REVIEW – I’m typically not a big fan of novelty items, but when I was offered a review sample of the Shargeek Retro 35W GaN Charger, the idea of saying no didn’t cross my mind at all. As a fan of all things Apple (see episode #5 of my video podcast where I share my collection of iPods), this is a must-have charger that’s more than just a novelty. Let’s plug it in and check it out!
What is it?
The Shargeek Retro 35W GaN Charger is a small USB-C power adapter that is shaped like a tiny Apple Macintosh. I didn’t have one of these iconic computers back when it was popular in the 80s. But I actually do have one now…
Several years ago, I was over at my neighbor’s and we were out in his garage when I saw a dusty Macintosh sitting on his workbench. I swear that I heard a choir of angels sing when I saw it. My neighbor noticed my reaction and immediately said that I could have it and now it’s out in my garage collecting dust 🙂 I definitely need to try my hand at restoring it someday. A winter Gadgeteer DIY project perhaps? Let me know in the comments if you think I should…
What’s in the box?
- Shargeek Retro 35W GaN Charger
- Screen stickers
Hardware specs
- Ports: USB-C
- Input Voltage 100-240 Volts (AC)
- Output: 35W Max
- Support Protocol: PD3.0/PPS/QC4+/Apple2.4/SCP/FCP/AFC/PE
- Size: 1.37*1.70*1.24″
- Weight: 55g
Design and features
Just look at it. It’s so stinking cute! The Shargeek Retro 35W GaN Charger is made of beige plastic shaped like an Apple Macintosh computer right down to the “screen”.
You can even customize the screen with the included stickers but I’m not sure why you would want to cover the smiley face with a sticker. Especially since the smiley will show through, which is weird. I like the smiley face just fine, so I left it as is and will find another use for the stickers.
On the top of the Shargeek Retro 35W GaN Charger is a single USB-C port. For the price, it would have been nice for there to be two USB-C ports, oh well.
On the bottom are folding prongs. Note that you can buy the travel set version of this charger which comes with international plug adapters.
One thing I realized is that the cuteness of this adapter really depends on where you plug it in due to the location of the prongs. If you plug it into an outlet that is horizontal like a power strip, it looks great (see below), but if the outlet is vertical like on a wall, for example, the effect is not nearly as much fun. I do wish they made a version of this adapter with the prongs coming directly out of the back of the adapter instead of the bottom.
Charging with the Shargeek Retro 35W GaN Charger
This charger will charge your gadgets using a USB-C cable (not included). This little guy will charge your phone, tablet, and even your laptop! I tested it with my iPhone 13 Pro Max and my 13-inch MacBook Pro. In this respect, the Shargeek Retro 35W GaN Charger works like other GaN chargers. But in addition to the cute shape, it has another surprise for you…
The “screen” has four display modes. When the charger is plugged in but not charging, the screen is white. While charging, the screen has a yellow light for normal charging, a blue light for fast charging, and a green light for super charging.
I tested the Shargeek Retro 35W GaN Charger with my iPhone 13 Pro Max when the battery level was at 27% and the screen lit up green to show that it was in super charge mode. When I checked it 20 minutes later and the phone charge was up to 64% and the status color had changed to blue from green.
I also tested it with my 13-inch MacBook Pro and it charged in yellow – normal charging mode.
When charging my Apple Airpods Pro earbuds, it charged in yellow – normal charging mode and the screen light turned completely off when the earbuds were fully charged.
What I like
- Great for Apple fans
- Light up “screen” for charging status
What I’d change
- It’s expensive compared to similar GaN chargers
- Would be nice if there was a version with the prongs coming out the back instead of the bottom
Final thoughts
I love this little power adapter, but not just because it can quickly charge my phone and other gear. I mainly like it because it looks like a miniature Apple Macintosh. As a huge fan of Apple products, it “speaks” to me. The Shargeek Retro 35W GaN Charger is a bit pricey, but if you’re also an Apple fan, you’ll probably want one too. Now I wish I had a tiny keyboard and one button mouse to go with it!
Price: $49.99
Where to buy: Shargeek and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Shargeek.
