Verdict and Conclusion
Aesthetically, the Dell Power Companion is really dull and boring. It looks just like any other laptop power adapter but with 2 USB ports for charging you mobile devices. It’s a bit bulky and pretty heavy for my liking… so that’s something to consider if you’re going to take it with you on your travels.
The 5 LED indicator is an added bonus, which allows users to displays how much power you have left. There’s two USB ports which is adequate enough to charge your smartphone and tablet, but remember at the same time … you can also power your laptop.
With a charge capacity of 12,000 mAh, we were able to complete 3 full charges for iPhone or one and half iPads. As for powering the laptop … we got around 2 hours max.
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So here’s the thing, if you don’t own a Dell laptop, then there’s no point getting the Dell Power Companion. It wouldn’t be any good for you. If however, you do own a Dell laptop, then you can check out the compatibility list here. It’s suitable for most models including the Inspirion, Latitude and even the XPS13.
Costing around USD $75-90, this thing isn’t cheap … at this price, I would seriously shop around. I was expecting it to cost around $40-50, but no … I was wrong.
Pros
- 2 x USB ports
- 5 LED charge level indicator
- Large charge capacity of 12,000 mAh
- Compatible with most Dell laptops including the Latitude and XPS13
Cons
- For use with Dell laptops ONLY
- Bulky and heavy
- Not very aesthetically pleasing
Final words
I look at the Dell Power Companion not as a real power bank for your average user … but as a spare power adapter for your Dell laptop with the added bonus of having a 4-cell li-ion rechargeable battery. This in turn will give you a charge capacity 12,000 mAh, allowing to charge your mobile devices. If you own a Dell laptop, then you want to take a look Power Companion, as it will save you from having to take both your power adapter, as well as a separate power bank.
