Gadgets: Belkin wireless charging pad is easy to use

The Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charging Pad is really about as simple as Qi chargers get. It is a round charging pad about the size of a drink coaster. You set your phone down on it and it charges. What could be simpler?

So what differentiates the Belkin charging pad from others? Speed, which is delivered through more power.

The Belkin charging pad has its own proprietary power cable. Many wireless chargers use microUSB to provide power, which is great, but not all USB ports provide the amount of power needed for the fastest charges.

The Belkin charging pad provides up to 15 watts of power, which is as much power as the fastest Qi-enabled phones can handle today.

If you have a Qi-compatible iPhone, it can only handle 7.5 watts, but don't be afraid to use the Belkin charging pad, as it will only provide as much power as your phone can handle.

We have all seen external batteries that are available in a variety of sizes to charge your mobile devices. You charge the batteries via USB cable, and the energy is stored until you need it.

The RAVPower HyperAir Portable Wireless Charger is a 10,400 mAh battery that has one USB-A port to charge your devices and a Qi charging pad built into the side of the case.

RAVPower says you can charge an iPhone X in 3½ hours.

With the USB port you can charge two devices at once — one wired and one wireless.

The plastic case feels a bit light, but Qi charging generates heat, so there's probably some open space inside so that the charger doesn't overheat.

It's solidly built and not too big.

The RAVPower Portable Wireless Charger measures 6.4" x 3.1" and is .9 inches thick.