A new power bank with some advanced features is now crowdfunding on Kickstarter. Backers of the so-called Syul can reserve a unit and a fitting USB-C cable in return for a pledge of $59. Deliveries are scheduled to kick off this October, but the usual financial risks of crowdfunding campaigns also apply in this case.
With that out of the way, this power bank can be charged off the grid thanks to a built-in solar panel, which can supply up to 500mAh with the according amount of sunlight. However, due to the 360-degree design of the solar panel, it cannot face the sun completely. Therefore, it’s likely impossible to hit the advertised 500mAh. Either way, this also means that the power bank doesn’t have to be moved or positioned properly in order to receive at least some charge.
Most importantly, the portable charger has a capacity of 15,000mAh, which could be enough to fully charge an Apple iPad Pro twice or AirPods Pro up to 26 times. Devices can be charged via USB-C and at up to 45 watts. This means that the Syul power bank can certainly charge laptops, although larger notebooks would probably need more charging power.
A Bluetooth speaker with a stated output of 20 watts is built-in and supposedly offers a battery life of up to 24 hours. Two of these gadgets can be paired for stereo sound. Furthermore, the power bank can be used as a lamp as well as a bottle opener, and it should also be comparatively durable.
I have been active as a journalist for over 10 years, most of it in the field of technology. I worked for Tom’s Hardware and ComputerBase, among others, and have been working for Notebookcheck since 2017. My current focus is particularly on mini PCs and single-board computers such as the Raspberry Pi – so in other words, compact systems with a lot of potential. In addition, I have a soft spot for all kinds of wearables, especially smartwatches. My main profession is as a laboratory engineer, which is why neither scientific contexts nor the interpretation of complex measurements are foreign to me.
My fascination for technology goes back a long way to the Pentium II era. Modding, overclocking and treasuring computer hardware has since become an integral part of my life. As a student, I further developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make the stressful college life so much easier. After I fell in love with the creation of digital content while working in a marketing position, I now scour the web to bring you the most exciting topics in the world of tech. Outside the office, I’m particularly passionate about motorsports and mountain biking.