Nomad Base Station Pro: Alternative to the Apple AirPower charging mat

Base Station Pro the manufacturer Nomad brings what Apple wanted to do with its "AirPower" charging mat since 2017. The charging station for smartphones and other Qi devices ensures that devices to be charged can be placed anywhere. There are no straight, predetermined surfaces for storing an iPhone, AirPods case or the like. This is made possible by the proprietary FreePower ™ technology. The charging mat can currently be pre-ordered from Nomad. Towards the end of the year it should also be launched in Germany. Further details and dates can be found below.

Nomad Base Station Pro - Technical Specifications at a Glance

The Base Station Pro from Nomad comes with a total of 18 charging coils and ensures that the devices are individually addressed and charged through independent localization. Here you will find technical data and other important facts about the Qi charger in the overview:

• Manufacturer: Nomad
• Model: Base Station Pro
• Device type: Qi charging station
• Dimensions: 22,4 x 14,2 x 1,2 cm
• Weight: 544 g
• Power: up to 7,5 W per device
• Number of devices: up to three devices can be charged at the same time 
• LED display: three LEDs indicate that and how many of the stored devices are being charged
• FreePower ™ technology: currently compatible with Apple iPhone, Apple AirPods Case, Samsung Galaxy S10 / S20 devices and in the future with Google Pixel 3 & 4 as well as Pixel Buds and other Qi devices
• Software updates: the Base Station Pro firmware can be updated using a Mac or PC
• Power input: the charging mat is operated via USB-C PD with a 30 watt power supply
• Included in delivery: Nomad Base Station Pro, two meter long USB-C cable, 30W USB-C power plug, EU, UK, US and AU power adapters
• Preorder: possible here
• Price: $ 229,95 or 249,95 euros

This is how FreePower ™ technology works

The proprietary FreePower ™ technology uses algorithms to quickly locate the connected devices. With the help of the 18 built-in coils, so-called “virtual coils” are generated among them, via which the device is then charged. The 18 charging coils work together in a smart way to establish an electromagnetic coupling with the power receiver of the stored smartphone or charging case. It doesn't matter whether the iPhone or AirPods case is placed exactly parallel to the edges of the charging mat or completely criss-cross. The loading area can thus be used completely individually.

Nomad delivers what AirPower should be

Apple bought the iPhone 2017 and iPhone X in September 8 vorgestellt, the first smartphones from the manufacturer to wirelessly use Qi technology could be charged. At that time, “AirPower” was announced for this and other devices - a charging mat on which freely arranged devices should be charged. Over the years it became quiet about the device, in between it was referred to as a canceled project. Until recently, nobody believed in the Apple charging mat.

However, there are currently reports and rumors describing a new, slimmed-down version of AirPower. MacRumors shows in a Summary for example statements from Ming-Chi Kuo and John Prosser, according to which there should be a smaller Apple AirPower charging mat. Photo leaks from a device with 14 coils are also shown. Of course, that makes you curious about upcoming Apple keynotes; but receives a damper because other manufacturers have previously managed to get the technology ready for the market.

Qi charging mat competition in 2020?

If there is a manufacturer like Nomad that offers a multi-coil charging mat with smart energy management for individual placement of end devices, then others will certainly follow suit. It is also possible that Apple will bring the announced product onto the market even after three years (albeit in a scaled-down version). 

It is therefore possible that towards the end of 2020 several manufacturers will fight for the space under the Christmas tree with their Qi loading mats. And if not, then there is at least the offer from Nomad - albeit anything but light at 544 grams and anything but cheap at € 249,95.

Cheaper Nomad charging solutions are already available on the German market:

NOMAD Base Station Stand, charging station for Qi devices, black

• Padded leather loading area
• 10W wireless charging including LED display
• 10W USB-A power supply

Buy it at Amazon Price includes VAT, plus shipping costs (updated: 5.05.2024 at 15: 44 clock)

Nomad Base Station Hub Edition wireless Qi charging station for smartphones with real leather, black

• Qi charging station with an additional USB-A and USB-C port
• Two wireless charging options with up to 10W; one USB-A connector with 7,5W; a USB-C PD (Power Delivery) with 18W
• Made with aluminum and high quality real leather

Buy it at Amazon Price includes VAT, plus shipping costs (updated: 5.05.2024 at 14: 19 clock)

NOMAD Base Station Qi charging station without integrated Apple Watch charging adapter with real leather, black

Buy it at Amazon Price includes VAT, plus shipping costs (updated: 5.05.2024 at 15: 44 clock)

Lynne Marie Kleinholz

With Lynne, a graphic artist and designer has joined the team who contributes articles on the topics of homepage, web development and Photoshop. YouTube has recently become one of her areas of activity. Lynne is (unintentionally) very good at generating error messages and thus ensures a steady influx of problem-solving articles, which repeatedly make the Sir Apfelot blog a popular contact point for Mac users.

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