Since the Apple Watch was first unveiled, accessory makers flooded the market with third-party add-ons. From watch bands to docks, the options are nearly endless, yet Elago has managed to standout from the competition with its W3 Stand that looks like a vintage Macintosh 128K.
By leveraging Nightstand Mode on your Apple Watch, Elago is bringing back memories of the iconic Mac. And at $15, it’s affordable too…
Design
I’m just going to get right to it, for an Apple aficionado, this is about as good as it gets. Elago has done an excellent job of blending throwback design cues with modern day functionality.
The W3 is made from scratch-free silicone which provides an extra smooth texture which is ideal for docking your Apple Watch at the end of the day. This is a wise choice on Elago’s part, as the display slides between two pieces of material but the glass is not threatened to be damaged.
The vintage looks are spot-on. There is a small diskette drive on the front and Nighstand Mode’s green coloring matches the 1984 look perfectly. Elago offers both white and black versions of the W3 dock, so you can mix as needed. The white version certainly matches the vintage look and feel but its counterpart certainly looks sleek on a nightstand, as well.
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Functionality
Behind the watch’s resting place is a circular cut-out for the charging puck (not included) followed by a recessed area for the cord to run out the back. In my testing, I found the fit to be very snug, and this is a good thing. After all, you wouldn’t want the charger coming loose. Because the top is open, you maintain access to the digital crown and other controls while your watch is docked.
Admittedly, the looks are what have drawn us to Elago’s latest Watch stand. There are other docks with easier and simpler setups. While the W3 is great for charging at home, it does lack in the way of cable management. Other docks offer easier ways for winding up your charging cord while traveling. This is certainly better for your nightstand at home than luggage on the road. It’s not a deal breaker by any means, but worth noting.
Conclusion
Look, I love this dock. It’s a must-have for any Apple fan and at $15, it’s not a tough pill to swallow. The build quality is top-grade and it’s one of those things that you’ll enjoy showing off every time your friends come around. I sure get a smile out of it each night when I charge my watch.
The Elago W3 Apple Watch Stand is available today from Amazon in both colors for $14.99 Prime shipped.
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