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Page 1
Introduction
It seems that diversity is the name of the game in these times. Cooler Master was always a brand that made enthusiast computer parts. Everything from cases to cooling was Cooler Master's domain. Choiix is Cooler Master's chic mobile brand name and with that comes all new types of products including general consumer electronic ones. The Choiix Power Fort Advanced promises to keep your portable electronic devices charged up while you're on the go away from AC power.
About Cooler Master
Packaging
The Choiix brand of packaging is clear with orange and white coloring. Having a clear package allows you to see what the product looks like on the shelf. The Power Fort itself sits neatly in the center. The sticker is interesting. It is promoting "world class safety" as one of the buying points. We guess that if you are stuck in your car without power in your phone, this can help you out of a bind.
The back of the box contains the various recharge amounts you should get using the Power Fort. It also mentions that the Power Fort has a built-in flashlight.
Introduction
It seems that diversity is the name of the game in these times. Cooler Master was always a brand that made enthusiast computer parts. Everything from cases to cooling was Cooler Master's domain. Choiix is Cooler Master's chic mobile brand name and with that comes all new types of products including general consumer electronic ones. The Choiix Power Fort Advanced promises to keep your portable electronic devices charged up while you're on the go away from AC power.
About Cooler Master
Quote
Cooler Master was founded with the mission of providing the industry's best thermal solutions. Since its establishment a decade ago, the company has remained faithful to this mission, emerging as a world leader in products and services for companies dealing with devices where heat issues must be resolved.
In pursuing this mission, Cooler Master is absolutely committed to delivering solutions that precisely meet customer requirements for features, performance, and quality. Moreover, we strive to be a reliable long-term partner for our customers that they can truly depend on. Cooler Master aims to be the first and foremost name that comes to mind for companies around the world seeking thermal solutions, and seeks to build such a reputation through outstanding technology, sophisticated design, and superior service.
Cooler Master's current business encompasses a comprehensive lineup of thermal solutions for a full range of applications. Our products range from heat sinks and fans to component housing, chassis, and ducting for computers, industrial machinery, telecommunications equipment, and many other devices.
A critical component of Cooler Master's ability to successfully pursue its mission is an unstinting commitment to quality, as demonstrated by the ISO 9001 certification granted to its main manufacturing plant in Taiwan. We have also enforced ISO guidelines and is in the process of applying for ISO 9002 certification at its second and third plants, located in China. Cooler Master has also implemented a number of analytical and testing protocols to ensure top quality, including at subcontractors, to further ensure thorough quality control. Moreover, Cooler Master's dedication to quality extends beyond manufacturing to every aspect of its operation, including service.
http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/contact.php?page_id=2
Packaging
The Choiix brand of packaging is clear with orange and white coloring. Having a clear package allows you to see what the product looks like on the shelf. The Power Fort itself sits neatly in the center. The sticker is interesting. It is promoting "world class safety" as one of the buying points. We guess that if you are stuck in your car without power in your phone, this can help you out of a bind.
The back of the box contains the various recharge amounts you should get using the Power Fort. It also mentions that the Power Fort has a built-in flashlight.
Page 2
Specifications
Marketing Summary
Package Contents
The Power Fort Advanced comes with a few extras over the standard line. All Power Fort products come with the portable power source (the Power Fort), a mini USB cable, and a micro USB cable. It also comes with a small bag to keep your Power Fort safe in transit. You have your choice of white or black. Product literature is included as well.
The Advanced product comes complete with an AC adapter with various outlet types (US and international types) and a car DC-DC adapter. The AC and car adapters are standard powered USB port types which will work with any devices that uses USB charging. An additional bag is given to carry along the extras with the Advanced product.
Specifications
- Slim curve design and light weight.
- Special bypass circuit design prevents the battery from the damage.
- Powerful 1A charges 30% faster than normal USB power.
- Built-in LED flashlight for emergency.
- Battery life LED indicators.
- Up to 500 recharge times with 85% capacity remaining.
- Quick recharge less than 3.5 hours.
- Full protections built-in to avoid battery damage.
- Ultra low self-discharge battery cell function.
- Power Capacity 2700 mAh / 10Whrs
- Input Voltage 5V / 1A
- Output Voltage 5V / 1A
- Battery Type Lithium-polymer
- Recharging Time 3~4 hours
- Dimensions
110 X 64 X 12 mm
4.3 x 2.5 x 0.5 inch - Weight 102 g (3.6 oz)
Marketing Summary
Quote
Power Fort is a portable battery charger that provides an instant power anytime, anywhere. Power Fort can charge almost every electronic device with USB port, such as mobile phones, portable gaming device, and mp3 player a boost of power wherever you may be. Also, the special bypass circuit design prevents the battery from the damage resulted from the charging-discharging process and thus ensures a longer lifetime compared to similar products on the market. (AC plug or laptop USB port)
Furthermore, Power Fort features built-in battery life LED, Flashlight, Short Circuit, Over-Charge, Discharge protection, Over Temperature Protection which you can charge the battery up to 500 times and still remains at 85% battery capacity. In addition, the Power Fort comes with travel bags, USB cables, and interchangeable plugs to recharge in different locations. It is easily portable and perfect for anyone on the go.
http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/product.php?product_id=3001
Package Contents
The Power Fort Advanced comes with a few extras over the standard line. All Power Fort products come with the portable power source (the Power Fort), a mini USB cable, and a micro USB cable. It also comes with a small bag to keep your Power Fort safe in transit. You have your choice of white or black. Product literature is included as well.
The Advanced product comes complete with an AC adapter with various outlet types (US and international types) and a car DC-DC adapter. The AC and car adapters are standard powered USB port types which will work with any devices that uses USB charging. An additional bag is given to carry along the extras with the Advanced product.
Page 3
Power Fort
If you opt for the black version of the Power Fort, be warned that it is extremely shiny. It has a high gloss finish. There is a sheet of clear plastic on top of the Power Fort that gives it this ultra shiny black look. While it is extremely pretty, it also attracts dust very easily. Looks aren't too important in a device such as this, but it is nice to see.
The power fort is about the same size as a compact disc. The weight of the product is pretty light. It weighs 3.6 ounces. This does not include the cabling, but most people will probably leave this in a car or in some stationary spot in case their phone runs out of power.
One of the greatest strengths about the Power Fort is the standard charging ports. A mini USB port is used for charging the Power Fort's internal battery. The standard size USB port is used to charge any other electronic device that uses USB charging. Unlike some competing products, the Power Fort can use your current USB cables instead of having to purchase proprietary charging cables for each device. This is a feature that all companies should do, but some just don't get it.
The Choiix logo is on the top left of the Power Fort. You can see the dust that built up in the few minutes of products shots. We're pretty sure the white version won't show the dust, but black looks better.
To the back of the unit lies four blue LEDs that give the charge level. If all four are on, it means that the unit is fully or mostly charged. As each lit goes away, there is less power available for charging other electronics. You should recharge the unit before losing the last LED. The charge indicator LEDs are right near the single button on the top of the unit. You press it once to see the LEDs light up. They go off after a few seconds.
If you double click the button, the flashlight will turn on. Another double click will turn it off.
The flashlight is a set of three bright white LEDs. It won't provide as much light as a standard flashlight, but it works in a pinch. If you have no other light source, you'll be glad you're carrying the Power Fort with you in the dark. Cooler Master put some nice features in the otherwise boring portable power pack.
Power Fort
If you opt for the black version of the Power Fort, be warned that it is extremely shiny. It has a high gloss finish. There is a sheet of clear plastic on top of the Power Fort that gives it this ultra shiny black look. While it is extremely pretty, it also attracts dust very easily. Looks aren't too important in a device such as this, but it is nice to see.
The power fort is about the same size as a compact disc. The weight of the product is pretty light. It weighs 3.6 ounces. This does not include the cabling, but most people will probably leave this in a car or in some stationary spot in case their phone runs out of power.
One of the greatest strengths about the Power Fort is the standard charging ports. A mini USB port is used for charging the Power Fort's internal battery. The standard size USB port is used to charge any other electronic device that uses USB charging. Unlike some competing products, the Power Fort can use your current USB cables instead of having to purchase proprietary charging cables for each device. This is a feature that all companies should do, but some just don't get it.
The Choiix logo is on the top left of the Power Fort. You can see the dust that built up in the few minutes of products shots. We're pretty sure the white version won't show the dust, but black looks better.
To the back of the unit lies four blue LEDs that give the charge level. If all four are on, it means that the unit is fully or mostly charged. As each lit goes away, there is less power available for charging other electronics. You should recharge the unit before losing the last LED. The charge indicator LEDs are right near the single button on the top of the unit. You press it once to see the LEDs light up. They go off after a few seconds.
If you double click the button, the flashlight will turn on. Another double click will turn it off.
The flashlight is a set of three bright white LEDs. It won't provide as much light as a standard flashlight, but it works in a pinch. If you have no other light source, you'll be glad you're carrying the Power Fort with you in the dark. Cooler Master put some nice features in the otherwise boring portable power pack.
Page 4
Use
We believe the best use for the Power Fort is in the car. Most of my family members don't have car charging adapters. The Power Fort Advanced gives them the ability to charge their battery on the go (with the car adapter) and to take the extra power with them in case they need the phone away from the car and don't have enough juice to last. The added flashlight feature makes this use case all the better.
Using a Blackberry Storm as the test subject, we got about two full charges from the Power Fort before it was drained. The Power Fort makes sure all the juice is pushed to the target device. We found that it took a couple of hours to recharge the Power Fort. This also depends on the charging source. If you use a computer to charge the Power Fort, it'll take a bit longer since most computers won't put out more than 500mA of current over USB. The AC and car adapters included will push 1A (1000mA). The Power Fort contains a 10Wh battery. Watts = Volts * Amps. At 1 Amp and 5 Volts, it'll take take two (10/5) hours to charge the unit. At 500mA, it'll take four hours.
We didn't try to hook the unit to itself for a perpetual motion type of thing. We didn't want to violate the laws of thermodynamics.
Our video feature is presented by the Editor-in-Chief, again. Please watch it or listen in while you're working.
Conclusion
The Cooler Master Choiix Power Fort Advanced has a MSRP of $69.99. The standard version has a MSRP of $49.99. When the Power Fort hits a majority of retail shops, it should come in at a lower price point than the MSRP. Since the product has just been released, we couldn't find it available at any of our normal shops that we check. Needless to say, if we look to how MSRP and retail price lines up, it should be less at retail. If you don't need car or AC adapters, the standard kit is the way to go. We don't see the need to spend $20 on the extra AC and car adapters. The Power Fort alone would be a good package itself. Since most people reading this will have a computer, you can charge the Power Fort through that.
We feel that the Power Fort is a very handy product for a few niches. Having this as an emergency charger for the car is the best use case and the flashlight really helps in low light situations. Give it to your passenger to read a book in the dark without turning on the overhead lights. Cooler Master's unique features make the Power Fort a very interesting product. If the retail pricing is lower than the MSRP, Cooler Master should have no problem selling these units. ASE Labs recommends it.
ASE Labs would like to thank Cooler Master for making this review possible.
Use
We believe the best use for the Power Fort is in the car. Most of my family members don't have car charging adapters. The Power Fort Advanced gives them the ability to charge their battery on the go (with the car adapter) and to take the extra power with them in case they need the phone away from the car and don't have enough juice to last. The added flashlight feature makes this use case all the better.
Using a Blackberry Storm as the test subject, we got about two full charges from the Power Fort before it was drained. The Power Fort makes sure all the juice is pushed to the target device. We found that it took a couple of hours to recharge the Power Fort. This also depends on the charging source. If you use a computer to charge the Power Fort, it'll take a bit longer since most computers won't put out more than 500mA of current over USB. The AC and car adapters included will push 1A (1000mA). The Power Fort contains a 10Wh battery. Watts = Volts * Amps. At 1 Amp and 5 Volts, it'll take take two (10/5) hours to charge the unit. At 500mA, it'll take four hours.
We didn't try to hook the unit to itself for a perpetual motion type of thing. We didn't want to violate the laws of thermodynamics.
Our video feature is presented by the Editor-in-Chief, again. Please watch it or listen in while you're working.
Conclusion
The Cooler Master Choiix Power Fort Advanced has a MSRP of $69.99. The standard version has a MSRP of $49.99. When the Power Fort hits a majority of retail shops, it should come in at a lower price point than the MSRP. Since the product has just been released, we couldn't find it available at any of our normal shops that we check. Needless to say, if we look to how MSRP and retail price lines up, it should be less at retail. If you don't need car or AC adapters, the standard kit is the way to go. We don't see the need to spend $20 on the extra AC and car adapters. The Power Fort alone would be a good package itself. Since most people reading this will have a computer, you can charge the Power Fort through that.
We feel that the Power Fort is a very handy product for a few niches. Having this as an emergency charger for the car is the best use case and the flashlight really helps in low light situations. Give it to your passenger to read a book in the dark without turning on the overhead lights. Cooler Master's unique features make the Power Fort a very interesting product. If the retail pricing is lower than the MSRP, Cooler Master should have no problem selling these units. ASE Labs recommends it.
ASE Labs would like to thank Cooler Master for making this review possible.