PrismXR Carina D1S – Review of the Meta Quest 3S Charging Dock

by

The realm of virtual reality continues to progress swiftly, with new developments cropping up frequently. A time isn’t so far when just a handful of headsets held sway, but now, an expanding array of alternatives are available. Among the latest entrants is the Meta Quest 3S, accompanied by a suite of novel accessories meant to elevate the user experience.

The PrimsXR Carina D1S, which is a recently developed charging dock designed exclusively for the Quest 3S, is one I’ve personally tried. At the moment of writing, it retails for $69.99 (£60), offering an affordable and user-friendly method to keep your headset and controllers charged. As an added benefit, it also serves as a stylish storage option, making it a promising choice from the start.

After spending over a week with the Carina D1S, here’s what I think.

Design and Setup

The Carina D1S stands out right away with its stylish and well-crafted appearance. From the box to the charging stand itself, everything fits perfectly with the aesthetic of the Meta Quest 3S. Moreover, the materials used feel robust and long-lasting, while the pristine white color scheme allows the dock to seamlessly blend into nearly any gaming environment.

One noteworthy feature of the Carina D1S is its small overall dimensions, which is particularly impressive given the size of the Quest 3S. PrimsXR has skillfully managed to maintain efficiency by avoiding any unnecessary space; instead, they’ve designed a compact area that securely holds and charges your headset thoughtfully.

Alongside the docking station, the Carina D1S includes:

  • A USB-C attachment
  • Two rechargeable batteries
  • Two controller battery covers
  • An AC to DC power adapter
  • A dedicated rest for the Quest 3S’s head strap

The setup process was straightforward, thanks to the clear design of the components. If you find yourself needing more guidance, there are instructions available. I connected everything, attached the USB-C adapter to the Quest 3S, swapped out the batteries in the controllers with the rechargeable ones provided, and finally docked the entire setup into the Carina D1S stand. After that, I let the Carina D1S do its job.

A few things I noticed while getting to this point:

  • The magnets used throughout the dock are impressively strong, giving a satisfying snap when placing the Quest 3S onto the stand. This leaves no doubt that the headset is properly connected. That said, there’s also a clear charging indicator on the front—orange when charging, green when fully charged—so you’ll always know where things stand.
  • Additionally, the extra USB-C port is a handy touch, allowing you to charge peripherals or other Quest 3S accessories.
  • According to PrimsXR, the Carina D1S supports charging even with attachments like a nose pad or shell cover installed. However, I wasn’t able to personally test this, as I don’t own those accessories.

Features and Performance

As a flexible charging option, known as the Carina D1S, it offers an impressive blend of adaptability and efficiency.

The Carina D1S is a charging solution branded as FlexiDock, providing a strong combination of versatility and effectiveness.

Or: In marketing terms, the Carina D1S is a FlexiDock charging solution; it delivers a robust combo of adaptability and performance.

I’ve previously mentioned the extra USB-C female port on the USB-C adapter, a useful and considerate addition for those who have additional devices. However, the Carina D1S offers more than just that; its standout feature is its “Superfast Charging” abilities.

As per PrimsXR, it takes only two hours for a Quest 3S to fully recharge, whereas its controllers typically require around six hours. Although I didn’t let my devices run out completely for an accurate measurement, the charging times I observed on partially drained devices match these claims quite closely.

A notable feature is that the dock ensures controllers don’t exceed 100% charge fully, doing so helps maintain battery longevity by minimizing excessive stress. This, in turn, can prolong its lifespan and delay chemical deterioration and corrosion of the batteries over an extended period.

By the close of the day, the Carina D1S performs as expected – it efficiently charges your Quest 3S and controllers. It boasts a straightforward setup, free from any additional software or complications. Instead, it offers a user-friendly docking station that maintains all devices charged while also serving as an attractive and organized storage option.

Verdict

As a dedicated gamer, I’d vouch for the PrimsXR Carina D1S as nearly unbeatable when it comes to powering up my Meta Quest 3S. This charging solution boasts a stylish design that fits seamlessly into any gaming setup, strong magnets for a breeze-y docking experience, and lightning-fast, dependable charging that keeps me immersed in my virtual worlds without a hitch.

Setting it up is remarkably straightforward, serving also as a sleek storage option when not in use. It even boasts an additional USB-C port for enhanced practicality. Although there are less expensive options available, none seem to rival its construction quality and versatile features.

So far, I’ve had limited experience with it, thus I can’t vouch for its long-term reliability at this point. If it maintains its excellent performance over weeks, months, and years, there’s a strong chance it would receive a top rating of 10/10. However, potential future problems might affect that score. As of now, the Carina D1S is one of the top Quest 3S charging docks available, according to my initial impressions.

Read More

2025-03-01 23:12