REVIEW – Looking for an alternative to Apples now defunct Airpower wireless charging pad? I finally got my hands on Nomad’s Base Station Apple Watch Edition, and it just might be the perfect replacement.
What is it?
The Nomad Base Station Apple Watch Edition is a wireless charging pad for Apple iPhones and AirPods with an integrated Apple Watch charger.
Hardware specs
- 3 Qi-certified coils at 7.5W wireless charging each
- Integrated MFi-certified Apple Watch Charger
- Padded leather wireless charging surface
- LED charging indicators
- Ambient light sensor dims LED’s at night
What’s in the box?
- Wireless charging pad
- A/C adaptor
- International EU & UK adapters
Design and features
I reviewed Nomad’s Base Station Hub Edition back in November, and the Apple Watch Edition uses the same design. It retains the sleek lightweight aluminum chassis and the soft padded leather charging surface.
There are 3 LED charging indicators on the front and an ambient light sensor on the back.
On the bottom of the device, there are two no-slip grip rubber feet.
The only obvious difference is the integrated magnetic Apple Watch charger. Its located on the back left of the charging pad. There’s even a small rubber pad that cradles the bottom of your Apple Watch when it’s on the charger.
Charging
Like the Hub Edition, the Apple Watch Edition has 3 Qi-certified charging coils, allowing multiple charging orientations for your phone.
Or you can simultaneously charge your phone and Apple AirPods with wireless charging case.
Charging with this device is simple, all you have to do is center your phone over a coil, and it begins to charge.
To charge your Apple Watch just place it onto the magnetic charger.
The built-in Apple Watch charger is compatible with Apple’s Nightstand Mode. This allows you to see the time, date, and your alarm. You can interact with Nightstand Mode by tapping your nightstand.
It’s great for me because I don’t use an alarm clock and my previous charger wasn’t compatible with Nightstand Mode. It’s now nice to roll over and tap my nightstand to see what time it is without having to pick up my phone.
No more clutter
The best thing about the Apple Watch Edition, it instantly decluttered my nightstand. I went from having separate chargers (and their cords) for my Apple Watch and iPhone XS Max to one single beautiful charging pad for both. Thank you, Nomad.
What I like
- Premium design
- Compatible with Nightstand Mode
- Decluttered my nightstand
- It’s made by Nomad
What needs to be improved
- Nothing
Final Thoughts
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Nomad’s products and the Base Station Apple Watch Edition is no exception. If you charge your Apple Watch every night like I do It’s the perfect bedside companion.
The Apple AirPower charger is dead, long live the Nomad Base Station Apple Watch Edition!
Price: $139.95
Where to buy: Nomad and B&H Photo
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Nomad.
