Jada Jones/ZDNet
I like to travel. But I don’t like having to remember to bring everything, especially my chargers. I have Apple products: an iPhone 16, an Apple Watch SE, a MacBook Air 2022 M2 and my AirPods Pro 2 (Lightning).
I would leave my toothbrush at home before I allowed myself to forget one of these devices while traveling.
To accommodate all of my device batteries, I would need to carry my entire arsenal of USB-C, Lightning, and MagSafe cables. It’s safe to say that this is a bit of a nightmare for me.
The three essential points to remember about the Twelve South ButterFly SE mini induction station
- The Twelve South ButterFly SE mini induction charging station is sold for €120 in three color versions.
- This charging station is very compact, making it ideal for travelers and late-night charging enthusiasts.
- You can only charge two devices at the same time, which may not be enough for some.
So I tested this tiny charging station from Twelve South to see if it could solve my charging problem. The ButterFly SE from Twelve South is a 2-in-1 clamshell charging station that closes tightly enough to fit in your pocket (and even small women’s pants pockets).
I’ve tried many 2- and 3-in-1 charging stations on Amazon, but have been disappointed by their slow or faulty charges. I have always prioritized good deals over quality charging power. Additionally, some chargers with multiple outputs are not travel-friendly, as they may take up more space than you would like in your carry-on bag.
Instead of a bulky charging station, the ButterFly SE folds into a palm-sized clamshell. On one end is a 15W Qi2-certified wireless charger for your iPhone. The other end of the case is a 5W wireless charger for AirPods and Apple Watch, which can flip up from the base to act as a stand for the Watch.
Practical when you run out of space to recharge
The ButterFly SE comes with a USB-C charging cord, so you only need a wall adapter/charger. If you’re like me and your laptop doubles as a portable charger, plug one end of the cord into the case and the other into your laptop’s USB-C port, and you’re good to start powering.
If you’re short on space, you can flip the ButterFly SE over, with the two parts glued together from the outside, and magnetically charge a single device. In this orientation, you can flip up the small magnetic charger to act as a watch stand or use the large magnetic charger to use your phone in landscape mode for sleep, FaceTime, or watching videos.
Jada Jones/ZDNET.
If you only have a few minutes in the hotel before heading out and the 15W wireless charging is too slow, you already have a USB-C cord and wall adapter for charging your USB-C compatible phone or AirPods a little faster.
Ideal for travel
This charging station is ideal for traveling, but it is also useful at home on your bedside table. I charge my Watch and iPhone daily, and the ButterFly SE saves me from needing two cords and two wall adapters to charge them both.
The ButterFly SE is MFi certified, meaning it has been approved by Apple to ensure maximum compatibility with iOS devices. Additionally, Qi2, the wireless charging standard used in this product, is based on Apple’s Magsafe technology, making it suitable for your iPhone.
However, Qi2 is more accessible than MagSafe, meaning compatible Android smartphones, like the HMD Skyline, can use the ButterFly SE to its full capacity.
Tips for the Twelve South ButterFly SE mini induction station
If you’re tired of keeping a mix of Magsafe, Lightning, and USB-C cords for your ecosystem of Apple devices, the Twelve South ButterFly SE is a very compact and easily transportable charging solution. This charging station is ideal for people more concerned with portability than style, as it’s much easier to fit in your carry-on, pocket, or school bag.
However, the ButterFly SE can only charge two devices at a time. If you need a charging station that can hold your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch at the same time, consider the Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station.
Source : “ZDNet.com”
