Warning: I spent $45 on a 'perfect' coffee shop power bank that barely lasted an hour

So I bought this power bank online that was supposed to be the ultimate coffee shop accessory... it had a built-in AC outlet and two USB ports, perfect for my laptop and phone. The ad said it could charge a MacBook Air to 80% and still have juice left. I paid $45 for it, thinking it was a smart buy for those cafes with bad outlet spots. Tried it out yesterday at a spot in Denver, and my laptop died after about 55 minutes. The thing got super hot and just stopped. Now I'm out the cash and had to pack up early. Has anyone found a reliable portable charger that actually works for a full work session?

4 comments

4 Comments

tessacarter2mo agoMost Upvoted

Just feels like every product these days overpromises and underdelivers.

cameronrivera2mo ago

Tell me about it. My new blender sounded like a jet engine but can't crush ice. Paid extra for the "pro" version of an app, and it crashes more than the free one did. The hype is never worth the letdown.

reese_singh871mo ago

Heard that loud and clear, @cameronrivera. Buddy of mine dropped a fortune on a fancy air fryer that promises to do everything but burns toast and barely cooks a frozen pizza. Can't help thinking companies just slap "pro" or "elite" on stuff and call it a day.

tessacarter1mo agoMost Upvoted

Hold up, so if these companies know full well their products are just average, why do they bother with all that hype in the first place? Like, do they really think we won't notice when the "pro" blender can't crush a single ice cube? Or is it just cheaper for them to slap a fancy name on something and hope we don't return it. Makes you wonder how many times they've actually tested their own stuff before putting it on the shelf.