When the 3rd Generation iPad (iPad with Retina) came out many complaints were that it took longer to charge on the standard 10W power adaptor that was offered. The Retina display was a power hog and would take almost twice as long to charge when the batter was drained. There were even times when using the iPad with Retina while it was plugged in charging that the battery would continue to drain and wouldn’t charge. It quickly became an annoyance when using an iPad with Retina.
When Apple announced the 4th Generation iPad they very slyly upgraded the 10W power charger to a new 12W power charger, this was probably due to the long charge times of an iPad with Retina as the Retina display consumes more power than a standard display like the iPad 2 or iPad Mini. Apple also offers the 12W charger as a standalone accessory so consumers can pick up a second one for travel or buy it if they don’t own an iPad and wanted a better option than the standard 5W that comes with the iPhone.
Using the new 12W USB charger makes is easier to charge your device quicly and then get back to being mobile. When using the 12W charger with the iPhone 5 has cut charge times in half, with the iPhone going from 50% to 100% in usually around thirty minuets or less. The iPad Mini can go from 0% to 100% usually in about an hour. These times are really impressive when considering how long it would take to charge them using the standard 5W charger that comes with those devices. Another benefit of using the 12W USB charger is that the back wall plug can be interchanged so if you’re traveling you can get wall plugs that will suit the areas that you’re traveling to. And being that the longer wall plug of the MacBook chargers can be interchanged you can also use the long cord with your 12W USB charger as well, that way you don’t have to always keep the charger close to the wall. It’s a convient way to charge and use your device at the same time.
With the 12W USB charger selling for $19.99 directly from Apple it’s a no brainer purchase. Pick one up today and get your devices charged quicker and then get back to life quicker.
Have you gotten a 12W USB charger? Let us know what you think in the comments section below what you think of it. Also, if you have any questions feel free to leave them below as well.
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