DJI Power 1000 Mini Receives 8/10 Review from The Verge Amid Ongoing US Sale Uncertainty
DJI Launches Power 1000 Mini with High Ratings
DJI has officially launched the Power 1000 Mini globally, receiving an 8 out of 10 rating from The Verge’s Thomas Ricker. The review highlights that the Power 1000 Mini is the smallest 1 kWh portable power station currently available, with its size reduced by approximately half compared to the original Power 1000, while maintaining the same battery capacity. However, the product’s availability in the United States remains uncertain, as DJI spokesperson Daisy Kong indicated that U.S. authorization is still pending.
Specifications and Size Comparison
In his review, Ricker compared the Power 1000 Mini to four competing products, revealing significant differences in size. The Mini has a volume of roughly 14.3 liters, while its competitors are larger:
- Jackery Explorer 1000 v2: 18.0 liters
- Anker SOLIX C1000: 20.4 liters
- EcoFlow DELTA 2: 23.7 liters
- Bluetti AC180: 26.6 liters
The weight of the Power 1000 Mini is 11.5 kg (25.3 lbs), which is consistent with other products in its category that utilize LiFePO4 cells.
Power Output and Limitations
The Power 1000 Mini features an inverter that provides 800W of continuous AC power, with a peak output of 1000W. In comparison, competitors like EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 and Anker’s SOLIX C1000 offer 1800W continuous output. Ricker noted that while the unit could power an 800W water boiler and briefly run a 1200W Nespresso machine, it cannot support both simultaneously unless connected to a wall outlet. The wall-connected bypass mode allows for up to 2200W on the 240V European model and 1440W on the 120V U.S. model, should it be released.
Unique Features for Drone Users
A standout feature of the Power 1000 Mini is its proprietary Smart DC (SDC) port, which allows for a 400W input and 300W output. This port can be adapted for solar charging, 12V barrel output, or vehicle alternator charging, significantly enhancing its utility for drone users. The SDC port also supports fast charging for DJI drone batteries, making it a preferred choice for those who own DJI products.
USB-C and Charging Capabilities
The Power 1000 Mini includes a built-in retractable USB-C cable rated at 100W, which is a downgrade from the original Power 1000’s 140W capability. This may affect users with high-demand devices, such as the MacBook Pro 16, as 100W may not suffice for optimal charging under heavy load.
The unit can recharge from 0 to 80% in approximately 58 minutes and fully charges in about 75 minutes from a wall outlet. It also supports solar input of up to 400W through a built-in MPPT controller.
Regulatory Challenges in the U.S.
Despite its innovative features, the Power 1000 Mini’s future in the U.S. market is uncertain due to regulatory issues stemming from the FCC’s Covered List action. This action has implications for DJI products, potentially hindering their availability in the U.S. market. Observers are advised to monitor the authorization status over the next few months, as the outcome could determine the product’s future in the region.
In summary, while the Power 1000 Mini presents compelling features for drone enthusiasts, its uncertain status in the U.S. market raises questions about its accessibility for American consumers.