MacRumors Gift Guide by Eric: SteelSeries Nimbus Controller, Apple Watch Dock, BB-8, and More

[MacRumors]

Following in the footsteps of Juli, Joe, Mitchel, Marianne, and even MacRumors readers, I'm now adding my suggestions to the parade of holiday gift guides we've been publishing over the past week. Below you'll find a varied list of accessories that I, Eric Slivka, use on a daily basis. and hopefully there's something here for just about everyone with accessories for Macs, iOS devices, the Apple Watch, and the Apple TV all represented here.

- SteelSeries Nimbus Wireless Gaming Controller ($49.99)

SteelSeries has offered Apple-approved game controllers for some time now, but with the launch of the new Apple TV roughly six weeks ago, interest in such controllers is surging. Fortunately for Apple fans, the SteelSeries Nimbus is a solid option that notably relies on a Lightning port for charging, making it easy to use existing cables and even Apple's iPhone dock to recharge the controller.

Apple has heavily featured the Nimbus alongside the Apple TV, and has equipped demo Apple TV units in its retail stores with the controller. The Nimbus is also included in a Disney Infinity 3.0 starter pack for Apple TV.

Gaming on the Apple TV is still in its early days, but the benefits of a controller over the included Siri Remote are already clear, enabling more precise and varied controls in a package that feels more natural in the hands when gaming. Beyond Apple TV, the Nimbus can also pair with iOS devices, enabling controller functionality for a number of games including Real Racing 3, Oceanhorn, and several titles in the LEGO series.

Make sure to check out our full review of the SteelSeries Nimbus for more details on the controller.

- Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock ($79.00)

I was skeptical of this one when it first leaked and even once it officially launched, but once I got it in my hands, I was hooked. Yes, it seems expensive, but keep in mind that it includes a 2-meter Lightning cable in the box, an accessory that Apple charges $29 for on its own.

Third-party Apple charging stands with the exception of the $130 combination Apple Watch and iPhone dock from Belkin do not include a charging cable of any sort, requiring users to supply their own Apple Watch charging cables at an additional cost unless they want to commit the sole cable that comes with the watch to that effort.

Unsurprisingly, Apple's dock has a premium feel, with a soft top and a microfiber bottom to prevent scratching. The center charging puck can lay flat or be swung up into a vertical position to charge the Apple Watch on its side, and the mechanism feels smooth and solid. The vertical orientation makes it great for Nightstand mode and for closed-loop bands. And while the disc shape takes up a bit more room than some other Apple Watch stands and docks, it's incredibly stable and with the charging puck folded flat the dock can be easily stored in a drawer or slipped into a bag.

The use of a Lightning cable for powering the dock is also a major advantage over third-party docks reliant on actual Apple Watch cables. I've got Lightning cables all over my house, so it's easy to move this Apple Watch dock anywhere in the house as needed and just plug a Lightning cable into it.


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Article Link: MacRumors Gift Guide by Eric: SteelSeries Nimbus Controller, Apple Watch Dock, BB-8, and More

 

[APlotdevice]

I owned the L3 stand for a day. It is definitely very well-built, though the problem for me was that the upper pads were too high up for my 11 inch MacBook Air. The computer ended up making direct contact with the metal. (Obviously this won't be a problem for larger MacBooks.)

 

[Mapex]

FYI since the dock contains the magnetic end required to charge your Watch, the 2 meter Lightning to USB cable that goes for $29 is really more like getting the Watch's 2 meter charging cable that goes for $39.

This means you're actually only paying $40 for the dock, which is actually a good deal for an Apple accessory if you think you'd otherwise need a second cable for your Watch. Personally I need a dock for my apartment and another for my parent's home when I visit frequently enough as I don't like the inconvenience of disconnecting my cable/dock and transporting it with me. And since this dock appears to be portable it saves me the need to carry around a somewhat flimsy, loose cable if I do go traveling anywhere else.

 

[MacCubed]

Correction: the Apple Watch charging cable is $39 if it's the 2 meter length, $29 if it's the 1 meter length.

Meaning if the Watch dock includes a 2 meter cable, you're actually only paying $40 for the dock, which is actually a good deal for an Apple accessory if you think you'll need a second cable for your Watch. Personally I need a dock for my apartment and another for my parent's home when I visit frequently enough as I don't like the inconvenience of disconnecting my cable/dock and transporting it with me. And since this dock appears to be portable it saves me the need to carry around a somewhat flimsy, loose cable if I go traveling anywhere.

Actually, the dock uses a lightning cable, not the Watch charger. So therefore it is $29

 

[Mapex]

Actually, the dock uses a lightning cable, not the Watch charger. So therefore it is $29

Updated my post to clarify. You're really getting a Watch cable since the dock contains the magnetic charging end, something no other dock has since it's normally supplied by inserting your own Watch charging cable.

 

[macduke]

Here are some good alternatives to a few of the items on this list:

• Mad Catz C.T.R.L.i MFi game controller. This is the one to get if you prefer the Xbox-style thumbstick layout.
• Elevation Labs Night Stand. This is a much cheaper watch dock alternative (which looks better IMO). Bonus: The microsuction foot can be mounted vertically!
• Anker PowerPort 6. This is a six-port, 60w USB charging hub. My wife and I just bring this on trips because it charges both of our iPhones, both of our iPads, my Apple Watch and my our Sony RX100 camera
• Rain Design mStand. This stand gives you a little more height to stow away keyboards and other accessories under your MacBook. When I ordered mine back in college, I didn't have a lot of room on my desk and wanted to be able to have the keyboard under the stand while I typed. Being solid aluminum, I was able to bend it to make it higher and a less shallow angle for this purpose. Looks great and I still have it.
• iOttie Phone Mount. This is a nice, cheap, simple design (not pretty but not ugly) that usually stays in place. Usually once or twice during the summer it will pop off the dash when I come back out to my car. This usually only happens in 95+ heat after it has been sitting in direct sun for a few hours. But it stays put the rest of the year and it's the easiest one I've used for quickly popping it in and removing the iPhone. Doesn't work with the Plus if you use a case—otherwise it's a tight fit.

Feel free to ask me any questions. I own everything except the Mad Catz, which is on my Christmas list lol. After much review I've decided the Mad Catz is best for people who are used to the Xbox, like me.

 

[toke lahti]

elago L3 Stand for Notebooks ($32.99)

...and when I click this, I'll get to amazonUK's page, which tells me this costs $142!

Nice price!