Apple is often praised for the design of their products but despite the accolades, Apple doesn’t always get it right. Such is the case with their power adapters, in particular their MacBook power adapter and cable. The Innergie PowerGear USB-C 45 is a replacement for Apple’s MacBook power adapter and it’s simply…a better MacBook charger.
Design
This is where Innergie gets things right. The PowerGear USB-C 45 design takes into consideration something Apple’s design didn’t: what do we do with the dangly cable when we store the power brick? Apple’s current design is much like the rest of their power adapters, a white square with a cable sticking out of the end. Don’t get me wrong, Apple’s cable and brick are good quality, they’re just messy. There is no good way to wrap and store your cable and adapter when using the stock brick. Sure you can unplug the cable from the brick and wrap up the cable into a loop but the cable still ends up coming undone most of the time.
The Innergie PowerGear USB-C 45 design allows the USB-C cable to be wrapped up on the brick itself in a nice little loop pattern that is secure and doesn’t become a rats nest. Innergie even included a carrying pouch with the product for both the brick and the AC cord that comes along with it. Overall the Innergie design succeeds in keeping the cable situation under control where Apple’s design failed. Overall this is just a better design for traveling and for people on the go.
Performance
Rated at 45 watts and made specifically for the 12″ 2015 MacBook, the PowerGear USB-C 45 does exactly what the stock adapter will do. You might be able to use it for other devices and applications but it is was made for the 12″ MacBook.
Ease of Use
Plug and play, no setup required. Wrapping the cable is easy as well, no fuss no muss. The included pouch is a nice touch to store the adapter so it doesn’t bang into things in your bags.
Price/Value
At $59.99 the Innergie PowerGear USB-C 45 is cheaper than Apple’s adapter and cable combo (combined price of $78). This is well worth the price if you want an extra travel adapter or if you’ve lost your stock Apple adapter.
Wrap Up
A well designed 12″ MacBook adapter that is priced right, if only Apple would have thought their design out a little better.
[rwp-review id=”0″]*We were sent a review sample of the Innergie PowerGear USB-C 45 for the purposes of this review.
Last Updated on January 23, 2017.
