MacDirectory Magazine

Harmessi Hamdi - Digital Artist

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The laptop power bank is a very familiar size and shape, I’ve owned several models from other companies that could be twins. There’s a power button and LED indicators to give charge status, and a trio of output ports: two USB-C ports with Power Delivery, and one USB-A port with quick charge. All three can be used simultaneously with up to 140 total watts output. A handy specifications list on the bottom can be referenced when using the device (I always forgot if the USB-C in/out or just-out could do higher wattage – it’s the in/out port that puts out up to 100W). Setup Setup on the EKSTER GRID backpack is as simple as cutting off the tag, while the laptop power station merely needs to be charged. Performance I tested the laptop power bank, and it delivered up to 100 watts of power when one USB-C device was connected. I also tested with all three ports to three different phones/tablets/laptop and all work simultaneously. I was also able to put the power bank into the padded compartment of the bag and charge my laptop as I travelled to the airport after my last meeting. What I like • Lots of storage space for a small bag • Ample purpose-built pockets • Good laptop storage compartment – padded, water resistant, and doesn't rest the laptop on bottom of the bag • Optional camera/tech/accessories designed to fit this bag perfectly What I'd change • Nothing! • Except for maybe adding EKSTER’s tracking technology built into the bag – but I like that they sell the tracking cards separately: lots of people are invested into different tracking ecosystems like Apple’s FindMy or Tile, so letting you add your own is probably the better solution. Final thoughts I really couldn’t think of any cons when writing up this review of the EKSTER GRID backpack. It’s a bit more than I usually would spend for a laptop travel bag, but after using it on a trip I think it’s worth every penny. I especially like that it even fits on the small foot storage of an aisle seat on the airplane (pictured above). I could pack everything for a 2 day trip and still not use a carry-on luggage. If it was a longer trip, this bag still makes the perfect “personal item” to go under your seat, while a larger bag could be checked or go in the overhead bin. I like the water resistance and padding, and the overall build quality leads me to believe that this bag will last me for years of sporadic travel (or should hold up well for frequent travelers), all while looking great. Price: $195 (bag) and $140 (laptop powerbank) Where to buy: EKSTER (bag) and EKSTER (laptop power bank) Source: The sample of this product was provided by EKSTER

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