I recently came across Nokia’s new charger that they’ve been giving along with their phones, the AC-15N, and was pleasantly surprised to notice the design change that has been incorporated into the relatively mundane product.

The charger has a 3-pin plug, of which the top pin slides in and out of the housing. Though seemingly a cosmetic change, after some amount of comparison with their previous charger, it seemed to bring in a drastic change in the overall volume and dimensions of the product. The new charger is nearly half in volume of the previous version, and lighter as well. Definitely a sensible modification, especially for the frequent traveler who always needs to carry it along.

One might ask, why not do something more drastic? I believe the reason they have been able to do this with the top pin only is because it is just meant for structural purpose, and has no electrical circuitry attached. The top pin is made of plastic, and hence cannot conduct; thus in all probability, it just ensures the other two pins are inserted in the correct holes. 

It is important to notice that the charger is generally an auxiliary product that goes free along with the phone. Covered in the packaging with no visibility, it plays no role in selling the phone. So generally the expectations aren’t much. But a feature like this will bring a smile to your face when you open the packaging of your phone and realize that someone has invested time and thought looking into your finer needs as well. The money feels well spent.

I’m not much of a traveler, but I generally wouldn’t put the previous charger in my laptop bag because of the sheer bulge and pressure it would apply. I wouldn’t mind taking this one along.