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The 'world's smallest' laptop adapter debuts on Kickstarter for $79
Back at CES in January, MIT spin-off FINsix unveiled the "world's smallest" 65W laptop adapter, and it even managed to nab a nomination for our Best Startup award. Fast forward to today, the company is launching this nifty device -- now dubbed the Dart -- on Kickstarter for as low as $79 per unit. Here's a quick reminder: this charger is four times smaller and six times lighter than its regular counterparts, and it also comes with a 2.1A USB port. The enabling technology here is a highly efficient VHF (very high frequency) power conversion, as refined and patented by MIT. As you'd expect, the Dart is compatible with most laptops, and there's even a special version for MacBooks that don't need more than 65W of power.
FINsix laptop adapter is tiny, yet powerful, arriving in time for summer
It's 2014, and while some of you have already upgraded to an Intel Haswell laptop, many still have to carry a bulky power adapter for the more demanding machines. Luckily, MIT spin-off FINsix has come up with a breakthrough technology that dramatically reduces both the size and weight of laptop adapters. As you can see above, the startup's new 65W brick is dwarfed by its conventional counterparts; the claim is it's four times smaller and six times lighter. The new adapter also comes with a handy 2.1A USB port alongside the laptop plug, both of which can be used at the same time. Fret not, MacBook users, as FINsix is working on getting Apple's approval to make a MagSafe version as well. We won't go too deep into the technical details, but in a nutshell, the FINsix adapter is enabled by MIT's VHF (very high frequency) switching technology, which is a thousand times faster than what we use today. As with all legit electronics, this new product will go through the usual safety compliance tests, so there should be nothing to worry about once it hits the shelves. There's no pricing just yet, but watch out for a pre-sale campaign in two months' time ahead of the summer launch. Check out our video after the break, in which the lovely CEO Vanessa Green introduces her company's product at CES.
