Satechi USB-C Power Meter protects MacBook Pro and other devices from charging damage
USB-C is one of the best innovations in the technology world. This single connection type can transmit both data and power, leading to convenient docking and charging solutions. The problem, however, is that not all manufacturers adhere to power delivery guidelines, meaning a third-party charger or dock could fry your laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
Today, Satechi releases a new product aimed at protecting your devices from damage. No, the USB-C Power Meter does not serve as a surge protector or fuse. Instead, the little dongle shows you the amps and voltage of the USB-C power source when you plug it into your device. In other words, it can prevent the damage from happening by showing you the stats. You can then make an educated decision if you want to continue using the charger.
"When choosing a charger or accessory for a device, users need to know the maximum voltage and amperage it can use to ensure they do not permanently damage their hardware. The USB-C Power Meter quickly and easily measures voltage in real time, Amps being input a device, and how much power has travelled into your device since it started charging," says Satechi.
The manufacturer further says, "With a sleek design and easy-to-read display, the USB-C Power Meter is the perfect solution for monitoring the Type-C port's power and ensuring counterfeit or incompatible accessories do not destroy or fry laptops, tablets and smartphones. With more counterfeit accessories hitting the market, it is harder to keep tabs on what accessories are safe to use. With the USB-C Power Meter, users can upgrade their new MacBook and ensure that any existing accessories are still safe to use on their new laptop."
With an MSRP of only $30, this device can be a life-saver, protecting an expensive USB-C device from being destroyed. If you were to spend $2,000 on a new MacBook Pro for instance, this would be an inexpensive way to be sure that a third-party charger never ruins your investment. True, as a best practice you should always stick to the the manufacturer's charger, but sometimes you find yourself in a situation where you are low on juice and you forget it -- things happen.
If you are interested in buying it, you can get it from Amazon immediately here. It is already discounted to $25. Unfortunately, it seems to only be available in silver for now, which will clash a bit with Space Grey MacBook Pro laptops.