AmazonBasics 10,000 mAh Portable Power Bank Review

Power capacity: 10,000 mAh
Outputs: 2 (1A and 2.4A)
Weight: 215g (7.58oz)
Time to charge itself: 6 hours
Compatible with: Tablet, iPad/iPhone, Android and other smartphones, digital camera etc. (any micro-USB supported device)

Amazon and trust are two words that go hand in hand. Several years ago they started their own brand called AmazonBasics and offer a variety of products in different categories. The brand is known to deliver quality products for relatively low prices. In this review we’ll be taking a look at the AmazonBasics 10,000 mAh Portable Power Bank.

Design and portability

The convenience of the Amazonbasics Portable Power Bank (like GOAL ZERO VENTURE 30 SOLAR KIT ) starts with the unboxing. It comes in an Amazon certified “frustration free” package that makes it easy to unpack, and not cause the usual frustration that most hard to open plastic packages bring with them.

Out of the box the Power Bank measures at 5.6 x 2.8 inch and with a thickness of 0.6 inch is the slimmest power bank we’ve seen to date. It’s about the size of an average smartphone, but thanks to its slimness it fits in your pocket more easily than most shorter but thicker power banks. With 215 grams, it weighs under half a pound and is as light as it gets for a dual slot power bank.

Both the USB outlets are on the top of the power bank which is great. This might seem like a minor thing to mention, but having them on top is much better than having them on the side. If the outlets are on the side like on the Aibocn 10,000 power bank, you can’t keep it in your pocket comfortably while charging your device. If you’re buying a power bank for Pokemon GO use, it’s especially handy to have outlets on top like this AmazonBasics Portable Power Bank has.

Design wise, the AmazonBasics Portable Power Bank looks pretty basic. A power bank doesn’t have to look flashy, so we won’t go into much details here. The casing is not made of cheap plastic and feels sturdy. It does however scratch quite easily, but thanks to it’s dark color you won’t see it that much.

Features

Just like it’s looks, the features are also pretty basic. It has a power button you hold for two seconds to start charging, and four LED indicators that show how much charge is left in 25 percent increments. The two USB outlets are marked with two and one lightning bolts respectively. One is a 1A outlet, the other is a 2.4A outlet, for a total of 3.4A. This is more than it’s competitors the KMASHI and Aibocn have, as they only have a total of 3.1A.

There’s overload protection built in the power bank so you won’t damage any batteries, and prevents the power bank from overheating as well.

The included micro USB cable to charge the power bank is only one foot long. Not that it matters that much, but having a slightly longer cord would make it a bit more convenient to charge.

Another thing that is included with the AmazonBasics power bank is a carry pouch. Nothing special about it, it’s a simple carry pouch and does what it’s made for. It’s a nice addition that makes it just that a bit more portable and easier to take with you.

Power

Like mentioned above, the AmazonBasics Portable Power bank has a total output of 3.4A distributed over two outlets. This high amperage makes it charge your devices pretty quick, and thanks to it’s 10,000 mAh power capacity can do it multiple times. Any micro USB supported device can be charged with the power bank. Take a look at how many times you can charge certain devices to get an idea of how much capacity is has:

• iPhone 6S: 4.75 times
• iPhone 6: 4.5 times
• iPhone 6S Plus: 2.3 times
• Galaxy S6: 2.8 times
• iPad Mini 4: 1.8 times
• iPad Air 2: 1.1 times

As you can see it definitely does alright for itself in the power area. If you want more power, there’s also a 16,000 mAh version so you can charge even more (it’s also slightly bigger though).

If the AmazonBasics Power Bank is empty it takes around 6 hours to charge again. This might seem long, but other 10,000mAh devices like the KMASHI MP816 and IOGear Gearpower GMP10K take 8 hours and 12 hours to charge respectively. So in comparison, the AmazonBasics Portable Power Bank charges quite quickly. Only the Aibocn Power Bank charges quicker.

Conclusion

Amazon delivers, just like we expected. They managed to create a very decent quality power bank and offer it for an attractive price. Although a very small percentage of users started noticing defects after months of use, most users seem unanimously happy about the quality. Another great advantage about AmazonBasics products is that you can deal directly with Amazon for warranty and replacement. For some, this might just tip the scale and make them buy this one instead of some foreign brand. In our opinion, the AmazonBasics 10,000 mAh Portable Power Bank is one of the best portable chargers in the 10,000mAh range.

Solar Toolkit Developed to Help Municipalities Advance Solar Projects

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has developed a Solar PILOT Toolkit to assist the state's municipalities in understanding and negotiating payment-in-lieu-of taxes (PILOT) agreements for solar projects larger than 1 MW, including community solar projects. Based on feedback from local government officials and solar industry representatives, NYSERDA developed the toolkit in response to the need for greater information on PILOT agreements as solar projects develop throughout the state.

The Solar PILOT Toolkit provides a framework for local taxing jurisdictions to negotiate payment agreements with solar developers. In addition to their clean energy and job-creation benefits, solar developments can yield significant financial value to municipalities through PILOT agreement payments.

The toolkit addresses the lack of information on property tax issues around solar development and is designed to enable municipalities to work with developers to negotiate PILOT rates that benefit the community and make the projects financially attractive to developers and their customers.

"The Solar PILOT Toolkit will serve as a vital resource to help municipalities encourage the development of community solar projects and make sure they benefit the entire community," Alicia Barton, President and CEO, NYSERDA said. "Large-scale solar projects provide a great opportunity for communities across the state to take advantage of clean, renewable energy while advancing Governor Cuomo's Reforming the Energy Vision strategy."

New York State is undertaking significant changes in the way it generates and delivers electricity. As one example, community solar projects allow electric customers who are not able to install solar panels on their properties to own or subscribe to a portion of a community solar project, and benefit from the cost savings of clean generation.

As a method to promote the installation of clean energy, Section 487 of the Real Property Tax Law exempts the added assessment value of renewable energy projects, including solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, ( for example: RENOGY 200 WATT ) from local property taxes for 15 years. The law allows any taxing jurisdiction to "opt-out" of the tax exemption, which would then makes the PV system fully taxable.

The Toolkit offers guidance to counties, towns and school districts on the structure of a PILOT agreement as an alternative solution for community solar participants and developers in municipalities that opt-out of the tax exemption. It also includes templates for a single jurisdiction or multiple jurisdictions that municipalities can tailor to meet their needs in working with developers to negotiate an agreement.

The Toolkit is comprised of three elements: a model resolution to guide municipalities in exercising their legal authority to adopt a PILOT; a sample agreement that jurisdictions may use to draft an agreement with developers; and a PILOT Calculator with two options that offer guidance on methods to collect revenue.

For additional information and guidance about adopting solar in local communities, local officials can contact the NY-Sun team at its contact page to identify opportunities, mitigate barriers, and learn about training, education and technical assistance opportunities.

Guide to Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Business

Have you tried to purchase a vehicle for your business needs? How has your experience been? If you are like many other buyers you have probably been confused and bewildered. You’re faced with so many choices when trying to choose the right vehicle to suit your business needs, sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming! The sheer array of options can seem baffling. Whether you need one vehicle or a fleet – here’s a guide to help you narrow down your options and make the right choice for your business.

Initial Decisions

The first few decisions you need to make should be fairly straightforward. You should first asses the needs of your business, so that the vehicle you end up choosing will maximize efficiency. The most fundamental question to ask yourself is how many vehicles you actually need. Sure, more vehicles could potentially mean increased efficiency or productivity, but it would also require more initial capital outlay, as well as an increased ongoing financial commitment – so you’ll need to weigh up these opposing factors and get the balance right. In the past companies have tended to use company cars as a reward for their most valuable employees, however in a small business this is not usually the best way of using valuable resources. In buying a car for an employee, your small business will also take on all the risks of ownership such as depreciation, repairs, servicing and maintenance costs. So to make these risks worthwhile, it’s vital that the car is providing optimum added value to the business rather than representing a simple reward.

A Potential Game Changer for Investors and Businesses: Securities Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding platforms such as gofundme and Kickstarter have made headway as vehicles allowing millions of people to realize their financial goals. Whether it’s paying for the surgery of a beloved pet, or raising capital to make the movie of your dreams, these instruments of fundraising have revolutionized the moneymaking process. It was only a matter of time before this type of platform was utilized for start-up businesses to connect with investors. But what is crowdfunding and who is it for? Here is a concise guide to help you understand this newest phenomenon.

How Does It Work?

Securities crowdfunding is a way for individuals to invest in different financial opportunities that were previously unavailable to them. Small businesses seeking funding, as well as organizations that are just getting started, put up a request for funding from a large pool of investors. Instead of seeking an angel investor or venture capitalist who donates a large sum, smaller sums are sought that would be the equivalent of what one shareholder would previously put up. Chances are offered via registered broker dealers, with the platforms acting solely as the conduit.

Business Visitor’s Guide to London – Where to Eat, Drink, Stay and See

No other city in the world provides the richness to its visitors, whether they are visiting on business or pleasure. As a financial capital of Europe London has world-class financial institutions to go with world famous London School of Business. For those willing to spend extra day or two to explore the city and experience its rich history there are number of places where you can experience luxurious dining, its famous pubs and countless historical attractions. Here are some of places recommended by locals as a must-see attractions for dining, drinking, staying and seeing.

Eat

Let it never again be said that English food is dull. If you want to experience their traditional food at its finest, then Berners Tavern is the restaurant for you. Don’t let the name fool you though; this is no country pub. The dining experience here is luxurious to say the least, and the setting is both grand and glamorous. The executive chef at this particular establishment is Michelin-starred Jason Atherton.