The Powergorilla, a portable laptop charger from Powertraveller, was a game-changing device that provided users with an extra 2-5 hours of power for their laptops and over 20 hours for various other electronic devices. Although no longer in production, the Powergorilla left a lasting impact on the portable charging industry, offering a versatile and reliable power solution for professionals and adventurers alike.
Versatile Charging Capabilities
One of the standout features of the Powergorilla was its ability to work with devices up to 24 volts, making it compatible with a wide range of gadgets, from laptops to mobile phones and iPods. Users could easily select the required voltage (5V, 8.4V, 9.5V, 12V, 16V, 19V, or 24V) using the one-touch button technology, and the LCD screen would display the chosen setting. This user-friendly interface made the Powergorilla accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise.
The Powergorilla also offered the convenience of daisy-chaining, allowing users to charge the device from a mains power supply while simultaneously charging their laptop. Plus, users could charge their laptop and mobile phone at the same time, further enhancing the device’s practicality and versatility.
Sleek Design and Advanced Features
The Powergorilla boasted a sleek, aluminum casing with shock-resistant rubber protection strips, making it a stylish and durable accessory for laptops. The device’s aesthetics were matched by its advanced features, which included:
- Input voltage auto-recognition: When using a personal AC laptop charger (between 16-24V), the Powergorilla automatically detected the voltage level and adjusted the LCD display accordingly, eliminating the need for manual configuration.
- Permanent on feature: When the Powergorilla detected a connected device, the LCD screen would flash, and users could double-click the on/off button to lock the device on permanently, ensuring uninterrupted charging.
- USB lock: By selecting the 8.8 option on the LCD screen, the USB port could be locked permanently on, benefiting low-power consumption devices charged via USB.
Compatibility with Solargorilla
When used in conjunction with the Solargorilla (sold separately), the Powergorilla became a totally portable power station, perfect for off-grid situations. The Powergorilla featured Solargorilla auto-recognition, which meant that upon connection, the Powergorilla would shut off unnecessary internal circuits to improve charging time by up to 2 hours. This feature was confirmed by the solar symbol on the LCD screen, providing users with a visual indication of the optimized charging process.
Real-World Testing and Versatility
The Powergorilla underwent extensive field tests in various challenging environments, including Afghanistan, Madagascar, Zambia, Antarctica, and Norway. Subjected to extremely hot and cold temperatures, the device successfully charged numerous laptops and other power-hungry devices, earning praise from Powertraveller’s brand ambassadors and users alike.
The Powergorilla’s versatility extended to its compatibility with a wide range of devices, including:
- SLR cameras
- Hand-held cameras and action cameras
- iPads and tablets
- PDAs
- iPhones and smartphones
- Mobile phones
- iPods, MP3 players, and MP4 players
- PSP and hand-held gaming consoles
- Sat-Navs and GPS devices
- Netbooks
- Laptops
- Head torches
This extensive compatibility made the Powergorilla an indispensable tool for professionals and adventurers who relied on multiple devices in their work and travels.
Impressive Charging Capacity
The Powergorilla boasted an impressive 21,000mAh lithium polymer battery, allowing it to charge a wide range of devices multiple times:
- Laptops: 1-2 times
- iPads and tablets: 3-4 times
- iPhones and smartphones: 6-10 times
- GPS devices: 8-10 times
- Mobile phones: 8-10 times
This high-capacity battery ensured that users could rely on the Powergorilla to keep their devices powered up throughout their adventures, without the need for frequent recharging.
Comprehensive Accessory Kit
The Powergorilla came with a comprehensive accessory kit, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices:
- 9 mobile device tips, including a retractable USB cable with DC3.5 tip, DC2.0 (mini Nokia), Micro USB, Mini USB, Samsung, LG, Sony Ericsson, DC 4.0 (Sony PSP), and Nintendo DS-Lite
- 15 Gorillanut tips, including 8 male straight tips and 7 female right-angled tips
- In-car socket for charging on the go
- DC extension cable (80cm) for added flexibility
- Universal AC mains charger for recharging the Powergorilla
- Protective storage case for safe transport and storage
This extensive accessory kit demonstrated Powertraveller’s commitment to providing a comprehensive, all-in-one solution for portable power needs.
Recap
The Powergorilla portable laptop charger was a revolutionary device that provided professionals and adventurers with a reliable, versatile, and high-capacity power solution. Its ability to charge a wide range of devices, sleek design, and advanced features made it an essential tool for anyone who needed to stay connected and productive in remote locations.
Although no longer available, the Powergorilla’s impact on the portable charging industry remains significant, setting a standard for future devices to aspire to. Its legacy serves as an inspiration for the development of even more advanced, reliable, and versatile power solutions, ensuring that users can stay connected and powered up, no matter where their work or adventures take them.