USB-C Power Meter From Satechi: Protect Your Laptop and Devices
The advent of USB-C brought faster charging and data transfer, but it also introduced a new risk due to poor-quality cables. Satechi’s USB-C Power Meter is here to save the day, offering a modern solution to prevent potential damage to your valuable electronics.
When USB-C was introduced, it promised a small, symmetrical plug and faster data transfer and charging, not just for smartphones but also for ultrabooks and devices like Thunderbolt 3. However, what many didn’t realize is that the weakest link in this scenario could be the USB-C cable itself.
Benson Leung, a Google engineer living in California, discovered this the hard way when testing USB-C cables. A faulty cable connection destroyed his laptop, a Chromebook Pixel. Similar incidents have been shared by others, like Dieter Bohn of The Verge, who experienced damage to laptop electronics when connecting his Nexus 6P to a MacBook Air.
USB-C Power Meter: A Preventive Measure
Recognizing this growing problem, Satechi has developed a solution. Their USB-C Power Meter is a compact device (6.3 x 2 x 0.8 mm) weighing 8.6 grams. It serves as a bidirectional current meter that is connected between your charging cable and the USB-C power source.
The USB-C Power Meter measures three critical values: voltage, current, and the total amount of energy transmitted (mAh). It can handle a maximum load of 65W. The readings are displayed on an easily readable screen. Importantly, this device is dedicated to charging and does not transfer data. Its principle is straightforward, but users need a basic understanding of electronics. If the readings on the display are too high, it’s an indicator of a problem, allowing users to disconnect a faulty cable before it can cause any significant damage to their laptop.
For users of fast charging via USB-C, Satechi offers a solution that costs $29.99 (or $24.99 on Amazon). With the USB-C Power Meter, you can become more aware of the limitations and potential risks associated with charging your valuable electronics.