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22july2013 said:

netrox said:

My experience with HomeKit is terrible. I keep losing connection and getting "No response" way too often with both Eve and Meross devices. Please do not recommend home automation products unless those devices are Thread-enabled which in theory should address those common problems since Thread-enabled plugged devices function as routers and can quickly "heal" in a Thread network.  

I get the same problems as you, but I don't think the problem is with "HomeKit" per se, but with the Zigbee network used by the Philips Hue Bridge. It's possible to change the Zigbee channel used by that Bridge, which changes the number of problems I get, but never eliminates them. I have come to the same conclusion as you, that perhaps the only way to get reliability is to get Thread-enabled devices. Right now the Thread devices that I want to get are out of stock at every outlet that normally sells them so I'm holding off purchase in case a new model is imminent.

Agree with both of these comments...  I'm actively now swapping out all of our non-Thread devices a couple each month.  Hue is generally a good option otherwise, but I personally made a decision at the beginning of the year that I was done with any manufacturer that required the use of their own hub.

The change is easy for lighting with the Nanoleaf Essentials bulbs (fingers crossed for E14 and B12 versions soon), but the only Thread option for smart plugs is the expensive Eve Energy with extra smart features I don't need or want to pay for. 

So that brings us to Wi-Fi smart plugs and the Meross being reviewed - I bought the UK four pack but wish I had just spent the extra for the Eves.  These seem to be poorly shielded as they have the most unreliable Wi-Fi connection of any product I have ever bought!  Even the slightest source of interference within a couple of feet, such as a power brick, USB hub, tiny goldfish bowl pump - and they fail to function within hours of being turned on.  For reference, the Wemo mini smart plugs we have are nowhere near as sensitive to interference and only moderately more expensive when both are purchased separately, but even these will still drop out once a week or so, proving Thread is the only way forward IMO.

The Meross smart strip is a different story and I've been very happy with it, but I personally would pass of their Wi-Fi smart plugs.

 

Reading the specs again, is that MagSafe and 2x10w inc AppleWatch? I’ve confused myself! Any help, anyone? 

You peaked my interest with this one… I always take note of charge stations with the iPhone on the left, which I prefer. They used to be rare but there are many options these days, but I like the look of this one. 

Nice but pricy IMO.  However, my interest faded entirely after Andrew mentioned no Nightstand mode...  This one’s not for me. 

verne arase said:

If you don't care about charging speed .... take a gander at this charger on Amazon.

I would suggest this one is better as a home and fold-down travel solution, particularly as it incorporates its own built-in AppleWatch charger rather than you needing to install a separate puck. That’s why I bought it and it’s worked out great: