Apple Stores Now Selling Scosche's BaseLynx Modular Charging System

[MacRumors]

Apple's online store and select Apple retail stores are now selling Scosche's BaseLynx Modular Charging System, which features different device charging components that can be paired together to form a charging base.

The BaseLynx Modular Charging System can be purchased in a kit or piece by piece, and there are four different options available:

• MFi-certified Apple Watch charger, which works in Nightstand mode).
• Qi wireless charging pad for iPhones and AirPods.
• Vert charging station that charges three devices at once with one 18W USB-C port and two 12W USB-A ports.
• Charging EndCap, which fits on the end and includes an 18W USB-C port and a 12W USB-A port. The EndCap is the one component that doesn't work alone.

Apple is selling the Scosche BaseLynx Modular Charging System Kit for $149.95 and the BaseLynx Modular Charging System Pro Kit for $199.95.

The standard kit includes the Apple Watch module, Qi module, and the vertical charging stand, while the Pro version includes those three modules along with the EndCap charger.

Each portion of the BaseLynx can also be purchased separately at prices ranging from $39.95 to $69.95, so customers can build a setup piece by piece.

There are only four charging modules at this time, but Scosche plans to build additional modules in the future that will integrate with the existing modules.

Article Link: Apple Stores Now Selling Scosche's BaseLynx Modular Charging System

 

[wolfshades]

I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. There are all kinds of multi-charging devices on Amazon but I have yet to find one that charges the iPhone, iPad Pro and Apple Watch all at once - without the damned thing tipping over (yes I foolishly bought one).

Might give this one a try.

 

[Greenmeenie]

I still hope apple doesnt go totally wireless and remove the usb-c & lightening ports from future ipad pros and iphones. I travel a lot, and i don’t want to have to lug around a wireless base station to charge them with. Much easier to just bring a cable and plug. Maybe in the future when all devices will be charged constantly thru radio waves wherever you go. Is that tech even possible? But until then, what will travelers do?

 

[mannyvel]

This is pretty slick. It makes me want a Qi-compatible iPhone. Bummer that the vertical charger doesn't come with cables, because those are going to look really ugly. There's just no way to make a multi-device charging station w/cables look good.

 

[ChromeAce]

Pointless. You are gonna have all those cords around anyway for iPad charging, you might as well hook up a couple more to the iPhone and AirPods for faster performance. Also, you can’t use an iPhone while it’s charging wirelesssly laying flat. So I just run all the cables behind the nightstand and use a cable organizer and ’s charging stand for the watch.

 

[44267547]

Pointless. You are gonna have all those cords around anyway for iPad charging, you might as well hook up a couple more to the iPhone and AirPods for faster performance. Also, you can’t use an iPhone while it’s charging wirelesssly laying flat. So I just run all the cables behind the nightstand and use a cable organizer and ’s charging stand for the watch.

Bolded:

Think about this for a second, Why would anybody need to use the phone on a wireless charger when its....charging? I think we gather that concept, but it’s purpose is to have the convenience without using a lightning cable directly into the port.

 

[Braderunner]

The price of these things...just to have everything on one unit. Big deal.
Now...I know people are going to stay, but I'm a minimalist. But, are you really? Over spend, then call it minimal?
Just sayin'. There are other ways to make things look neat.

 

[44267547]

The price of these things...just to have everything on one unit. Big deal.
Now...I know people are going to stay, but I'm a minimalist. But, are you really? Over spend, then call it minimal?
Just sayin'. There are other ways to make things look neat.

I agree. I think this is a really clever idea by Scosche (And they have been around a long time), but I question if consumers are willing to pay for this type of ‘modular bridge’ building pieces for a wireless charger. I think consumers just want a simple/cheap wireless charger next to the bedside/desk that probably serve the majority of purposes.

 

[Michael Scrip]

Why would anybody need to use the phone on a wireless charger when its.... charging? I think we gather that concept, but it’s purpose is to have the convenience without using a lightning cable directly into the port.

That's the rub.

When a phone is laying flat on a wireless charger... you CANNOT use it.

But you can use your phone while it's charging with a cable. I do it all the time.

Wireless charging is a great solution for laying your phone down on your nightstand before you go to bed. No muss, no fuss.

But for anywhere else... cables are faster, more efficient, and you can actually use the phone when it's plugged in.

Sidenote: has anyone noticed how a lot of cars have wireless chargers... but they are laying flat... sometimes tucked under the center stack?

That's cool and all... but I guess you won't be using GPS navigation on your phone while charging!

 

[jbachandouris]

That's the rub.

When a phone is laying flat on a wireless charger... you CANNOT use it.

But you can use your phone while it's charging with a cable. I do it all the time.

Wireless charging is a great solution for laying your phone down on your nightstand before you go to bed. No muss, no fuss.

But for anywhere else... cables are faster, more efficient, and you can actually use the phone when it's plugged in.

Sidenote: has anyone noticed how a lot of cars have wireless chargers... but they are laying flat... sometimes tucked under the center stack?

That's cool and all... but I guess you won't be using GPS navigation on your phone!

My Malibu has a wireless charging 'slot,' but it doesn't fit any plus size phones. Such a total waste.

 

[ChromeAce]

Bolded:

Think about this for a second, Why would anybody need to use the phone on a wireless charger when its....charging? I think we gather that concept, but it’s purpose is to have the convenience without using a lightning cable directly into the port.

Keep thinking. Using an iPhone while it’s charging is extremely common. Using it while charging wirelessly is possible if the charger orients the phone vertically, which some do. But using it while it’s charging with a cord is obviously much more convenient as you can hold the phone in your hand where it belongs...which you can’t do with a wireless charger. And that’s why I avoid them. There’s nothing “convenient” about a feature that makes an iPhone unusable and takes longer to charge with. And there’s nothing “wireless” about a charger that has to plug into an AC outlet.

 

[blasto2236]

I got one of these this week and I love it.

 

[podlasek]

I think what some are missing, is this is more of a docking area rather than just a Qi charger. This seems to be more for the person or devices in the household that get organized in a particular spot each night and to keep the area neat and tidy.

looking at it, you would never put it on a nightstand, unless you need all of your devices there at once? But that seems strange?

 

[Rainshadow]

I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. There are all kinds of multi-charging devices on Amazon but I have yet to find one that charges the iPhone, iPad Pro and Apple Watch all at once - without the damned thing tipping over (yes I foolishly bought one).

Might give this one a try.

try looking up the Belkin Boost. Charges my watch, phone and iPad at once. Usb A on the ack of it. Works awesome.

Costco also has a ubio labs product that charges phone, watch, and also has 2 usba ports that my wife charges her iPad and AirPods at once now. It was just on sale for $70. https://www.costco.com/ubio-labs-wi...iphone-and-apple-watch.product.100487101.html

something that naysayers about these products forget is that there are only a finite amount of plugs in some rooms and charging my three devices and my wifes three devices plus two airpod cases can quickly become a PITA To juggle plugs without unsafe extenders or extension cords - which look horrible. And you’re always trying to keep the different power bricks plugged into the right devices...

 

[RevTEG]

The price of these things...just to have everything on one unit. Big deal.
Now...I know people are going to stay, but I'm a minimalist. But, are you really? Over spend, then call it minimal?
Just sayin'. There are other ways to make things look neat.

while I agree with your premise, we can’t judge what is overspending for other people. Some of us either have the extra funds available or have saved in so many other areas that making a purchase wouldn’t actually be overspending. That’s all based on ones level of income. 😄

 

[44267547]

Using an iPhone while it’s charging is extremely common.

I don’t deny that, although that wasn’t my initial argument, nor is this relevant to the article topic. (Hence wireless charging.)

But using it while it’s charging with a cord is obviously much more convenient

You’re on a totally different tangent. Anybody that’s considering using a wireless charger, already realizes they don’t need to use the phone while it’s charging. They’re taking the convenience factor of just leaving it as is without having the necessary lightning cable attached, either next to the bedside/desk. If somebody simply wants to use a lightning cable for the charging port, that’s a totally different topic away from the actual article content itself. What you’re suggesting, is not mutually exclusive, for those who want the convenience. (Yes it is a convenience.)
[automerge]1578683381[/automerge]

while I agree with your premise, we can’t judge what is overspending for other people. Some of us either have the extra funds available or have saved in so many other areas that making a purchase wouldn’t actually be overspending. That’s all based on ones level of income. 😄

That’s fair. And in terms of having some of the latest technology compiled together from tech manufacturers, you pay a premium for it. Convenience comes at a cost sometimes, it’s all subjective based on what someone finds would benefit them in their daily lifestyle.

 

[xizdun]

Bravo, Scosche. 👏

I've been keeping an eye on this for some time now. I definitely see myself owning the BaseLynx in the future.

 

[kaycrystal626]

This is too much!

 

[44267547]

This is too much!

I figured more members would be saying something like this. I don’t think Scosche really intended this to be for every ‘average consumer’ looking for a $12 wireless charger off eBay. I think because it’s modular and how you can build it, probably intended for those who really want the convenience of tech with the wireless charging/organization. I could see this being more of a ‘desktop application’ then say next to somebody’s bedside.

 

[BornAgainMac]

I know someone that bent their iPad Pro when it was not fully supported while charging. Anyone with a 12.9 iPad Pro, I recommend you lay it down flat next to this charger rather than risk having it standing up.

 

[Braderunner]

while I agree with your premise, we can’t judge what is overspending for other people. Some of us either have the extra funds available or have saved in so many other areas that making a purchase wouldn’t actually be overspending. That’s all based on ones level of income. 😄

You're missing the point. $200 IS a lot of money for something that only improves the look of what already exists. Spending money for looks...even if you have the money...is not really minimalistic. Plus, this particular item is pretty freakin' big.

 

[FightTheFuture]

Also, you can’t use an iPhone while it’s charging wirelesssly laying flat.

When a phone is laying flat on a wireless charger... you CANNOT use it.

That’s weird. Not only did I read this article but I also replied to both these posts with my iPhone laying flat on a wireless charger.

You’re definitely limited when it’s on a Qi charger but it isn’t impossible to use your phone when it’s charging.

Keep in mind that when you’re plugged in, your also limited to range and how you can handle your phone. Your smartphone is designed to work off battery, not a charging cable.

 

[gplusplus]

I have a dumb question. Does Apple curate products and select what is sold in their stores, or do the third party companies pay for store space?

 

[bviktor]

Oh damn. Finally a charger that makes sense. But that price oof. I'd need an iPhone charger, a Watch charger, plus the USB-C end plug, that's $160 before taxes... Especially the Watch charger is pretty darn ridiculous, that's $70... the charger itself is just $30, meaning you pay $40 for a piece of plastic.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Sigh... rassin’ frassin’ USB-A.....the GOOD thing is that, because this is modular, hopefully they’ll come out with ALL USB-C modules eventually. I don’t have USB-A anything anymore, so I’m waiting for the industry to catch up. I’d even be willing to pay a premium now for the option!