Satechi Debuts New USB-C Wireless Charging Dock for AirPods and AirPods Pro

[MacRumors]

Satechi today announced the launch of a new USB-C wireless charging dock for the AirPods and AirPods Pro, which is designed to attach to a Mac or iPad that's equipped with a USB-C port.

The USB-C Wireless Charging Dock for Apple AirPods is a small, portable dock that plugs into the Mac and then allows the AirPods to rest on top while charging. An included LED light lets you know the AirPods are charging, and a lip around the edge keeps the AirPods in place.

As with most Satechi accessories, the AirPods Charging Dock is made from aluminum and it matches well with Apple's Macs.

Satechi is offering pre-orders for the USB-C Wireless Charging Dock for Apple AirPods on its website, and orders placed today will begin shipping in May.

The Charging Dock is priced at $29.99, but pre-order customers who purchase before April 20 and use the promo code AIRPODS at checkout can get a $5 discount, dropping the price to $24.99.

Article Link: Satechi Debuts New USB-C Wireless Charging Dock for AirPods and AirPods Pro

 

[BehemothManiac]

But why?

 

[oneMadRssn]

But why?

Do they expect people to leave this thing plugged in all the time? If not, then wouldn't simple a 3-inch USB-C to Lightning cable be smaller, cheaper, and more efficient?

 

[Quu]

Seems like a product in search of a problem. Honestly a cable would be more convenient than plugging this directly into your laptop or tablet.

 

[dapa0s]

Thanks, I hate it.

 

[jcshas]

Pretty cool to look at, but honestly I just don't see a need for this.

 

[darkslide29]

That matcha tea latte looks great.

 

[Expos of 1969]

Does the mouldy coffee come with it?

 

[darkslide29]

Too bad for proprietary chargers. If the Apple Watch worked with a regular Qi charger, this thing would be a lot more useful.

 

[tothemoonsands]

I just pre-ordered. I understand those saying it’s not necessary, but personally I really like the option while on the go. Same with the Apple Watch charger they make.

 

[Kylo83]

the batt lasts a long time so wouldn't need it

 

[spar7y]

Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn 't stop to think if they should.

 

[TwoBytes]

Standard USB but for the price of £3 it's a no brainer and you get two

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[iBug2]

That matcha tea latte looks great.

Actually I was going to say it's not. Some people hate it, such as myself.

 

[reallynotnick]

This is a terrible invention, they should feel bad for creating it and MacRumors should feel bad by wasting our time by posting about it.

 

[FightTheFuture]

Too bad for proprietary chargers. If the Apple Watch worked with a regular Qi charger, this thing would be a lot more useful.

The Apple Watch battery lasts 18-20 hours. You don’t need a portable charger.

 

[Veinticinco]

One of those things you first think “oh that looks a neat solution” before common sense prevails. Style over substance (and function) as with most things Satechi makes.

I learned my lesson after wasting 100 notes on their USB-C dock from a few years ago that’s USP was that it sat flush to the side and connected via the MBP’s USB-C port. It worked maybe 20% of the time, and I’m being generous there discounting all the random disconnections. But hey, it looked nice in closely matching space grey
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This is a terrible invention, they should feel bad for creating it and MacRumors should feel bad by wasting our time by posting about it.

Apparently Satechi are one of MR’s commercial partners, and this “article” is basically an ad so MR get a kickback for clickthroughs.

 

[tgwaste]

If it charged the watch and phone it would be great, but just airpods? lol. no

 

[mike...]

So, on a MacBook it obscures ports and the AirPods will probably fall off due to movement.

On an iPad they will definitely fall off unless you only use the iPad on a table.

You can't use it in an iMac as the USB-C ports are vertical.

If you use it on a Mac Mini it will obscure a whole load of ports, which will vary depending which USB-C port you put it in. Who wants to charge their AirPods behind their Mini anyway?

I just don't get the point of this.

 

[mattster16]

But why?

Do they expect people to leave this thing plugged in all the time? If not, then wouldn't simple a 3-inch USB-C to Lightning cable be smaller, cheaper, and more efficient?

But wireless charging is so much COOLER!!!! Never mind the fact it is slower and super inefficient.

 

[jezbd1997]

I just pre-ordered. I understand those saying it’s not necessary, but personally I really like the option while on the go. Same with the Apple Watch charger they make.

So you think this is easier than connecting a normal or mini sized cable? And this will be slower than direct charging too.. it's just a product in search of a problem.
On top of that you hardly need to charge the cases, personally I'm lucky to do it once a fortnight and I use mine everyday

 

[mattster16]

So you think this is easier than connecting a normal or mini sized cable? And this will take longer than wired charging too.. it's just a product in search of a problem

Not only that, but due to the inefficiency of wireless charging, it will eat more of your macbook battery in the process (assuming you are running off battery and not plugged in).

 

[jezbd1997]

Not only that, but due to the inefficiency of wireless charging, it will eat more of your macbook battery in the process (assuming you are running off battery and not plugged in).

Yeah there's literally no point in this product, other than to have a "USB-C wireless charging dock for AirPods"

 

[4jasontv]

No, this is fine. It's a niche product, but it will work for some people. For me I would rather a dual apple watch airpod pro wireless charger for this price point.

That said, I don't like the placement of the chargers LED. Device-on LED's are distracting. For troubleshooting purposes I can see why you would want a LED on the charger, but if the airpods LED is on than we can safely assume the charger is working. Move the LED to the bottom of the device, in the spot the airpods sit, or better yet, turn the charger LED off when the airpod case is charging.

Edit: I see they have an airpod/apple watch/iphone charger but the price is way to high for me to justify especially since I see the iPhone spot wasting desk space.

 

[NickName99]

Well I mean, at least it’s not terribly expensive? It gets in the way of putting your laptop in a bag, but then again nobody is taking laptops anywhere for a while...