12W Apple USB

Now officially listed as compatible with every iPad, iPhone, and USB-charging iPod, Apple’s new 12W USB Power Adapter ($19) is the sequel to the $29 iPad 10W USB Power Adapter we reviewed and loved in early 2010. Notably shipped in a box that doesn’t mention the wattage on the front, it can be distinguished from its predecessor by the “12W” reference on the package’s back, and by the box’s smaller size. As is generally the case when Apple takes the rare step of dropping an accessory’s price, there’s a reason: unlike the prior version, which came in a box with a Dock Connector to USB Cable and a long extension cord, this version is merely a cube with wall blades, so you’ll have to self-supply the extra cables you need. The only benefit of this version is the increase from 10-Watt to 12-Watt charging, a feature that effectively enables at least some iPads to refuel at a faster 2.5-Amp speed rather than the prior 2.1-Amp maximum, cutting down recharge times in the process. This new charger will be included with the fourth-generation iPad and possibly the iPad mini; users of the slow-charging third-generation iPad may also find that it shaves an hour or two off of a complete charge cycle. We’ll be actively testing the 12W USB Power Adapter to see how it actually performs with old and new iPads.

-courtesy iLounge