Apple USB Power Adapter

Fed up of using a USB cable to connect my ipod touch to my laptop and draining all its battery, I decided to invest in an USB power adapter. Being pretty naive at the time of purchase, I thought I had to use an apple one, so unfortunately paid £20! Looking back on it, this was the craziest purchase I have ever made, because it didn't take me long to realise, I could get the for a few pounds on the internet, with postage costing more than the adapter itself.

However, that was a couple of years ago, and I have since come to realise that the £20 I forked out wasn't as bad as first seemed. The power adapter itself comprises of 2 parts which interlock together; a power pack that UK 3 pin plug slides and locks into. When put together, the plug is quite bulky, and will stick out about 4 inches from the plug - probably the biggest plug I own! This can get very frustrating if you need to plug it behind a desk or cupboard or whatever, but not a problem if access to the plug is easy.

The unit is made of a white plastic, that has a shiny glossy look and will is is the same plastic as use on the apple macbook white should you own or seen one before. The build quality of the unit seems very strong and is engineered well, with apple still maintaining the high quality design that is encompassed within all of their products. When I say that I have owned this for over 2 years, it somewhat suprises me after the number of times I have dropped it or squashed it in a bag, and has taken quite a battering in the time I have used it. It still works to the same standard as it always has and doesn't look damaged at all.

The USB port is on the front of the unit as you look at it when it is plugged into the mains. It is a normal USB port, the sort you would see on any laptop or computer, laced centrally on the fron face of the adapter. Quite simply, use your USB cable supplied with your ipod, plug it into the adapter and into your ipod. Easy enough, and just leave it for the required amount of time and your done!

Although I initially said I was quite annoyed at paying the £20 for the adapter in the first place, I am VERY happy with the quality of the item and how well it has served me so far. Although others are cheaper on the internet and even in high street stores than the official apple one, it does make me wonder why they are so cheap. I know apple puts a premium price on all products in makes but such an increase in price must suggest that the build quality is better and will last longer. At the way I am going, I can see this adapter lasting me at least another 5 years!