Will Apple Crush The PlugBug?

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Apple accessory maker Twelve South is out today with the PlugBug. As with their other gear, it offers a clever and effective solution to a problem you may not have realized you had. Assuming you’re into all things Apple. In this case, the $35 PlugBug retrofits your existing two-piece Macbook (original, Air, Pro) power adapter to also provide 10w of USB power — sufficient for iPad or iPhone recharging. Nifty, yes? And there’s no reason you couldn’t charge non-Apple USB devices like that corporate Blackberry. While Twelve South holds that most favored position of retail Apple Store product availability, I wonder if their latest initiative will run afoul of Apple… who previously took issue with vendors riffing off their (patented) MagSafe power adapters. Regardless, as a guy with too many gadgets, I think I’m in.

25 thoughts on “Will Apple Crush The PlugBug?”

  1. Buy it while you can. The ‘magic boxes’ from HyperMac are an inelegant solution to the fact that Apple won’t let Sanho customize the power supply cables. I know – I just bought one.

  4. Honestly, I don’t see how they could. Other than the actual form factor molded around the power brick, its not doing anything non-“standard”. It just replaces the standard 2 prong power cable with a new one. I have dozens of these 2-prong cables from vendors like Sony and Dell – probably even some from my parents old heating trays and irons.

  5. I don’t think they can kill this one. It really isn’t doing anything with the magsafe plug, which is the part that was in contention with Hypermac and doesn’t alter or product any device that is directly connecting to the computer. There are third party connectors already for international plugs that plug into the apple power bricks and that is all that this device is.

  7. This is an add-on and it’s okay with Apple.

    For example, should someone want to enable their express card slot to support SD cards by purchasing this product http://tinyurl.com/3kqyazh they can.

    Maybe you say the express card slot is meant for expanding, then what about the magic mouse charger? That’s basically an add on which requires a NON magic mouse battery plate to pass the charge to the batteries.

    The list goes on…

    Magsafe was an issue, because that technology is pattended and no license exists for others to purchase and therefore use… For example, 3rd party vendors are able to develope preferrals using apple’s 30-pin dock connector without an “additinal” license, BUT they are NOT able to have do this with a “pass-through” connector using apple’s 30-pin connector without another license, which is why 99% all 3rd party vendors use a mini USB connector so customers can charge their add-on preferrals.

  8. Yeah, it’s pass-thru… but I could totally see apple saying they patented that circle shape for maximum conductivity activated via their extra special alloy. ;) The true test will be if this shows up in the Apple Store along side some of that other Twelve South gear. And do we trust them to not fry our laptops? (They could have been a bit more subdued with their color choice.)

  9. I’m missing the value. If you are already near a wall charger, can’t you just charge your iPad or iPhone from your computer while the computer stays plugged into the wall?

    I mean – I can see “some” value – but more like a $9.99 retail item, not a $30 value.

  10. I’m with JohnO – why would I need this? Just as easy to plug the phone/pad into the USB socket – if I need extra USB, I’ve got a bunch of those USB extenders that sort of look like a stick figure man that I’ve gotten for free from conferences.

  11. Because your computer doesn’t need to be on? And perhaps I just have more USB gadgetry than most? Also, having extra charging ports is how you make friends at airports and this is less promiscuous than linking to a laptop. But, yeah, maybe a bit redundant and overpriced.

  14. Super sad the Hypermac got shot down. I read about the combo charger on Gizmodo earlier but I really don’t have a problem charging my iPhone off my Macbook Pro. I suppose if I had an iPad, it would be a seperate issue. I usually have more USB ports than power ports nearby, this includes my car :P

  15. Greg,

    I’m confused by the HyperMac “magic boxes”. If you go to HyperMac they say the boxes are going to be available in March 2011. But since its November 2011 you’d think they’d be available right? Why can’t you find any information on them then?

  16. I doubt Apple will/can do much. This plugs into the standard appliance plug on the top of the Magsafe and passes the AC through to both the USB adapter and the Magsafe. The appliance plug isn’t Apple’s to patent. But I don’t know about replicating the locking of them together with the metal post that sticks out of the Magsafe. Is that an Apple patent? If so, there would be work arounds. I would buy one if there were two USBs so I could connect my iPhone and my iPad when I travel. I can see the value. When I travel, too many hotels have two few outlets near the bed. If I could plug in all three of my computing devices, I’d be happy! Also, it’s fewer cables, less to become unplugged, and less to unplug when it’s time to leave.

  19. The problem with other USB chargers or even using your Mac/PC USB port is that the iPad requires 10W of power. Most normal USB ports, even on your PC/Mac, won’t support that. I think some newer Macs do, now, though. In addition, most USB surge protectors (like the Belkin listed above) won’t provide that much power to your device via USB. The stick with .5W – USB Standard.

    So, the benefits are:
    – You can have one plug for your Mac and your USB outlet
    – the USB outlet will charge your iPad
    – Your Mac doesn’t have to be on for the charging to happen
    – It’s easier than carrying another plug and having to sort that at the hotel.

    I think it’s a good idea. $35 seems a bit steep. $20 seems like it’d be more in order.

  20. @BradB – my i7 MBP will charge my iPad. I would have to check whether my Core2Duo one will or not, but I’m pretty sure it will. I believe they even will change when the laptop is sleeping.

  21. “iPad requires 10W of power”

    It doesn’t require it. It can use it, but it doesn’t require it. I’ve charged my iPad off a range of USB ports that give only the regular level, and the iPad charges fine, albeit slowly.

  23. Just chiming in with another vote of “What’s the big deal?”. It’s a nifty idea that has limited application other than charging a single USB device. I probably have a half dozen of those 1″ square USB cubes with the power adapter. They are 99c on ebay with free shipping. Sorry.

    Oh, and my iPad 1 does NOT charge from my 2011 Dell laptop USB plug. :(

  24. Saw them for sale in the Apple Store in Palo Alto this weekend.

    Now if only I could find a dual USB port iPad-capable car charger with line-out.

  25. Well, I picked up one of these (two actually thinking I might give one as a gift) It is a nice form factor and fits well over the MBA and MBP power bricks. QUALITY isn’t the same as the white apple ac adaptors, I wouldn’t say it feels or looks cheap but it is a bit thinner and not the same quality of plastic. Seems to work fine, powers the ipad fast/fine.

    I think my point now would be, why/do I need it? carry the second ipad adaptor which also does iphones etc., isn’t really a HUGE PIA, heck even taking the iphone adaptor (the small 1″ cube ones) is even EASIER and DOES charge the ipad albeit more slowly, but I find I can charge the thing at night no problem and just use it over the course of DAYS…

    I find the concept sleek/easy to use but probably not too NECESSARY or beneficial and a bit overpriced. If it was 19.99$ (which it probably will be at some point) I think it might provide a bit more pull.

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