These days so many people run external displays that operate as USB-C hubs that it’s getting rare to see a charger in the middle of a computer setup. But today’s MacBook Pro and Studio Display outfit features a powerful charger right in the mix — an Anker Prime Charging Station. It blasts up to 250 watts of power, works in Wi-Fi mode and features one very interesting and unusual feature.
Anker Prime Charging Station serves as power plant for MacBook Pro setup
Redditor kevohreal (“Kev”) showcased the setup and its striking display wallpaper in a post entitled, “My WFH Studio Display Standing Desk.” He runs a MacBook Pro in clamshell (closed) mode on a vertical stand, driving a Studio Display. It’s in an exceptionally clean setup with nice RGB lighting behind a standing desk — seen above in standing mode — with colors set to match beautiful desktop wallpaper on the screen from Basic Apple Guy. And Kev’s the relatively rare user who favors Magic Trackpad over a mouse (not both), using it with a Logitech MX Keys mini keyboard.
“That’s all you need for a minimal workspace,” said an appreciative commenter. “Nice job dude!”
Last week we looked at his pristine cable management, which makes it look like no cable exists in the setup even through a Thunderbolt cable runs from the Studio Display to the MacBook Pro. Today we’re curious about something we rarely see in the middle of a setup — an Anker Prime Charging Station.
Anker Prime Charging Station
Photo: Anker
Kev’s Anker Prime Charging Station is one potent little power plant. It supports speedy 250-watt output for high-capacity charging on Kev’s desk. It features four USB-C and two USB-A ports to power up various pieces of essential gear at the same time.
Anker notes you can power up your 16-inch MacBook Pro to 50% in just 25 minutes using the first USB-C port, which delivers a potent 140W. And you can monitor your charging in real time with the 2.26-inch LCD display, providing visuals of charging status and charging speed.
It has a what?
And there’s something interesting about this charger — yes, you read that right. This charger is actually interesting. And that’s because it allows personalized charging through a smart control dial. The dial allows for immediate adjustments to energy output, ensuring each device charges at optimal speed. But Anker noted you must register the device through an app to fully enable IoT capabilities. And the device supports only 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, not 5GHz.
And if you like that striking desktop wallpaper showing on the Studio Display, it’s something Basic Apple Guy made called “Strokes” back in 2017.
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If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (landscape iPhone photos usually work fine). Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
