Moshi makes a great range of accessories for Apple devices, and this latest addition to the stable is no less impressive. In simple terms, the Ionbank is a honking great external battery pack. But being a battery pack doesn't mean it needs to look mundane and boring, and it definitely packs a look with the power within.
The Ionbank sure looks like it belongs in your collection of Apple equipment. Top and bottom we're treated to aluminum, separated by a clean looking white band that circulates around the middle of the unit. The design is simple, two USB ports, a set of tiny LEDs to communicate the current state of battery charge, and a button to light them up. And that's it. Also included in the box is a handy travel pouch to save it getting scuffed up in your bag.
The charging cable for the Ionbank is hidden beneath the bottom panel which slides back to reveal an integrated USB charging cable. While it's nice to have, here we encounter the first, and perhaps most annoying issue with the Ionbank. The cable is short, as in, ridiculously short. Using a wide variety of USB power adapters I happen to have lying around, the only real way to charge this thing is by standing it up on end, on the floor immediately below the plug socket. Annoying and inconvenient but not a deal breaker.
And that's about the only real negative about the Ionbank as a product. The 10000mAh battery inside is ridiculously good for something as compact as this – the dimensions are just 4.84" x 3.15" x 0.98". The dual-USB ports offer a combined output of 18 watts, and are plenty capable of charging an iPhone and an iPad at the same time with no trouble. Or for that matter two iPads. It's pretty quick at charging an iPhone, and because it doesn't come integrated with any Lightning cable it's perfect for charging other devices you may have in your bag at any one time.
The Ionbank is a quality product, make no mistake. I've used many battery packs that claim to offer a large capacity that in truth run down much quicker than you'd expect them too. As such I'm personally happier paying a little more to get one from a company that has a reputation for quality products. That quality does come at a price and for the Ionbank you'll be looking at spending $110. That is a lot, but it also delivers what it promises.
The good
- Pretty fantastic battery capacity
- Decent power output
- Looks like a premium device
- Compact size despite packing a pretty huge battery
The bad
- Integrated charging cable is just too short
- Pricey
The bottom line
If you're happy spending the money to get a quality product that is going to deliver, then the Moshi Ionbank is well worth a look. It's small enough to throw in your bag and powerful enough to keep you going wherever you find yourself short on juice. A great addition to your gear. For more photos, keep on scrolling a little further.
- $110 - Buy Now
