🧳 TSA bans chargers: Portable chargers and power banks now have to go in your carry-on only. Why? Most use lithium-ion batteries, which can catch fire in a plane’s cargo hold (paywall link). Easy rule to remember: If it can spark, leak, ignite or explode, it doesn’t belong in your suitcase.
Expecting a hospital stay? Here are 5 things to bring along
© Monkey Business Images | Dreamstime.com
Most of us have had to spend some time in the hospital for a day or a more extensive stay. Even if you haven’t, you’re likely close to someone who has.
If you or someone you’re taking care of has a hospital stay coming up, bring along these five essential items to make things easier.
1. Tablet
Some hospitals limit the number of visitors patients can have. A tablet is a great way to keep in touch with the people you care about. You can use any number of apps for video calls, such as Zoom, Google Meet and FaceTime. WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger also have built-in video calling.
You can access streaming apps on a tablet and enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows. It’ll be easier on your eyes than on a tiny phone screen, and you’ll get better detail.
In addition to a larger screen, tablets generally offer more battery life than smartphones and many more affordable options.
Check out Amazon’s Fire HD 10, the company’s largest and fastest tablet. It includes a 1920 x 1080p display and 12 hours of battery life. Choose from 32GB or 64GB internal storage. You can utilize Alexa for hands-free operation or turn it off entirely.
[content-egg-block template=custom/k3_list next=1]
RELATED: Tablet buying guide: How to choose the best tablet based on your needs and budget
2. Charger
All your devices need power to keep from becoming expensive paperweights. You’ll want to pack your wall charger to keep your phone, tablet or laptop juiced up.
Different devices have different power needs. Tablets and laptops support higher charging rates than smartphones. So that little charger that came with your phone won’t do as much for larger devices.
Huge storm causes 1 million power outages: Here's how to stay safe
Photo 183239358 © Info723783 | Dreamstime.com
Severe winter conditions are blasting the country with snow and sleet. Power outages rippled across the U.S. recently, leaving millions of Americans without power or water. Many seek preparation plans to protect themselves from natural disasters in times like these.
Stop running out of juice. Power your phone with this high-speed portable charger. (It's $5 off!)
Amazon
When you’re on the go, a portable charger can save your trip. It powers up your devices, even when they’re low from overuse. The only problem is that a lot of them can be pretty bulky and who wants to lug around a brick when they’re vacationing?
Need a nice portable battery? This colorful one from Anker is on our wishlist
Amazon
When you’re on the go, there’s no time to stand next to an outlet while your smartphone recharges. You need something that can be just as mobile as you are.
A portable battery is the best solution for those of us who use our smartphones for everything from sending and receiving business emails to turning off our smart appliances at home and messaging the kids about their after-school schedules.
🔥 Heads-up, Costco shoppers: About 567,000 myCharge PowerHub All-in-One 10,000 mAh power banks are being recalled due to overheating and fire risks. Look for model numbers AO10FK‑A, AO10FK‑B and AO10FK‑C on the unit. Stop using it now and get a free replacement.
18 must-have items that help you survive any emergency
Life has a way of sweeping you off your feet. Not in the romantic, exciting way — in the dangerous way that turns your whole world upside down. Take, for example, the power outages that rippled across southern and central states last year.
Never lose a charge again with this versatile power bank
StackCommerce
Charging your smartphone or other devices is simple. We don’t even think about plugging into one of the many outlets available pretty much everywhere. And wireless charging has made it even easier to top off your battery.