Let’s be honest, how many of us carry a USB cable with us to charge our phone? Chances are not many. Kanex has a product to help change that, the GoBuddy+. It’s designed to fit on your keychain and be part of your life. Let’s take a look.
The GoBuddy+
The GoBuddy might be one of the shortest Lightning cables on the market. Connector to Connector, it measures less than 8.5″ The cable is built to fit inside a casing that is very reminiscent of a cigar cutter. The two ends are designed to fit into the middle section for a nice clean look. The design can fit into your pocket, or using an included mini carabiner, it can become part of your keychain. One of the loops also has a bottle opener. While I did say Lightning before, Android or Windows Phone users can get in on the action too. It comes in a Micro-USB version as well.
So, how does it work? Exactly as it’s supposed to. The syncing and charging work great, the cables stay in place when not being used, and the bottle opener helps make it a relaxing Saturday night. It’s very pocketable and doesn’t get in the way either on your keychain or in your pocket. If there is a downside, it’s the cable length. You have to basically be right next to the USB port. The cable also doesn’t detach. Otherwise, it’s a very usable product.
Pricing
The Lightning version of the GoBuddy+ is $24.95. The MicroUSB version is $14.95. They’re available now in your choice of white or black. This may be a a bit pricy for what it is.
Final Thoughts
The Kanex GoBuddy+ is a good pocket cable with bottle opener to spare. It does everything it’s designed to do. However, at just over 8″, it almost borders on being too short. Just know, you’re paying a premium to have a pocket cable like this at $25.
Pros
- Elegant and functional design
- Fits in pocket or keychain with carabiner
- Works great as a cable
- Bottle opener
- Available in Lightning for iOS or Micro USB for everything else
Cons
- May be too short to be usable in some situations
- Cable can’t detach from body
- Not inexpensive, you pay a premium for convenience
