Laptop – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com Latest Crypto News Wed, 21 May 2025 13:58:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.7 https://i0.wp.com/earlybirdsinvest.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cropped-New-Project-2024-12-17T235703.455.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Laptop – Earlybirds Invest https://earlybirdsinvest.com 32 32 240146708 Kansas woman sues porn sites after teenage son accessed adult content on old laptop https://earlybirdsinvest.com/kansas-woman-sues-porn-sites-after-teenage-son-accessed-adult-content-on-old-laptop/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/kansas-woman-sues-porn-sites-after-teenage-son-accessed-adult-content-on-old-laptop/#respond Wed, 21 May 2025 13:58:46 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/kansas-woman-sues-porn-sites-after-teenage-son-accessed-adult-content-on-old-laptop/

Why it matters: A Kansas woman is suing several porn sites after her 14-year-old son found an old laptop and used it to browse adult content. The suits claim that the sites violated the state’s age-verification laws by allowing the minor access.

Kansas is one of the 20+ states that have current or upcoming laws requiring porn sites to verify users’ ages.

The Kansas law requires any site with over 25% of its content deemed “harmful to minors,” which covers nudity and sexual content, to verify the age of visitors using a commercially available database or another commercially reasonable method of age and identity verification.

As reported by 404 Media, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) and a Kansas law firm filed four lawsuits on behalf of a minor child, the child’s mother, and a friend of the family against Chaturbate, Jerkmate, Titan Websites, and Techpump Solutions, also known as Superporn.com.

According to a statement from NCOSE, the mother had been diligent in monitoring her 14-year-old son’s devices to prevent his exposure to harmful material during “this important developmental stage of his life.”

In August 2024, the boy found an old laptop belonging to a friend of his mother that had been stored and forgotten about in a closet. It was still in working order, and the son used it to access the internet and search for hardcore pornography.

The suits allege that the sites should have had age-verification measures in place to comply with a Kansas law implemented in July 2024, which allows individuals – including parents or guardians – to take legal action against commercial entities, such as websites, that permit access without verifying users’ ages.

Chaturbate has an age-verification mechanism, but it can be easily manipulated and that does not satisfy Kansas’ law, according to the suit. Its parent company, Multi Media LLC, called the suit “completely baseless,” something it told the plaintiff when the company was contacted last November.

The complaint claims that as a result of accessing the sites, the boy has suffered “pain, suffering, disability, disfigurement, and mental anguish; psychological injury; past and future loss of enjoyment and pleasure of living; and past and future expenses of necessary medical care and treatment.”

The NCOSE says these are the first lawsuits in the US that challenge alleged violators of age verification laws. The organization has previously helped with lawsuits against porn site Xvideos. It also aided with a case against Twitter over allegations it violated the federal sex trafficking statute.

]]>
https://earlybirdsinvest.com/kansas-woman-sues-porn-sites-after-teenage-son-accessed-adult-content-on-old-laptop/feed/ 0 37490
Best laptop power banks for Apple MacBook 2025 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/best-laptop-power-banks-for-apple-macbook-2025/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/best-laptop-power-banks-for-apple-macbook-2025/#respond Sat, 19 Apr 2025 22:52:15 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/best-laptop-power-banks-for-apple-macbook-2025/

Many of us are quite used to carrying around a handy power bank to top up our iPhone batteries during a long day away from a power socket, but these pocketable battery packs are usually not powerful enough to keep an unplugged and energy-hungry MacBook going all day.

We’ve rounded up the best portable laptop power banks with battery capacities high enough to recharge a fading Apple MacBook if you won’t be able to plug it into an electrical outlet for some time.

Despite new laptops boasting improved battery life duration, it’s easy for your trusty MacBook to lose power after a day of intense meetings and PowerPoint presentations. No one wants to see the Mac’s “Your battery is running low” warning, especially when halfway through watching a downloaded Netflix series on a long-haul flight.

We looked at seven main factors for recommending laptop power banks: battery capacity, charging speed, total power output, power input, USB ports, portability and safety.

Power bank battery capacity

The larger the laptop power bank’s capacity the more charges it will be able to give your MacBook. While nearly all laptop power banks give their battery capacity in milliamp hours (mAh) it’s more instructional to know the battery capacity in watt hours (Wh) as Wh provides a more accurate estimation of a battery’s energy capacity for devices with varying power requirements.

A 13-inch MacBook Air has a battery capacity of around 50Wh. The 16-inch MacBook Pro’s battery is rated at nearly twice that—just under 100Wh. To find out the Wh rating of your MacBook, check our our list of all the MacBook battery capacities.

In theory, a 100Wh power bank could recharge the smaller laptop twice and the larger one once. While it’s not quite that simple, you will certainly get more charge from a power bank with a higher Wh rating.

Watt hours is also the measure used by airlines to determine whether you can carry the power bank onto a plane with you: see below our list of the best MacBook power banks for national and international in-flight battery regulations.

If you know only the battery’s milliampere hours (mAh), divide that number by 1,000 to get the ampere-hours (Ah). For example, 1200mAh divided by 1,000 = 1.2Ah. Then multiply that number by the power bank’s voltage.

Battery to laptop charging speed

The speed at which a power bank can charge your laptop is important, especially if you are charging the MacBook while using it.

Like any USB-C charger, look for the wattage at which the power bank can output power. A small laptop requires perhaps as little as 40W to keep it powered up. A larger MacBook might require 65W or 100W. A 16-inch MacBook Pro can be fast-charged at 140W.

In technical terms, chargers and power banks have a USB PD (Power Delivery) rating. PD 3.0 has a maximum power output of 100W. PD 3.1 (useful for the 16-inch MacBook Pro) can output at 140W. The PD rating is assigned to each USB port (see below).

That top-end MacBook can be charged at 100W, but it will take longer to charge. If you use a much lower wattage charger, or power bank, your MacBook battery might not fill up as fast because the laptop battery is being used by your applications.

As such we haven’t looked at any laptop power bank rated at under 65W and make recommendations for each power bank we have tested as to which MacBook model it is best suited for.

It is fine to use a 140W PD 3.1 charger or power bank on a smaller laptop—nothing untoward will happen as the power output is regulated by the laptop being powered. Indeed, you can safely charge your AirPods case with a 140W charger even though it won’t take more than 5W.

Total power output

A power bank with multiple ports will also have a maximum total output, which is how much power all the ports can give out together at one time when each is connected to a different device.

A power bank might have two ports each rated at 100W, but if the total power output is 100W then that power will be shared between the ports. Look for a total power output that means the power bank can handle charging multiple devices at the same time at full speed.

Power input

Power Input is the wattage at which the power bank itself can be charged via a USB-C charger. Again, the more watts, the faster the charge up to the power bank’s full capacity.

USB ports

A power bank needs at least one USB port to carry the power from itself to the device being charged. USB ports today come in two basic varieties: old-school rectangular USB-A and modern reversible USB-C.

You will get the fastest charge using USB-C at the power bank end. At the MacBook end, the USB-C end of the cable will connect with the MacBook’s Thunderbolt port, which is identical to USB-C in looks and basic operation. Thunderbolt is backward compatible with USB-C.

Look for power banks with multiple USB ports so you can charge more than one device at a time: more than one laptop, or a laptop plus a phone or two, or your AirPods case and Apple Watch. A USB-A port might be useful if you need to power-up a device whose charger uses the older standard; for example, a Fitbit.

Power vs portability

There are some giant power banks, usually called portable power stations, that can keep a family going all weekend, but they are way too large to carry with you on your travels. Our sister site PCWorld.com has tested the best of these much larger portable power stations.

As a rule, the higher the battery capacity, the larger and heavier the power bank. We have included size and weight so you can determine if each power bank suits your traveling needs. Some laptop power banks are built to last in the great outdoors so will feature more rugged IP-rated shells; read on for our reviews below.

There are much smaller, lighter and more portable power banks for phones—check out our recommendations of the best power banks for iPhone. You could use some of these to recharge a laptop but we recommend the power banks tested and reviewed here for the best results when powering up a laptop.

Power bank safety

Batteries can present a fire risk in certain circumstances, such as rapid overheating (a process called thermal runaway), overcharging and exposure to high temperatures.

As such we recommend only power banks from trusted, premium manufacturers with a long record of producing safe, high-quality products. You will find cheaper power banks, but we believe that the safety of the device you are charging, your home or office, plus your bag if carrying it around with you, are paramount.

If you want to take your power bank on a plane, there are also regulations to abide by—or you’ll be leaving it at the Security Desk. See below the chart of our favorite laptop power banks for international airline rules on permitted power banks and batteries.

Which power bank is best for your MacBook in 2025?

We have indicated which models of MacBook we think each power bank is best suited to, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pair any with different MacBooks. The 16-inch MacBook Pro can be fast-charged at 140W (using Apple’s USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable) so owners of that model should look for a PD 3.1 power bank. But even a 13-inch MacBook Air will work well with the higher-capacity power banks. They might not charge any faster, but they will be recharged more times if you pick a high-capacity battery pack.

Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W) – Best overall MacBook power bank

Pros

  • Large battery capacity
  • 140W (PD 3.1) charging power
  • 170W input
  • 250W total output
  • 3 powerful ports
  • Dedicated app

Price When Reviewed:

$179.99


Best Prices Today:

Walmart Electronics


$167.98

Amazon


$179.99

B&H


$179.99

Best Buy


$179.99

Battery capacity: 99.56Wh
Fastest Power Output: 140W
Total Power Output: 250W
Power Input: 170W
USB ports: 2x USB-C (140W PD 3.1); 1x USB-A (65W PD 3.0).
Dimensions: 6.4 x 2.2 x 2 inches (16.2 x 5.7 x 5cm)
Weight: 23.3oz (659g)
Airline compatible: Yes

The Anker Prime 27650mAh Power Bank is one of the most powerful laptop power banks that you can match with your MacBook. It is a great fit with the top-end 16-inch MacBook Pro, which has a battery rated at around the same watt hours (99.6WH) as this power bank (99.56Wh).

Attach Apple’s USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable to the power back and you can utilize one of the 140W PD 3.1 ports to fast-charge the 16-inch Pro. Although the power bank ships with a 140W-capable cable, Apple allows fast-charging only using its proprietary charging cable.

Anker claims that you can fast-charge that top-end MacBook Pro up to 50% in 28 minutes. An iPhone 14 could be charged four and a half times over if using all of the power bank’s battery capacity.

In our tests, we charged a 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro to full power with a little battery power remaining in the pack.

There are three USB ports. Each of the two USB-C ports can be used to power at 140W. While it has a maximum total output of 250W you can’t fast-charge two 16-inch MacBook Pros at the same time—when using the two USB-C ports at the same time one runs at 140W and the other at 100W, which is still powerful enough to fast-charge one laptop and still charge another simultaneously. When using all three ports, one USB-C will have 140W potential, the other USB-C can charge at up to 92W and the USB-A port at 18W, which is enough to fast-charge an iPhone.

You can recharge the power bank itself in under 40 minutes using the two USB-C ports at the same time at an impressive 170W—faster than any other laptop power bank we have tested.

This is a sophisticated power bank with some tricks of its own. It can be controlled by an app, which gives real-time charging stats (Remaining Charging Time and Input and Output power indicators) and can be optimized to help extend the battery life of the devices being charged as well as its own. You can even use the app’s Find Device feature to activate a sound alert from the power bank when you need to locate it.

The Anker Prime 27650mAh Power Bank is available in either black or gold colors. In reality, the “black” color is more of a metallic gray.

Great for: 16-inch MacBook Pro.

Read our full

Anker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bank (250W) review

Ugreen 48000mAh Portable Power Bank (300W) – Best high-capacity MacBook power bank

Pros

  • Massive battery capacity
  • 140W (PD 3.1) charging power
  • 300W total output
  • Carry handle
  • 5 powerful ports

Cons

  • Larger and heavier than most

Price When Reviewed:

$199.99


Best Prices Today:

Amazon


$129.99

Battery capacity: 153Wh
Fastest Power Output: 140W
Total Power Output: 300W
Power Input: 140W
USB ports: 1x USB-C (140W PD 3.1), 2x USB-C (100W PD 3.0); 2x USB-A (22.5W).
Dimensions: 6.3 x 5.7 x 3 inches inches (16 x 14.5 x 7.6cm)
Weight: 3.6lb (1.65kg)
Airline compatible: Yes (with carrier approval)

The Ugreen 48000mAh 300W Portable Power Bank is the missing link between a laptop power bank and a full-blown power station. It has a huge battery capacity but is still portable, although you wouldn’t want to carry it around in your backpack all day, and it’s too powerful to take on a commercial flight.

It has a handle so is carriable, but the bulk and weight mean it is one to move around inside or carry in a car. It would be the perfect power companion on a camping trip. It’s not super-heavy, but it is noticeably larger than the other laptop power banks tested here.

Keep it powered up in case of power outages and it should keep your laptop and phone going for days. In our tests we recharged a 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro 1.8 times, so you can expect to get maybe as many as two charges for a MacBook Air. The Pro charged from 5% to 90% in an hour, which impressed us.

There are five ports (three USB-C and two USB-A) with a maximum simultaneous power output of 300W. As it has a 140W PD 3.1 USB-C port, it can be used to fast charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro. At the same time, you could charge another top-end MacBook Pro at 100W, and use one of the USB-A ports at 22.5W.

The smart display shows the remaining battery, total input and output power.

Great for: 16-inch MacBook Pro.

Read our full

Ugreen 48000mAh 300W Portable Power Bank review

Anker Power Bank (25K, 165W) with Cables – Most convenient MacBook power bank

Pros

  • Large battery capacity
  • Two integrated charging cables
  • 100W input
  • 165W total output

Price When Reviewed:

$99.99


Best Prices Today:

Walmart Electronics


$87.99

Amazon


$109.99

Battery capacity: 90Wh
Fastest Power Output: 100W
Total Power Output: 165W
Power Input: 100W
USB ports: 1x USB-C (100W PD 3.0), 2x USB-C (100W PD 3.0) built-in cables; 1x USB-A (33W).
Dimensions: 6.2 x 2.1 x 1.9 inches (15.7 × 5.4 × 4.9cm)
Weight: 21oz (595g)
Airline compatible: Yes (with carrier approval)

The performance is impressive—we recharged a 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro to a respectable 92%, not far off the 100% from its slightly higher-capacity sibling Anker 27650mAh power bank—but what we love about this laptop battery pack is its handy 2.3-foot (70cm) retractable USB-C cable that means you don’t have to carry one with you when you take the power bank walkies. There’s even a second built-in USB-C cable that doubles up as a carrying loop.

Each USB-C port can output and provide input at 100W.

The cable wraps neatly into a groove at the top of the power bank. There’s spare USB-C and USB-A ports on one side, so you can charge multiple devices simultaneously. Note that if you want to charge more than one device, they must share the maximum output of 165W between them. However, 165W can only be supplied by two devices; with three and four devices, the maximum output is limited to 133W, although that is likely enough for most needs.

It’s available in either Space Black or Silver.

With its integrated cables this is one of the the most travel friendly laptop power bank we’ve tested.

A cheaper alternative is the 65W Baseus Free2Pull Power Bank that features one retractable USB-C cable, which is available in the U.S. at Amazon or in the U.K. via AliExpress.

Great for: 14-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air.

Read our full

Anker Power Bank (25K, 165W) with Cables review

Anker Prime 20000mAh Power Bank (200W) – Best mid-range laptop power bank

Pros

  • Compact size
  • Decent battery capacity
  • 3 powerful ports
  • 200W total output

Price When Reviewed:

$129.99


Best Prices Today:

Walmart Electronics


$98.99

Amazon


$129.99

B&H


$129.99

Best Buy


$129.99

Battery capacity: 72Wh
Fastest Power Output: 100W
Total Power Output: 200W
Power Input: 100W
USB ports: 2x USB-C (100W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (65W PD 3.0).
Dimensions: 4.9 x 2.1 x 2 inches (12.7 x 5.5 x 5cm)
Weight: 18.7oz (529g)
Airline compatible: Yes

The Anker Prime 20000mAh Power Bank is a recommended laptop power bank that is lighter and smaller than the top-end Anker Prime 27650mAh Power Bank, but boasts the same number of USB ports.

It doesn’t feature that power bank’s 140W PD 3.1 USB-C ports, instead packing two 100W USB-C ports and the same 65W USB-A port. That doesn’t rule it out as a battery pack for the 16-inch MacBook Pro, but it can’t fast-charge Apple’s largest laptop.

It’s a great option for the smaller MacBooks unless you need as much power in the bank as you can carry.

As the maximum power output is 200W, you could simultaneously charge two MacBooks at 100W. Using all three ports, you can power a MacBook at 100W, another at 60W and still have 40W over for a third MacBook or any other device.

Like its big sibling, the Anker 200W 20000mAh Power Bank features a clear display but doesn’t work with the Anker app.

While the 27650mAh Anker Prime can be charged itself at 200W, the Anker 200W 20000mAh Power Bank can be charged at a lower, but still reasonable, 100W using just one of its USB-C ports.

Available in either gray (Anker calls it black) or gold.

Great for: 14-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air.

Ugreen Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh (130W) – Lightest 20K laptop power bank

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Decent battery capacity
  • 3 ports
  • Informative display

Price When Reviewed:

$99.99


Best Prices Today:

Amazon


$67.99

Battery capacity: 72Wh
Fastest Power Output: 100W
Total Power Output: 130W
Power Input: 65W
USB ports: 1x USB-C (100W PD 3.0); 1x USB-C (30W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (22.5W PD 3.0).
Dimensions: 5.2 x 2.1 x 2 inches (13.1 x 5.4 x 5.1cm)
Weight: 16.9oz (480g)
Airline compatible: Yes

Ugreen’s equivalent to the Anker Prime 20000mAh Power Bank is the Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh. The battery capacities of both are identical, but the Ugreen is noticeably lighter even though its dimensions are closely aligned. Each has a smart display that tells you more than enough about what’s going on between the power bank and the devices being charged.

The Ugreen Nexode is a more portable solution, but we still prefer the Anker Prime model for its impressive USB ports. The Anker has two 100W USB-C ports, while the Ugreen’s USB-C ports are rated at 100W and 30W. As the Ugreen power bank has a maximum power output of 130W, this doesn’t matter, but the Anker can pump out 200W simultaneously, making its powerful ports more useful. Power input is also better on the ANker (100W) vs the Ugreen (65W).

However, we’ve seen the Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh priced more competitively than the Anker Prime 20000mAh, and that weight difference may be important to you.

Great for: 14-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air.

Read our full

Ugreen Nexode Power Bank 20000mAh 130W review

Anker Prime 12000mAh Power Bank (130W) – Best budget compact laptop power bank

Pros

  • Compact size, lightweight
  • Affordable
  • 130W total output

Cons

  • Lower battery capacity than most
  • 65W fastest output
  • 65W input

Price When Reviewed:

$89.99


Best Prices Today:

Amazon Prime


$84.99

Amazon


$99.99

Battery capacity: 43.2Wh
Fastest Power Output: 65W
Total Power Output: 130W
Power Input: 65W
USB ports: 2x USB-C (65W PD 3.0)
Dimensions: 5.3 x 2.2 x 1.4 inches (13.3 x 5.5 x 3.3cm)
Weight: 14.8oz (360g)
Airline compatible: Yes

Smaller still than the Anker Prime 20000mAh Power Bank, the little(ish) Anker Prime 12000mAh Power Bank is more portable—smaller and lighter—than its fellow Prime battery packs.

The compromise is its 65W USB-C ports, but these are fine for the MacBook Air and the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro. It’s also fine for larger MacBooks unless you need the fastest charging. It should charge a MacBook Air to about 70% battery capacity.

It’s also a great option for iPhone users, as it can power up an iPhone 14 or 15 Pro twice over. If your MacBook Air just needs a small power boost, and you want to keep your iPhone going, this is a great compact option.

Maximum simultaneous output is 130W, using both USB-C ports, so you can power two MacBooks at 65W each at the same time. There’s no USB-A port if you still need the old USB standard.

The smart display shows you how much battery capacity is remaining in the power bank.

Unlike the other Anker Prime laptop power banks, the 12000mAh model is available in the gray color only—no gold for the budget-conscious.

Great for: 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air.

Cuktech 15SE 85W 20000mAh Power Bank – Best budget 20K laptop power bank

Pros

  • Compact size
  • Decent battery capacity
  • 3 ports
  • 200W total output

Cons

  • Lower recharge than rivals in tests

Price When Reviewed:

$49.99


Best Prices Today:

Amazon


$45.99

Battery capacity: 73.44Wh
Fastest Power Output: 65W
Total Power Output: 85W
Power Input: 65W
USB ports: 1x USB-C (65W PD 3.0); 1x USB-C (33W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (33W).
Dimensions: 6 x 1.7 x 2 inches (15.2 x 5.2 x 4.4cm)
Weight: 17.4oz (492g)
Airline compatible: Yes

The Cuktech 15 laptop power bank we tested might not perform to the same degree as more expensive rivals but offers great value for money.

Despite its somewhat confusing name, the Cuktech 15 has a 20K (20000mAh) battery that managed to charge our test 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro to 60% power. That’s not as impressive as the Baseus 20K Power bank reviewed above but at under $50/£50 it’s one of the cheapest MacBook battery pack that we trust.

You can use it as a multiple-charge iPhone power bank, too: it should charge an iPhone 15 around 3.5 times. You double-click the power button to enter low-power mode for devices such as a smartwatch or headphones.

With the three USB ports all in action, you can charge the MacBook at 65W and share the remaining 20W between the other USB-C and USB-A ports.

Great for: 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air.

Cuktech 15 Ultra Power Bank 20000mAh (165W) – Best budget 140W 20K laptop power bank

Pros

  • Decent battery capacity
  • 140W (PD 3.1) charging power
  • 165W input
  • 165W total output

Price When Reviewed:

$119.99


Best Prices Today:

Amazon


$109.99

Battery capacity: 76.56Wh
Fastest Power Output: 140W
Total Power Output: 165W
Power Input: 165W
USB ports: 1x USB-C (140W PD 3.1); 1x USB-C (65W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (18W).
Dimensions: 6 x 2.3 x 1.8 inches (15.2 x 5.7 x 4.4cm)
Weight: 20.8oz (590g)
Airline compatible: Yes

A little cheaper than the higher-capacity Cuktech 20, this slim laptop power bank can also fast-charger even the 16-inch MacBook Pro with its 140W output. The 20 looks the better buy in terms of capacity and at a similar price, but the 15 Ultra has a special feature known as Beast Mode.

While the 25000mAh port of the Cuktech 20 is certainly worth the small extra investment on this 15 Ultra in terms of capacity, this 20000mAh power bank impresses with its super-speedy 165W input, which means you can recharge itself faster than most using Beast Mode where you use both the USB-C ports to recharge the power bank up to 70% in around 20 minutes.

The smart display shows you what each of the ports is doing, battery status, connected devices, and when the unit is powering up in Beast Mode.

Great for: 16-inch MacBook Air.

Sandberg Survivor Powerbank 27000 PD65W – Most robust power bank for MacBook

Pros

  • Large battery capacity
  • Super rugged IP66 shell
  • Flashlight

Cons

  • Chunky
  • More USB-A than USB-C
  • 60W power input

Price When Reviewed:

$120.99

Battery capacity: 99.9Wh
Fastest Power Output: 65W
Total Power Output: 65W
Power Input: 60W
USB ports: 1x USB-C (65W PD 3.0); 2x USB-A (18W)
Dimensions: 6.6 x 3.3 x 1.7 inches (16.8 x 8.5 x 4.2cm)
Weight: 28.4oz (804g)
Airline compatible: Yes

Outdoor adventurers and in-the-field professionals need devices that are stronger than softy office desk jockeys and occasional airport travelers, and the Sandberg Survivor boasts a tough !P66 shell that is impervious to water and dust. As such it is bigger than most power banks but it would survive outdoors much longer and has a big enough battery to keep a bunch of devices charged up before being introduced to a wall charger again.

Behind a protective rubber flap there are three USB ports: two old-school USB-A and one USB-C. We would have preferred more USB-C, which is used on most modern devices, and that singular USB-C port is also where you will charge the power bank itself. The USB-C port outputs at up to 65W and receives power at 60W. Each of the USB-A ports can output at 18W. Total simultaneous power output is 65W. Uniquely, there is also a 24W DC 5525 port if your devices can be powered using this connection.

As it charges at a maximum 65W, it’s better suited to the lower-end 14-inch MacBook Pro and 13 and 15-inch MacBook Air, rather than the more powerful versions of the 14- and 16-inch Pro MacBooks that prefer a 100W or higher charger. That said, if your 16-inch Pro is on an outdoors adventure, the Survivor will still charge it, just a little slower than a 100W or 140W power bank.

Great for: 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air or any adventurer’s laptop

Read our full

Sandberg Survivor Powerbank 27000 PD65W review

InfinaCore P3 Pro – 10K Power Bank and Wall Charger combo

Pros

  • Compact size
  • Wireless charging pad for iPhone
  • Plugs into wall as 3-port charger

Price When Reviewed:

$129.99

Battery capacity: 37Wh
Fastest Power Output: 65W (in wall)
Total Power Output: 65W
Power Input: 30W
USB ports: 2x USB-C (65W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (18W)
Dimensions: 3.8 x 3.3 x 1.5 inches (9.7 x 8.4 x 3.8cm)
Weight: 12oz (339g)
Airline compatible: Yes

Built for travel, this combo 4-in-1 wall charger and 10K battery pack can charge a laptop at 45W as a power bank and at 65W when plugged directly into a wall power socket. It comes with international plug adapters for U.K., E.U. and AU/NZ that slip onto the built-in U.S. foldable prongs—great for travel or just use in your own region. It even has a fold-out rubber handle that you can use to attach it to your backpack while hiking.

Its 10000mAh battery capacity is certainly not the highest of the laptop power banks we have reviewed here, but it did recharge a completely faded 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro back up to 45%, which should get you an extra few hours charge when on the move, depending on your laptop’s battery health.

Its two USB-C and one USB-A ports make it a capable AC wall charger, and a magnetic side pad works as a 15W Qi2 wireless charger for the MagSafe-ready iPhone 12 to 16 families. If charging by wall, the USB-C port output is 65W. When operating as a power bank, the USB-C port outputs 45W, unless also wireless charging when the maximum out put is 30W (15W wireless plus 15W USB-C).

A smart displays shows the power bank’s remaining battery charge, remaining time to full charge, real time output/input, and temperature.

Great for: 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air.

Ugreen Nexode Qi2 Power Bank 20000mAh 145W

Pros

  • Compact size
  • Decent battery capacity
  • Tilting wireless charging pad for iPhone

Price When Reviewed:

$179.99


Best Prices Today:

Amazon


$109.99

Battery capacity: 72Wh
Fastest Power Output: 100W
Total Power Output: 145W
Power Input: 65W
USB ports: 1x USB-C (100W PD 3.0); 1x USB-C (45W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (22.5W Max)
Dimensions: 4.4 x 2.7 x 2.4 inches (11.2 x 6.8 x 6cm)
Weight: 19.6oz (555g)
Airline compatible: Yes

Both a 20K power bank and mini desktop charger (when connected to a USB-C wall charger). this stubbily compact battery pack features a 100W USB-C port at its rear and a 45W USB-C and 22.5W USB-A port at the front underneath a large color smart display.

While certainly portable it isn’t one to slip in your pocket or clamp to your phone on the move—the Nexode Qi2 is aimed at the iPhone using laptop owner. It’s a handy travel companion that should handle most of your power bank needs while out and about, and then sit on a desk as a smart-looking and informative charger that can charge four devices simultaneously.

Great for: 14-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air.

Read our full

Ugreen Nexode Qi2 Power Bank 20000mAh 145W review

Cuktech CP253L 20000mAh Power Bank – Budget 20K 45W Power Bank with cable

Pros

  • Decent battery capacity
  • Integrated retractable USB-C cable
  • USB-C and USB-A ports
  • Affordable

Cons

  • USB-C cable quite short
  • 40W power input

Price When Reviewed:

$34.99


Best Prices Today:

Amazon


$23.89

Battery capacity: 74Wh
Fastest Power Output: 45W
Total Power Output: 55W
Power Input: 40W
USB ports: 1x USB-C (45W PD 3.0) built-in cable; 1x USB-C (45W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (QC 18W Max)
Dimensions: 6.4 x 2.8 x 1.2 inches (16.2 x 7.2 x 3cm)
Weight: 17.6oz (499g)
Airline compatible: Yes

The Cuktech CP253L is a budget rival to the Anker 165W Power Bank and Baseus Free2Pull Power Bank, and indeed any of the 20K laptop power banks reviewed here. It wins points for its built-in USB-C cable, although at 6 inches (15cm) the cable not as long or handy as the 2.3-foot (70cm) retractable cable on the Baseus.

It is also a less powerful: 45W vs 60W via USB-C, and charges itself slower, too. It recharged our test MacBook Pro to 75%, again a little off the Baseus performance but probably enough for most users in need of a power boost. At 45W it’s fine for the MacBook Air but a little underpowered for the Pro MacBooks, which will charge a little slower.

(We’re only interested in Apple’s MacBook here but if you also own a Xiaomi laptop, its USB-C connectors can charge at 55W and the USB-A supports 33W UFCS charging for some Chinese phones.)

The lower power input and output plus shorter cable, along with a slightly heavier weight, are compromises you may well overlook when you see the price. This is a great-looking—in either black or a cool white—and solidly performing portable battery pack for your laptop. It’s also available in the U.K. unlike the Baseus.

Great for: 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air.

Alogic Ark 27000mAh Power Bank – Budget 140W laptop power bank

Pros

  • Large battery capacity
  • 140W (PD 3.1) charging power
  • 140W input

Price When Reviewed:

$119.99

Battery capacity: 97.2Wh
Fastest Power Output: 140W
Total Power Output: 140W
Power Input: 140W
USB ports: 2x USB-C (140W PD 3.1); 1x USB-A (22.5W).
Dimensions: 6.1 x 2.1 x 2 inches (15.5 x 5.3 x 5cm)
Weight: 22.4oz (635g)
Airline compatible: Yes

This is another column-shaped laptop power bank with a high-capacity. The three top-mounted USB ports support PD 3.1 so it is particularly useful for owners of the 16-inch MacBook Pro, which can be fast-charged using one of this power bank’s 140W ports.

As total power output is also 140W, you can’t charge another device at the same time as fast-charging that top-end MacBook. If you want to simultaneously charge more devices, look for a power bank with a higher maximum power output. The similarly designed Anker Prime 27650mAh, reviewed above, can use all three of its ports up to 250W. The Ugreen 48000mAh Portable Power Bank, also reviewed previously, is a larger unit but can reach 300W total power output.

The Alogic Ark has a smart display screen that shows you how fast devices are charging, remaining battery capacity, and how long it will keep charging at the current speed.

It’s a well-priced laptop power bank so you might be happy to choose the Ark over an alternative that can pump out more power at one time.

Great for: 16-inch MacBook Pro.

Cuktech 20 Power Bank 25000mAh (210W) – Budget 140W 25K laptop power bank

Pros

  • Large battery capacity
  • 140W (PD 3.1) charging power
  • 110W input
  • 210W total output

Price When Reviewed:

$114.99


Best Prices Today:

Amazon


$262.38

Battery capacity: 90Wh
Fastest Power Output: 140W
Total Power Output: 210W
Power Input: 110W
USB ports: 1x USB-C (140W PD 3.1); 1x USB-C (45W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (30W).
Dimensions: 6.3 x 2.2 x 2.2 inches (16 x 5.5 x 5.5cm)
Weight: 22.4oz (636g)
Airline compatible: Yes

The Cuktech 20 Power Bank 25000mAh 140W PD 3.1 power bank looks a lot like the Anker Prime 27650mAh, reviewed above, in a tall format with an informative smart display.

As with the Anker, there are three USB ports, with one at the required 140W for fast-charging a 16-inch MacBook Pro. The other two ports aren’t as powerful as the Anker’s though: 45W vs 140W, and 30W vs 65W.

An M2 MacBook Air should be fully charged with a little power left over for your iPhone, AirPods or Apple Watch.

Power input is also not as great, but at 110W it’s impressive enough compared to most. Maximum simultaneous power output is 210W—again not as high as the Anker but still respectable.

The Cuktech’s display gives more data than the Anker, which is informative for wattage junkies but probably overkill for most of us, who just need to know how much battery life remains in the power bank. Anker’s dedicated app is perhaps more useful. Again, this is a nice to have and the Cuktech power bank does the important stuff of recharging the laptop at a price point that is noticeably lower than Anker’s.

Great for: 16-inch MacBook Pro.

Baseus Laptop Powerbank PD 100W 20000mAh – Slimmest power bank for MacBook Pro

Pros

  • Slim body
  • Decent battery capacity

Cons

  • No display in watts
  • 65W power input

Price When Reviewed:

$129.99


Best Prices Today:

Amazon Prime


$69.99

Amazon


$99.99

Battery capacity: 74Wh
Fastest Power Output: 100W
Total Power Output: 100W
Power Input: 65W
USB ports: 2x USB-C (100W PD 3.0); 2x USB-A (30W).
Dimensions: 5.3 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches (13.4 x 13.4 x 1.8cm)
Weight: 445g
Airline compatible: Yes

The Baseus Blade HD Laptop 20000mAh Power Bank is a different design to most other laptop power banks. It is slim (1.8cm) and almost square rather than a rectangular obelisk. This makes it easier to slip into the laptop compartment of a backpack or case.

There are four ports: two 100W USB-C, and two 30W USB-A.

The 20000mAh capacity is enough to charge a 13-inch MacBook Air from zero to 100% once, with about 5% remaining.

The Blade HD also recharges via either of the two USB-C ports—although at 65W it’s slower than others reviewed here. In our tests it reached 90% after just 90 minutes and is fully charged after just under two hours—batteries always take longer to fill the last part of the charge.

Like other laptop power banks, it features a smart display, but this one is harder to read than the others tested here. It provides information about the capacity percentage, voltage, and current, as well as the approximate time for the charging process, but the practical benefit of the display would be even greater if the power was displayed in watts and not in a combination of volts and amps.

Baseus makes good products but can be let down by a confused product lineup. As well as the “Blade HD“, there is also a “Blade” with very similar specs and price but slightly longer (6.4 vs 5.3 inches). As far as we can tell, only the Blade is available in the U.K. while the smaller Blade HD is available in the U.S. and E.U.

Great for: 14-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air.

Read our full

Baseus Laptop Powerbank PD 100W 20000mAh review

Baseus 12000mAh Blade 2 Power Bank – Slimmest power bank for MacBook Air

Pros

  • Super-slim body
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Lower battery capacity than most
  • 60W power input

Price When Reviewed:

$99.99

Battery capacity: 46.44Wh
Fastest Power Output: 65W
Total Power Output: 65W
Power Input: 60W
USB ports: 2x USB-C (65W PD 3.0)
Dimensions: 6.4 x 5.2 x 0.3 inches (16.3 x 13.2 x 0.8cm)
Weight: 328g
Airline compatible: Yes

The Baseus Blade 2 is not, as you might expect, an upgrade on the original Blade. In fact, it has a lower battery capacity, lower power output and lower power input., plus two fewer USB ports.

It is, however, remarkably slim—even slimmer than the Blade HD—and lightweight, and it’s a great fit for the MacBook Air.

Like the Anker Prime 27650mAh Power Bank, reviewed above, it can connect to a basic app to show you much the same data as you’ll see on its smart display. The display is small but easier to read than on the Blade HD.

It’s available in blue, silver or orange colors, and you can pick one of these colors for the display via the app.

Great for: 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air.

Ugreen 25000mAh Power Bank (145W) – Power in a portable package

Pros

  • Large battery capacity
  • 140W (PD 3.1) charging power
  • Portable shape

Price When Reviewed:

$119.99


Best Prices Today:

Amazon


$74.99

Walmart


$99.99

Battery capacity: 90Wh
Fastest Power Output: 140W
Total Power Output: 145W
Power Input: 65W
USB ports: 1x USB-C (140W PD 3.1); 1x USB-C (100W PD 3.0); 1x USB-A (22.5W).
Dimensions: 6.3 x 3.2 x 1.1 inches (16 x 8.1 x 2.8cm)
Weight: 17.7oz (503g)

As well as its oblong Nexode laptop power banks, Ugreen offers an alternative slab shape in the form of the Ugreen 25000mAh Power Bank. We think the slab shape works better for portability, while the more vertical Anker shape looks good when sitting on your desk.

Offering 140W PD 3.1 via one of its USB-C ports, it is ideal for fast-charging the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Maximum power output, however, is only a little over 140W so there’s not much power left if you want to charge another device at the same time.

There’s not enough battery to fully recharge Apple’s top-end MacBook Pro, but it gets very close when recharging our test 14-inch M2 MacBook Pro.

It is closest to the 27650mAh Anker prime power bank, and while having a little lower battery capacity it is nearly a quarter of the weight so is easier to carry around with you. The Ugreen battery pack can charge the same number of devices (three) as the Anker, but the Anker can pump out 250W of power simultaneously while the Ugreen is limited to 145W. The Anker is also much faster to re-charge itself, with 170W power input compared to Ugreen’s 65W.

The display is not as smart as those on other laptop power banks reviewed here, showing just the remaining percentage. That said, this is the key statistic you’ll be interested in rather than more detail on power input and output wattages.

Great for: 16-inch MacBook Pro.

Ugreen 100W 20000mAh Power Bank

Pros

  • Decent battery capacity
  • Lightweight
  • Portable shape

Price When Reviewed:

$79.99


Best Prices Today:

Amazon


$52.99

Walmart


$79.99

Battery capacity: 72Wh
Fastest Power Output: 100W
Total Power Output: 100W
Power Input: 65W
USB ports: 1x USB-C (100W PD 3.0); 1x USB-C (30W); 1x USB-A (22.5W).
Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.2 x 1.1 inches (14 x 8.2 x 2.8cm)
Weight: 14.8oz (419g)

As well as its 25000mAh laptop power bank, Ugreen the a smaller and lighter Ugreen 100W 20000mAh Power Bank that is well-suited to the MacBook Air. This power bank should have enough juice in it to fully recharge a 15-inch M2 MacBook Air.

This model has a 100W power output so is less able for the 16-inch MacBook Pro, although it would still offer enough recharge to give even that laptop a few more hours of usage on the road, although with a total 100W, it’s limited to also charging other devices at the same time as a larger laptop.

This one is a useful option when portability is the main aim, as at 419g it’s the lightest laptop power bank with a decent battery capacity.

Great for: 14-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air.

Ugreen

Which spare batteries and power banks can you take on a plane?

When damaged, short-circuited or overheated, batteries can catch fire and explode, so there are regulations in place to ensure safety onboard commercial aircraft.

If you are lucky you’ll find a charging point at the airport, but we know these are usually already taken. Many plane seats also have a USB port, but it’s often old-school USB-A where most chargers these days use the more modern, powerful and reversible USB-C connector.

You’d be wise to carry your own USB-C wall charger, which you can use if your plane seat includes a regular AC power socket. Remember that you might need a travel adapter depending on the nationality of the airline.

Most national and international batteries in flight regulations allow for lithium-ion batteries up to 160Wh, if permitted by the individual airlines.

U.S. TSA and FAA battery and power bank regulations

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that any “spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only”.

Both TSA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FFA) state that “with airline approval”, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium-ion batteries (101–160Wh).

TSA requirements apply to both air carriers and airports, and the FAA requirements only apply to commercial airlines.

U.K. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) battery and power bank regulations

Up to two “spare batteries for portable electronic devices containing lithium-ion batteries exceeding a Watt-hour rating of 100Wh but not exceeding 160Wh when carried for personal use are allowed for carry-on baggage and on one’s person. They are not permitted in checked (hold) baggage.”

European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) battery and power bank regulations

The European Union regulations are stricter: “If the Wh is higher than 100 but not higher than 160, you will need an approval from the operator to carry the item”.

EASA also states that “power banks should not be connected or providing power to a device while on board the aircraft”. So you can carry the power bank with you but not actually recharge your phone or laptop while on the plane.

How to find a battery’s Watt Hour (Wh) rating

Manufacturers are required to mark lithium-ion batteries with the watt-hour rating, but it’s often not clearly indicated on the packaging or on the power bank itself—look for some tiny writing on one side of the battery pack and you’ll eventually find the Wh rating. Don’t worry, we’ve done that for you in our recommendations below. You can calculate the number of watt-hours your battery provides if you know the battery’s nominal voltage (V) and capacity in ampere-hours (Ah), by using this calculation: Ah x V = Wh.

]]>
https://earlybirdsinvest.com/best-laptop-power-banks-for-apple-macbook-2025/feed/ 0 31753
Anker Laptop Power Bank drops to a new record-low price! https://earlybirdsinvest.com/anker-laptop-power-bank-drops-to-a-new-record-low-price/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/anker-laptop-power-bank-drops-to-a-new-record-low-price/#respond Tue, 25 Mar 2025 23:44:25 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/anker-laptop-power-bank-drops-to-a-new-record-low-price/
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh 165W1

Portable power banks are great for keeping you charged throughout the day, but the good ones can get really pricey. This is especially the case for the ones capable of charging laptops, which are much more demanding than smartphones, accessories, or even tablets. Today, the 25,000mAh Anker Laptop Power Bank is 20% off, bringing the cost down to $87.99.

Get the Anker Laptop Power Bank with 25,000mAh for just $87.99 ($22 off)

This offer is available from Amazon as a “Big Spring Deal.” This sales event is ending on March 31, 2025, so we can only assume the offer will end then. You can pick between Black and silver colorways, and both get the same discount.

The Anker Laptop Power Bank is already a pretty affordable battery pack even at its full $109.99 price point. Many popular alternatives from direct competitors and even other options from Anker cost this much when on sale.

Seeing the price drop even further is very nice, which is why we highlight deals on this model, even if the discount may not seem as monumental. Something else that makes this a nice treat is that it’s actually a pretty newly released product, launched this January. In this case, the $87.99 happens to be a record-low price, too.

Now, let’s get to the details. This is actually quite the capable little power bank. As its name implies, it is made with laptops in mind. It features a pretty hefty 25,000mAh battery. The max output is a whopping 165W, but this only happens when charging multiple devices. There are three USB-C ports, and each maxes out at 100W. There’s also a USB-A connection that will top off at 33W. Of course, the wattage will be shared as you connect more devices simultaneously.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh 165W3

Something we really liked about the Anker Laptop Power Bank is that it comes with two integrated USB-C ports. Removing the need to carry around extra cables is very convenient. You just pull the cable out and charge away! Not to mention, one of these also doubles as a lanyard, adding an extra layer of convenience, and the other one is retractable, so it hides away when not in use.

The one downside I can see regarding this setup is that having built-in cables means they can’t be replaced. They could eventually get damaged, which is undoubtedly a long-term worry about something else that could break. Anker mentions these cables are rated for 20,000 bends, which is reassuring, but I feel like I would still constantly worry about being a little too rough with them.

All that said, this is a very capable and convenient power bank. The battery size and output are great. At just $87.99, we would definitely recommend it. Our buddy Dave Carr from SoundGuys has been testing it for some time and absolutely loves it. Make sure to act quickly if you want to enjoy it, too!

]]>
https://earlybirdsinvest.com/anker-laptop-power-bank-drops-to-a-new-record-low-price/feed/ 0 27214
Apple MacBook Air M2 deal: Still the best laptop for the price! https://earlybirdsinvest.com/apple-macbook-air-m2-deal-still-the-best-laptop-for-the-price/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/apple-macbook-air-m2-deal-still-the-best-laptop-for-the-price/#respond Sat, 22 Mar 2025 04:33:14 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/apple-macbook-air-m2-deal-still-the-best-laptop-for-the-price/
apple macbook air m2 closed top

Oliver Cragg / Android Authority

Finding the right laptop is pretty hard, especially if you want to optimize bang per buck. Apple used to be far from the best option in terms of value, but this has changed a lot since the launch of the Apple M-series chips. Now, these laptops offer some of the best performance for excellent prices. For example, my favorite laptop to recommend to most people is still the Apple MacBook Air M2, and you can currently get it for just $749. Some of you may even be able to get it for $699!

Get the Apple MacBook Air M2 for just $749 ($250 off)

This offer is available from Best Buy. The discount applies to all color versions: Midnight, Space Gray, Silver, and Starlight. The $749 discounted price point is actually not the cheapest. The popular retailer is offering My Best Buy Total members an extra $50 discount, bringing the price down to $699. As part of the subscription, members will also get two years of Apple Care Plus included. Learn more about Best Buy subscriptions here.

Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch (M2, 16GB, 256GB)

Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch (M2, 16GB, 256GB)

Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch (M2, 16GB, 256GB)

Thin, light, and powerful

The MacBook Air with an M2 chip brings the thin and lightweight design you’d expect from an Air, but with all the might of the M2 silicon.

This is the cheapest we’ve seen the Apple MacBook Air M2 going for, especially if you can get it for just $699 with the My Best Buy Total subscription. Not to mention, members can also get Apple Care Plus for free! Regardless, even at $749, it is impressively hard to beat this offer.

The Apple MacBook Air M2 is now two generations behind, as the M3 and M4 models are already out, but it is still an awesome laptop in 2025. I actually own this model. I got it during the Holiday deals, also at $749, and I haven’t regretted it once.

Let’s start with performance. The M2 chip, while two generations out, brought one of the biggest performance jumps in the lineup. I use this computer to edit RAW photos regularly, and I still haven’t encountered an app that slows it down. Some of my co-workers also mention they have edited 4K video using an M2 chip. You also get 16GB of RAM for all your multitasking needs. With that in mind, we doubt most users will have any issues with its performance.

macOS Sequoia on MacBook Air M2

Mahmoud Itani / Android Authority

The rest of the Apple MacBook Air M2 is just as impressive. The design is gorgeous, as we’ve come to expect from the MacBook Air series. It keeps that iconic metal construction and thin profile Air laptops are now so popular for. You’ll also enjoy a premium backlit keyboard, a large glass trackpad, a MagSafe charging port, and an excellent 18-hour battery life.

Of course, we can’t forget about the screen. It is a bit on the smaller size at 13.6 inches, but that is also what keeps the device so portable. And it’s actually a pretty nice display, offering a 2,560 x 1,664 resolution, which is better than the usual 1,080p or 1,440p definition most direct competitors offer. If you care for color accuracy, the panel can reproduce the DCI-P3 color spectrum, which is definitely a plus.

We doubt the price will go lower anytime soon, as this is already a record-low price. Take advantage of this offer, especially if you happen to be a My Best Buy Total member already!

]]>
https://earlybirdsinvest.com/apple-macbook-air-m2-deal-still-the-best-laptop-for-the-price/feed/ 0 26519
Bybit’s $1.4 Billion Hack Traced to Safe Developer’s Infected Laptop https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bybits-1-4-billion-hack-traced-to-safe-developers-infected-laptop/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bybits-1-4-billion-hack-traced-to-safe-developers-infected-laptop/#respond Sat, 08 Mar 2025 17:48:03 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bybits-1-4-billion-hack-traced-to-safe-developers-infected-laptop/

Safe, a provider of multi-signature wallet services, revealed that the $1.4 billion Bybit



$2.19B

hack originated from a developer’s infected laptop
, which allowed hackers to manipulate the system.

Initially, independent reports suggested that malicious code had been inserted into Safe’s infrastructure. Safe worked alongside cybersecurity firm Mandiant to investigate the issue.

They shared an update in a March 6 post on X, stating, “We present these findings in the spirit of transparency and to highlight key lessons learned, along with calls to action for the broader community to learn from this incident and strengthen defenses”.

ICO vs IDO vs IEO: Which One's the Best? (Easily Explained)

Did you know?

Want to get smarter & wealthier with crypto?

Subscribe – We publish new crypto explainer videos every week!

Further investigation revealed that on February 4, a senior Safe developer unknowingly interacted with a harmful Docker project, which led to their workstation being compromised. This allowed hackers to access Safe’s Amazon Web Services (AWS) account, bypassing multi-factor authentication by hijacking active session tokens.

A timeline of events showed that two weeks after the initial breach, malicious JavaScript was inserted into Safe’s website. This code played a direct role in the February 21 attack that targeted Bybit.

In response, Safe has reset its entire infrastructure, improved its user interface for verifying transaction hashes, and enhanced its ability to detect suspicious transactions. However, the company acknowledges that more work remains and is urging users to be extra cautious when signing transactions.

To assist users, Safe has published a detailed guide on how to verify transactions before approving them. The company also plans to integrate additional security measures to make the process easier for users.

Bybit recently launched a bounty program, Lazarus Bounty, to recover stolen funds. What did CEO Ben Zhou say about it? Read the full story.

Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.
With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.
Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.
Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.


]]>
https://earlybirdsinvest.com/bybits-1-4-billion-hack-traced-to-safe-developers-infected-laptop/feed/ 0 24004
A concept laptop built for two https://earlybirdsinvest.com/a-concept-laptop-built-for-two/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/a-concept-laptop-built-for-two/#respond Mon, 03 Mar 2025 03:12:43 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/a-concept-laptop-built-for-two/

Lenovo is known to push the boundaries of computing. Apart from being one of the world’s largest laptop makers, the company also stands out for its bold approach to PC design. If the rollable ThinkBook Plus Gen 6, unveiled at CES earlier this year wasn’t proof enough of its innovative spirit, Lenovo has now introduced yet another striking concept at MWC 2025 — the ThinkBook “Codename Flip” AI PC. This unique laptop combines productivity with an eye-catching, unconventional form factor sure to turn heads.

Lenovo ThinkBook “Codename Flip” AI PC Concept: Design and modes

Rumors of this laptop surfaced earlier, making it seem like yet another ambitious concept destined to remain a footnote in tech history. However, leaks rarely capture the full picture. At MWC 2025, the story truly unfolded before my eyes as I got my hands on Lenovo’s Z-shaped ThinkBook Flip concept.

One of the most striking features of the hybrid laptop is its giant outward-folding touch display. This impressively flexible screen uses two hinges to fold vertically, allowing the top half of the screen to go behind the main display. The result? A dual-screen configuration that opens up new possibilities for multitasking and collaboration.

If you’re working on something and need to share your screen, simply fold out the second display. This makes it easy for someone sitting across from you to view the contents of your screen. In the future, the dual-screen nature of the device could also allow two people to use the two halves of the screen independently at once. When screen sharing isn’t necessary, the ThinkBook Flip AI PC can also function as a traditional 13-inch laptop.

What’s clear is that this is very different from previously launched foldable laptops like the ASUS Zenbook 17 OLED or the HP Spectre Fold. Some might call the ThinkBook Flip AI PC Concept niche and impractical as a daily driver, maybe even too ambitious for mass production, but there’s no denying that it pushes the boundaries of what modern laptops can be.

For power users juggling multiple tasks, especially those in collaborative fields, this desgn could bring in a new level of convenience. The ability to transform and adapt to different workflows is more than just a gimmick — it’s a glimpse into the future of mobile computing.

And yet, beyond the professional appeal, I couldn’t help but imagine a different use case, one a little closer to home. As a mum of two, I can easily picture myself unfolding the ThinkBook Flip AI PC concept to keep my kids entertained while I power through work.  A split-screen setup for cartoons is where it’s at for me.

And that’s just the beginning of what the ThinkBook Flip AI PC can do design-wise. Thanks to its versatile nature, the laptop morphs to fit a variety of workflows and seamlessly transitions between five distinct modes:

  • Clamshell Mode (13.1-inch): This mode offers a traditional setup for everyday laptop tasks.
  • Vertical Mode (18.1-inch): This style is ideal for document review, providing more screen real estate in a portrait orientation.
  • Share Mode (13.1-inch & 12.9-inch outward facing): This mode enables dual-display collaboration, making it easy to share content with others.
  • Tablet Mode (12.9-inch): This mode is designed for creative workflows and allows the device to function as a large tablet.
  • Read Mode (12.9-inch): This is a distraction-free reading mode, optimizing the display for content consumption.

Software

Lenovo ThinkBook Flip AI Concept PC Share Mode Prompt

Harley Maranan / Android Authority

While its foldable design is undoubtedly its standout feature, the ThinkBook Flip AI PC Concept also brings some clever UI tricks to match its unique style. One of the most useful ones is a software toggle and swipeable bar positioned right at the fold, allowing you to seamlessly switch between clamshell mode and share mode with simple touch gestures.

Another thoughtful feature is the screen-sharing prompt that pops up when mirroring the primary display to the secondary screen at the back. It’s a small but crucial detail — one that ensures you always know when your screen is being shared, saving you from any awkward or unintended reveals.

Do you like the design of the Lenovo ThinkBook Flip AI PC Concept?

2 votes

Then there’s the 18.1-inch display in vertical mode, which is an absolute dream for multitasking. Having that much vertical screen real estate feels like a luxury, especially if you’re someone who constantly juggles multiple applications. Whether it’s monitoring live data, editing documents side by side, or simply keeping an eye on emails while working on something else, the extra space makes everything feel less cramped and more seamless.

That said, during my hands-on time, the software didn’t feel entirely polished. Switching between modes wasn’t always as fluid as I’d hoped, and there were moments when the UI felt a little rough around the edges. But considering this is more of a design concept than a ready-for-market device, I’m willing to give it a pass. The intent is clearly there to create software that makes the most of the hardware. It just needs a bit more refinement to truly shine.

Powerful specs

Lenovo ThinkBook Flip AI PC Vertical Mode

Harley Maranan / Android Authority

Beneath its unique exterior, the ThinkBook Flip AI PC packs a punch. The PC is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and promises the performance required for demanding tasks. Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to fully put the laptop through its paces, so I can’t speak to performance in depth. However, one thing that stood out is that the display seems to be quite power-hungry. Lenovo didn’t share specifics on battery capacity, so it’s hard to say just how much juice this screen will demand in real-world use, but my feeling is that it will be quite a bit.

Elsewhere, Lenovo has packed in 32GB of LPDDR5X memory and PCIe SSD storage, ensuring fast and efficient performance.

Another standout feature is Lenovo’s Smart ForcePad, a three-layer illuminated touchpad that integrates numeric keys, media controls, and other shortcuts for more intuitive navigation. There’s also a built-in fingerprint reader for added security. And for those who need high-speed data transfers and seamless connectivity, the ThinkBook Flip AI PC includes Thunderbolt 4 ports.

]]>
https://earlybirdsinvest.com/a-concept-laptop-built-for-two/feed/ 0 22943
Everything You Need to Know About the World’s First Web3 Laptop https://earlybirdsinvest.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-worlds-first-web3-laptop/ https://earlybirdsinvest.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-worlds-first-web3-laptop/#respond Mon, 24 Feb 2025 02:23:41 +0000 https://earlybirdsinvest.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-worlds-first-web3-laptop/

Technology is constantly evolving, and Thomson Computing has made a significant advancement with the introduction of the world’s first Web3 laptop. This device is designed to seamlessly integrate Web3 with traditional computing so users have a secure and user-friendly entry point to the decentralized internet.

Web3 Laptop Introduction

Developed by Thomson Computing, a subsidiary of Metavisio, the Web3 laptop is a major step forward in bridging traditional and blockchain native computing. Powered by a custom operating system, the device can handle Web3 complexity while maintaining high-performance computing standards. Key features include an integrated cold storage wallet and io.finnet’s trustless Multi-Party Computation (tMPC) technology for advanced security and control over digital assets.

What is Web3 and Why Does it Matter?

Web3 is the next phase of the internet, all about decentralization, security and user autonomy. Unlike Web2 where centralised entities rule, Web3 allows users to interact directly with decentralised applications and networks. This is changing the digital landscape by putting transparency, privacy and user empowerment first.

Digital asset security is becoming more and more important. Global digital asset custody is projected to go from $553.82 billion in 2023 to over $3.7 trillion by 2032. Thomson Computing’s Web3 laptop is positioned to be a key tool to navigate this growing landscape and give users secure access to decentralised services.

Thomson Computing’s Vision

Thomson Computing has reimagined the traditional laptop by putting Web3 native into the hardware and software. By combining cutting-edge cryptographic tech with robust hardware, the Web3 laptop provides a seamless, decentralised experience. This isn’t just for early adopters – it’s designed to onboard the next billion users into the Web3 ecosystem.

Key features:

  • Custom operating system that integrates Web3.

  • Cold storage solutions to address vulnerabilities of centralised exchanges.

  • Multi-party computation (MPC) framework to distribute private key operations, no single point of failure.

By addressing the $1.7 billion in exchange losses in 2023 Thomson Computing is setting a new standard for digital asset management.

Security Features

The Web3 laptop is designed with security in mind so users’ digital assets are protected in a complex world. One of the key features is the cold storage which gives users control over their crypto custody. By reducing reliance on centralised platforms this feature increases overall security and privacy of digital assets.

Another key feature is the Trustless Multi-Party Computation (tMPC) protocol, which was developed in collaboration with io.finnet. This cutting-edge protocol decentralises key management, so it’s harder for bad actors to compromise sensitive information. Together, these features make the Web3 laptop a must-have for anyone serious about protecting their digital wealth in the Web3 world.

Access the Web3 Ecosystem

The Web3 laptop supports multiple blockchains, including EVM-based chains, Bitcoin, XRP and TAO. This broad compatibility means users can interact with many decentralised applications and access decentralised services with ease. By including these feature,s the device meets the needs of today’s user and enhances their experience in the blockchain world.

And the Web3 laptop also has unique features like earning rewards through resource sharing and private satellite internet. Security and resource efficiency so users can have peace of mind in the decentralised world. The laptop’s unified platform combines traditional computing with Web3 innovation for users who need performance and blockchain.

Partnerships and Investments

Thomson Computing’s Web3 journey is backed by strategic partnerships and significant investment. The company has partnered with global giants like Walmart, Amazon, Nvidia, Microsoft and Intel. These partnerships strengthen Thomson Computing’s capabilities and its presence in the Web3 world.

In addition to these partnerships, Thomson Computing raised €50 million in SAFE funding from American AI and Hardware Investments LTD. This funding will be used to sustain innovation in blockchain and hardware and keep the company at the bleeding edge of what’s new. Together, these show Thomson Computing’s commitment to delivering future-proof solutions in the digital world.

Technical and Accessible

The Web3 laptop combines top hardware and software for a great user experience. High-performance design means seamless interaction with decentralised applications. And the cold storage integration means users can operate with peace of mind.

Thomson Computing has made it accessible by pricing the laptop from €499 to €2000 so it’s for individual users and businesses. The device will be available through online marketplaces and retail stores worldwide to increase its reach and usability.

A peek into the future of Web3 Computing

Thomson Computing’s Web3 laptop is the start of a new era. As the Web3 market grows to $5.7 billion by 2024 with a CAGR of 13.1% through 2030 devices like this will be essential to navigate the decentralised internet.

With its vertically integrated approach to hardware and software innovation, Thomson Computing is the leader in Web3 computing. The laptop’s secure infrastructure and token ecosystem lets users take control of their digital life and the future is connected.

Summary

The world’s first Web3 laptop is more than a tech milestone; it’s a peek into the future of computing. By combining traditional performance with blockchain native features Thomson Computing has created a device that redefines digital interaction. With security, functionality, and accessibility in mind, the Web3 laptop will be the tool for navigating the decentralised internet. As the Web3 world grows, this device will have users connected, creating and thriving in the new digital world.

Editor’s note: This article was written with the assistance of AI. Edited and fact-checked by Owen Skelton.

]]>
https://earlybirdsinvest.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-worlds-first-web3-laptop/feed/ 0 21475