★★★★☆
We went hands-on with the wee little Rolling Square Supertiny. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Rolling Square claims, “Supertiny is the smallest 65W GaN Charger ever.” It’s definitely very small, but can still quickly power up a MacBook or other full-size computer.
I put the claims to the test and came away impressed. I do have one caution, though.
★★★★☆
Don’t be fooled by the simple design — PowerBug is two useful accessories in one. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
The Twelve South PowerBug is a new palm-size accessory that does two useful jobs. It’s both an iPhone stand and a plug-in wall charger. It uses MagSafe magnets to hold onto the handset, whether you’re using it to watch video or to juice up the iPhone’s battery.
It works wirelessly, plus there’s a USB-C port for powering a second device.
PowerBug just launched today, but I got some hands-on testing time before the debut. Here’s what I found.
This lanyard can also charge your iPhone. Photo: Satechi
The Satechi OntheGo USB-C Lanyard Cable makes carrying around an iPhone easy, and charging it, too. That’s because it’s both a lanyard and a USB-C charging cable in one accessory.
In addition, the accessory maker also just launched the Satechi OntheGo 67W Slim Wall Charger to power up an iPhone or MacBook when and where needed.
★★★★☆
Don’t carry a separate wall charger and hub when the AVerMedia Elite Go GC313Pro is both. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Plug the AVerMedia Elite Go GC313Pro into a wall socket to charge your Mac or iPad, and then (surprise!) plug an HDMI monitor and USB accessories into it, too. It’s both a charger and a hub in one package, handy for any traveler. Plus, it can charge three devices at once — also great for travelers.
As a bonus feature, the gizmo is also a video capture card. But (spoiler alert) how useful this is for Apple users is questionable.
I tested the various functions of the 4-in-1 charging hub and came away impressed… mostly.
What's cool about the charger? Its display window and its downward-facing ports. Photo: Anker
A powerful new Anker Charger (140W) featuring a window display plus “vertical hanging ports” (aka downward-facing ports) to help keep USB-C and USB-A cables secure debuted Monday evening at CES in Las Vegas, the company said.
And along with the 140-watt charger, the accessories giant added a potent new 25,000mAh power bank (165-watt) that features retractable cables and TSA certification for air travel. Both devices are available now, see below.
Anker has a whole new powerful lineup of Prime chargers. Photo: Anker
Anker’s new Prime charger lineup includes high-end docking stations, power banks, wall chargers and more to support all charging scenarios.
“With the future of work evolving, we wanted the Anker Prime lineup to evolve with it,” said Shaun Xiong, general manager of Anker Charging, in a press release Wednesday. “When we first introduced the Anker Prime line of charging devices, we wanted to provide high-quality, multi-port charging devices. These new desktop charging stations this year take that experience to the next level with highly flexible designs that are more durable, provide additional functionality, and use durable materials for wfh people and at-home use.”
★★★★☆
Ugreen's four potent Nexode Pro GaN chargers can cover most of your charging needs. Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
If you’re looking for newer, better charging options than the old adapters you have lying around the house, but without having to spend much, don’t sleep on Ugreen’s new Nexode Pro lineup of four gallium nitride (GaN) wall chargers.
Ugreen continues to go the way of GaN with these “GaNInfinity”-branded gadgets — more charging power in a smaller space with as many USB-C charging ports as possible (without leaving out USB-A ports entirely; there’s always one).
You don’t have to do a teardown to see inside the new iFixit USB-C wall charger. Photo: iFixit
While most people know iFixit for its brilliant teardown videos of Apple gear, its primary business is selling repair tools and other accessories. And that now includes a new 65W wall charger with a 6-foot cable.
As one might expect from a company known for looking inside devices, part of the housing for the new iFixit Fast Charger USB-C AC Adapter is transparent, showing off the internal components.
Alogic's new 67W wall chargers come with plugs that work in many countries. Photo: Alogic
Consumer electronics maker Alogic rolled out a new lineup of chargers for travelers in early January. The range includes car chargers as well as portable GaN wall chargers that work in multiple countries to keep your iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and more going.
Equipped with various power capacities and port selections, the chargers could be useful for travel and in hybrid work environments, the company said.
SwitchEasy PowerBuddy 30W can top off two devices at once. Photo: SwitchEasy
Need ideas for practical stocking stuffers that friends and family will actually use? The SwitchEasy Flash Sale in the Cult of Mac Store is on through 11:59 p.m. PST on December 13.
You can pick any of three compact wall chargers with USB-C and USB-A ports. There’s a potent 30W version, another 30W with cable storage and a tiny 20W version. Check them out.
What's small, not-too-pricey and perfect for geeks over the holidays? The ideal stocking stuffer. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
The holiday season is fast-unfolding, and Christmas will be here before Hermey the elf from the classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer can say “Well, sir, someday I’d like to be a dentist.”
So it’s time to act fast if you want to get a gadget-y gift for the techie or geek in your life in time for deliveries by December 25. Check out some cool ideas below.
They’re all small enough to fit in a stocking; prices range from a cheap $20 to a few hundred bucks (for those very special stockings). And there’s plenty more good stuff in the Cult of Mac Store.
Ugreen's new charger can pump 140W of power to up to three devices. Photo: Ugreen
Ugreen rolled out its new Nexode 140W Charger Tuesday, saying it “can charge as fast as any charger currently on the market, while also being able to fast charge three devices at once.”
The compact charger has three ports to charge MacBooks, iPads, iPhones and other devices. I plan to review it soon.
Anker's new bio-cables and Nano 3 charger come in a variety of colors. Photo: Anker
With the iPhone 14 series imminent, Anker rolled out its tiny new Nano 3 wall charger Tuesday along with an “industry-first” set of eco-friendly, bio-based charging cables.
The gallium nitride-based Nano 3 is even smaller than before and packs 30W of power. But the real headliner may be the two sizes of plant-based USB-C charging cables for USB-C and Lighting devices.
And you can get the charger and cables in a choice of fanciful matching colors and at 10% off for two weeks, Anker said.
OtterBox rolled out an array of new chargers to address different needs. Photo: OtterBox
OtterBox released its Premium Pro Power lineup of chargers Wednesday, including wall chargers, car chargers and MagSafe charging stands.
With the release, OtterBox steps further into the market for smaller charging accessories, including potent-but-compact gallium nitride (GaN) chargers.
Belkin's compact new GaN chargers feature dual USB-C ports and fast charging. Photo: Belkin
Belkin trotted out two new Boost Charge Pro GaN wall chargers Tuesday in 65W and 45W versions. Both adapters feature dual USB-C ports and programmable power supply (PPS).
The compact chargers are designed for fast charging. You can use them to power up an iPhone 13 to half-full in 28 minutes, the company said.
Aergiatech calls it the "world's first four-port 140W wall charger with PD3.1 and GaN." Image: Aergiatech
This GaN charger post is brought to you by Aergiatech.
Are you tired of carrying two or more chargers for work or when you travel? Does it take too long to charge your 16-inch M1 MacBook Pro? Consider the Aergiatech P1114 140W Wall Charger. If you have this gallium nitride charger, you may not need another one.
As Aergiatech put it, it’s the “world’s first four-port 140W wall charger with PD3.1 and GaN.” That means it’s compact, fast and can charge four devices simultaneously. It’s not only smaller and more capable than Apple’s 140W USB-C Power Adapter, it’s much less expensive.
And during the Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign going on now, you can get a super-early-bird price on it. See below.
★★★★☆
UGreen's 65W GaN charger can top off three devices at once. Photo: DAVID SNOW/Cult of Mac
Strange to think that until quite recently, people carried around separate chargers for each device. And some people still do. But if you’re on the go for work or leisure, wouldn’t it be much better to bring one compact charging device and a few cables?
With compact and potent gallium nitride (GaN) chargers, you can — if yours has the requisite power and ports.
The Ugreen 65W GaN Fast Charger seems like a Goldilocks type, in that regard. At 65W of power output, it’s strong, but not as big as even more-potent chargers. And it has three ports to cover your basic charging needs.
A Dual USB-C Power 35W Power Adapter from Apple? Yes, please Photo: ChargerLAB
Photos of Apple’s unreleased dual USB-C charger with a total output of 35W have surfaced online. The images show the adapter will have a compact design with foldable electrical prongs and two USB-C ports located side by side.
It will also feature two circular indents on both sides that should aid with grip when removing the charger from a power outlet.
The Apple Dual USB-C Port 35W Power Adapter might look something like this. Concept: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Apple is reportedly about to release a power adapter with dual USB-C ports, not just one. It’s hardly cutting-edge — accessory makers have offered similar wall chargers for years. But it’s good news for those who prefer Apple-branded gear.
There’ve been rumors Apple is going to start using gallium nitride in its chargers. A dual-port one might be a sign this is finally happening.
RapidX MyCharging Station can wirelessly charge your iPhone in a vertical tray. And power four other devices at the same time. Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Mount the RapidX MyCharging Station on a wall socket and it can juice up all your gear without taking up counter space.
I added the accessory to my office and have been using it to keep my phone and tablet going. Here’s what it’s like to use the MyCharging Station in real life.
Charge up your iPhone 12 or 13 while you navigate with it in the car. Photo: Satechi
Three new offerings now join Satechi’s formidable charger lineup for iPhone 12 and 13 series handsets and other portable devices: a MagSafe-compatible car mount charger, a high-output car charger and a USB-C PD wall charger.
The Anker 511 Charger (Nano Pro) comes in four colors. Photo: Anker
Anker just expanded its lineup of USB-C wall chargers with an unusually compact and colorful set of four Nano Pro gallium nitride (GaN II) units offering 20W of power on the cheap. And they arrive just in time to help you charge Apple’s new iPhone 13 handsets.
This ultra-thin 3-port wall charger is made for travel. Photo: Cult of Mac Deals
With everything opening back up again, travel is once again being viewed as a viable leisure option — in fact, 44.6% of Americans currently feel that now is a good time to book a trip and go someplace new. If you’re planning to travel abroad, you know it’s essential to bring the right items with you when you visit a new country — and bringing the right charger is no exception. This VogDUO Triple-USB Travel Wall Charger helps take some of the guesswork out of what charger you need to bring with you: it features three ports with universal support for 100 to 240 volts (meaning you can quickly charge your devices in virtually any country).
Satechi's new GaN wall chargers come in three sizes. Photo: Satechi
Satechi, known for an array of iPad and iPhone accessories, has released a trio of GaN wall chargers to help you keep all your Apple devices powered up.