Tiny but mighty charging option for the Apple Watch.
Yesterday I got caught with my figurative pants down when a watchOS update was released and my charging cable was nowhere to be found. In case you’re not familiar with the process, when an update is released for the Apple Watch, it must be placed on its charger until the update is completed. So, since I didn’t have access to my charger, I wasn’t able to complete the update until I got home. The only downside there is that my charger is on my nightstand and my phone has to be left with the watch until the update was complete. For these reasons and so many more, I’ve really wanted a more convenient way to charge my Apple Watch that didn’t require a large charging apparatus or a long cable. Satechi heard my plea and created the USB-C Magnetic Charging Dock for Apple Watch
DETAILS
The USB-C Magnetic Charging Dock for Apple Watch is designed to work with all Apple Watch sizes. It can go where ever you can go and can keep your watch charged. The dock features a USB-C connection that can connect directly to MacBooks (or other USB-C compatible machines). The dock is MFi certified so users don’t have to worry that their Apple Watch won’t be protected while it charges. It has a sleek aluminum design that matches Apple’s designs.
In addition to the dock, Satechi also offers a USB-C extension cable that is designed to work in tandem with the dock for the Apple Watch. It features a male USB-C to female USB-C connection and is considered a ‘flat’ cable design.
SPECS FOR DOCK
- Compatible Devices: 5/4/3/2/1
- Connector Type: USB-C
- Dimensions & Weight: 1.73 x 2 x 0.45 inches, 0.31lbs
- Output: 5W
- 1-year Manufacturer Warranty
- Quick Start Guide available for download
SPECS FOR EXTENSION CABLE
- Max output: 5V 2A
- Does not support video or data transfer
- 1-year Manufacturer Warranty
- Dimensions & Weight: Length 5 inches, 0.2 oz
USER EXPERIENCE
This tiny pocket of power made my charging dreams come true. Not only is it compatible with my MacBook Pro, but I can also plug it into my iPad Pro and charge my Apple Watch from it. This dock has really provided me with the charging flexibility I’ve been looking for for a while with the Apple Watch. There is a lack of elegant charging options for the sophisticated wearable from Apple. And this dock from Satechi fits that bill to a tee.
I ended up running a couple of different tests. The first thing I did was to update my watch. I pulled up the watchOS app on my iPhone and the phone immediately recognized that the watch was connected to a power source. It took a few minutes to download the update package. Then, I had to wait for my watch to reach 50% power before the update would begin.
Fortunately for me, I didn’t have to wait long because the Satechi dock is an efficient charging station. When I placed the watch on the charging puck area, it immediately connected and started charging. I started charging the watch with 27% battery remaining. It only took 23 minutes to reach 50%, which was a charging rate of approximately 1% per minute. I noted that there was very minimal heat collection at the base of the dock — even after extended charging of the watch.
The only real criticism I have of this dock is that an extension cable is not included. Satechi makes one (Type-C Extension Charging Cable for Apple Watch), but it’s sold separately. I would rather pay a few dollars more to receive a package for charging the Apple Watch rather than have to make two separate purchases. That said, I did have access to the extension cable while reviewing this dock and found that it was a very strong, flexible cable. It came in very handy when I used it to connect to my MacBook Pro, which spends most of its life residing in a vertical stand.
CONCLUSION
The Satechi USB-C Magnetic Charging Dock for Apple Watch is a great accessory for any Apple Watch user to own. I am in awe of how well it works with the Apple Watch and since it solved a fairly regular problem for me, I can’t help but recommend it to others.
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