I received my review unit from Pitaka (iPITAKA.com). The unit shipped directly from Hong Kong.
I was told from the start that these are pre-production models, so I was not surprised to see that the packaging, while more than adequate to protect the device, was not "professional" level. That said, the device arrived in good condition, and no damage was evident.
Likewise, the included documentation was not production quality, and the translation was a little "off", but again, I was able to get the gist of the points, and it was more than adequate to provide setup instructions, and included a QR code that linked to a short YouTube video.
I am certain that both the packaging and the documentation will be improved once the actual production starts.
The Pitaka MagDock came with the following items in the package:
The assembly was quite simple and intuitive. Plug the AC adapter into a power source, plug one end of the cable into the AC adapter and the other into the MagDock. Put the included carbon fiber phone case on your iPhone, and set the phone on the top of the charger.
I have a 42mm AppleWatch, so no changes were required, as the 42mm "ledge" comes pre-installed.
To charge the AppleWatch, simply place the watch back over the indentation on the MagDock, wrap the band around the base of the MagDock and rest the watch on the "ledge".
There is no on/off switch, so the MagDock is always ready to charge your devices.
The MagDock charged both my AppleWatch and my iPhone 8 Plus concurrently, and so far has worked really well. It's relatively compact - about 3" in diameter, and stands about 4" tall. The unit is actually two pieces, cut at about a 45º angle. This allows the top to rotate into one of two positions - straight up and down and about 45º (see photos). The MagDock weighs just under one pound (14.4 ounces/408 grams).
There is also a "nano gel pad" on the bottom to attach the MagDock to a desk or table and prevent movement. I have not utilized that feature, as the weight is substantial enough to keep it from moving around on my desk.
There is also a connection port on the base for a "MagPad", an optional extra phone charger that will connect to the base of the MagDock.
If I had to be critical of the device, I would point out the following... but IMO, these issues are minor, and can easily be overlooked.
The Kickstarter page mentions a "power bank" feature which was not in the review unit. I would find that to be an incredibly useful addition to the production version of the MagDock.
I've only had this device for a short time, but I quite like it.
Here's a link to the kickstarter page for the MagDock
https://www.kickstarter.com/project...g-dock-inbuilt-with?ref=563309&token=a47139aa
UPDATE: I got a new S4 Apple Watch, and, as expected, the 44mm watch fits perfectly on the 42mm 'ledge'.
I was told from the start that these are pre-production models, so I was not surprised to see that the packaging, while more than adequate to protect the device, was not "professional" level. That said, the device arrived in good condition, and no damage was evident.
Likewise, the included documentation was not production quality, and the translation was a little "off", but again, I was able to get the gist of the points, and it was more than adequate to provide setup instructions, and included a QR code that linked to a short YouTube video.
I am certain that both the packaging and the documentation will be improved once the actual production starts.
The Pitaka MagDock came with the following items in the package:
- one Pitaka MagDock
- zippered storage/travel case
- one meter USB-C to USB-C cable
- AC USB-C charging block
- carbon fiber magnetic iPhone case
- one tempered glass screen protector for your phone
- 38mm and 42mm AppleWatch "ledge" support adapters
The assembly was quite simple and intuitive. Plug the AC adapter into a power source, plug one end of the cable into the AC adapter and the other into the MagDock. Put the included carbon fiber phone case on your iPhone, and set the phone on the top of the charger.
I have a 42mm AppleWatch, so no changes were required, as the 42mm "ledge" comes pre-installed.
To charge the AppleWatch, simply place the watch back over the indentation on the MagDock, wrap the band around the base of the MagDock and rest the watch on the "ledge".
There is no on/off switch, so the MagDock is always ready to charge your devices.
The MagDock charged both my AppleWatch and my iPhone 8 Plus concurrently, and so far has worked really well. It's relatively compact - about 3" in diameter, and stands about 4" tall. The unit is actually two pieces, cut at about a 45º angle. This allows the top to rotate into one of two positions - straight up and down and about 45º (see photos). The MagDock weighs just under one pound (14.4 ounces/408 grams).
There is also a "nano gel pad" on the bottom to attach the MagDock to a desk or table and prevent movement. I have not utilized that feature, as the weight is substantial enough to keep it from moving around on my desk.
There is also a connection port on the base for a "MagPad", an optional extra phone charger that will connect to the base of the MagDock.
If I had to be critical of the device, I would point out the following... but IMO, these issues are minor, and can easily be overlooked.
- The biggest issue is that in order to use the MagDock with the phone positioned at 45 degrees, you must use the enclosed magnetic carbon fiber iPhone case. Apparently it uses the magnetic properties of the case to hold the phone to the charger, when the charger is positioned in this configuration. If you use the MagDock in "straight up and down" mode, you can use any case compatible with wireless charging. This would preclude the use of your favorite "other" phone case. The provided carbon fiber case actually has a nice feel and is stylish enough for day to day use. I have also been told that Pitaka will include a metal plate to assist with the magnetic docking. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE METAL PLATES DO NOT IN ANY WAY INTERFERE WITH THE WIRELESS CHARGING PROCESS.
- The placement of the AppleWatch charger, the USB-C connection and the phone in the 45º position seems strange. With the phone in the 45º position, the USB-C connection is in the back, and the AppleWatch charger is at the nine o'clock position. Rotating the MagDock to place the AppleWatch charger in front causes the USB-C connection to be at the nine o'clock position, and just looks odd, IMO. This is purely an aesthetic thing, and in no way does it affect the functionality.
- There is a very slight red/pink light leak in the joint between the two pieces. This may be problematic if you intend to use this on a bedside table, and if the glowing green LEDs on other wireless chargers bother you, this is important to note. I have been told by the contact at Pitaka.com that this is a function of the hand-made origin of the review sample, and that it will be completely eliminated once the production process is ramped up.
The Kickstarter page mentions a "power bank" feature which was not in the review unit. I would find that to be an incredibly useful addition to the production version of the MagDock.
I've only had this device for a short time, but I quite like it.
Here's a link to the kickstarter page for the MagDock
https://www.kickstarter.com/project...g-dock-inbuilt-with?ref=563309&token=a47139aa
UPDATE: I got a new S4 Apple Watch, and, as expected, the 44mm watch fits perfectly on the 42mm 'ledge'.
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