used for generally.

USB-C:

• Appearance: Small, reversible, oval-shaped connector.  
• Typical Use: Increasingly becoming the universal standard. Used for charging and data transfer on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and various other devices. Its reversibility is a key advantage. Newer iPhones and Android devices use these charging plugs. 

USB-A:

• Appearance: Rectangular, flat connector.
• Typical Use: One of the most common connectors, used to connect devices like keyboards, mice, flash drives, and some charging cables to computers, power adapters, and other devices. 

Lightning:

• Appearance: Small plug previously used on many Apple products.
• Typical Use: Still being used on all iPhones 5 through 14 and iPads 5^th through 9^th

Micro-USB:

• Appearance: Small, trapezoidal connector.
• Typical Use: Once very common for charging and data transfer on Android smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices. It's gradually being replaced by USB-C. It is also used with things like Kindles and some other rechargeable devices.

Hottest Trend in Tech Accessories

Multi-Functional Tech: Products that serve more than one purpose are highly sought after. Think wireless chargers with built-in Bluetooth speakers, power banks that also function as hand warmer, or desk organizers with integrated wireless charging pads for smart watches and phones. This example below is a power bank, credit card holder, phone stand AND Apple Find My Tracker Compatible! 

Personalized Tech: Leveraging technology for customization is a key trend. Imagine power banks or earphones with personalized engravings. This adds a unique touch and strengthens the connection with the brand.

Powerful Portability: Compact and powerful tech gadgets are in demand for on-the-go lifestyles. Think small yet powerful power banks, foldable wireless chargers, and mini Bluetooth speakers with impressive sound quality.

Smart Home Integration: As smart homes become more prevalent, branded smart home accessories like smart plugs or Bluetooth trackers are gaining traction as useful and appreciated promotional items.  

High-Quality Audio: Wireless earbuds and portable Bluetooth speakers with excellent sound quality remain popular, especially when branded with a stylish logo. People value good audio for work and leisure.

Smartwatches and Chargers: These have become key tools for both lifestyle and productivity. Many people use them for fitness tracking (steps, calories, activity), but they’re also great for staying connected hands-free — checking messages, emails, and calls without needing to grab your phone. They combine health, convenience, and safety in a wearable form. Because of this demand there is also a need for smart watch chargers. The most common are for Apple watches with a combination smart watch and phone charger. Many will also charge your AirPods.

Ideation's is committed to providing the perfect merchandise to put your branding on. We are passionate about finding things that will be useful for the recipient as well as mindful of the budget and other criteria. Reach out today to get creative contact us to get started.