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Logitech's 'Logi BASE' Stand Charges the iPad Pro Using the Smart Connector

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The Smart Connector on the iPad Pro has thus far only been used for keyboard accessories including the Logitech Create and Apple's own Smart Keyboard, but today, Logitech is debuting a new accessory that uses a little known functionality of the Smart Connector -- charging.

Logitech's new Logi BASE is a stand for the 9.7 and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, allowing them to charge cable-free in landscape mode through the Smart Connector. Logitech sent MacRumors a Logi BASE ahead of its debut, so we were able to get a few days of hands-on time with it.

logibase.jpg

Made of solid aluminum matching the Silver iPad Pro models, the Logi BASE has a Lightning port on the back to accommodate a Lightning cable, which is used to power the accessory. On the front of the stand, there are three male Smart Connector prongs that fit into the Smart Connector port on the iPad Pro to deliver power to the tablet whenever it's sitting in the stand. The Lightning port is located right in the middle of the stand, something that I found somewhat inconvenient for cable management when positioned on my desk.

logibaserear.jpg

A plastic lip holds the iPad Pro in place, and a rubber bottom ensures the stand stays firmly in place on a flat surface made of wood, metal, granite, or other similar hard material. The iPad Pro rests against aluminum in the back, and while this didn't cause scratching during my limited testing period, it doesn't seem as ideal as a rubber coating to protect the aluminum shell of the iPad.


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Article Link: Logitech's 'Logi BASE' Stand Charges the iPad Pro Using the Smart Connector
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2016/04/26/logi-base-ipad-pro-stand/
This stand is more practical than that smart keyboard case. At least it can recharge your device. (and it is the only feature it can provide)
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szw-mapple fan said:
Expensive devices = fewer buyers = fewer buyer of accessory for said device = a higher price for accessories to make it worthwhile for makers to produce one.
Click to expand...
Cheap devices = more buyers = more buyer of accessory for said device = a lower price for accessories to make it worthwhile for makers to produce one.
Is this a proper assumption?
 
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Shirasaki said:
Cheap devices = more buyers = more buyer of accessory for said device = a lower price for accessories to make it worthwhile for makers to produce one.
Is this a proper assumption?
Click to expand...

I would say that's mostly the case. Do you ever see a $100 stand for kindle fires, for example? Also, I would like to add that buyers of expensive devices are more likely to afford expensive accessories, and vice versa.
 
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The Blackberry Playbook had a base that charged like this in 2011. It is a convenient way to store and charge your tablet. And if you set it up on your desk with a bluetooth keyboard you can work and charge at the same time.
 
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So Apple is copying a very old concept. My original Sony PSP did this. Nothing wrong with Apple using the idea so long as them or their fans don't claim they invented it and is magical or something.
Apple should of had this years ago in all their tablets.
 
Really intrigued about the full capability of the Smart Connector. Honestly, I am extremely (pleasantly) surprised that you can charge at a reasonable speed via it. I know Schiller mentioned "two-way flow of data and power" but it's been so long I thought we'd never see anything.

If the "power" element has exceeded expectations, what about the "data" part? Very interesting...
 
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trifid said:
So this is the caveman version of inductive charging.

I bought this back in 2011, it was so beautiful and elegant, an inductive charging stand and the HP Touchpad... way ahead of its time.

37becff4a48d53cb718da9110361aecc.jpg
Click to expand...

I notice you conveniently left out the fact that the HP Touchpad was thick as hell and almost feels like a plastic pillow compared to the iPad 2 it was contemporary with... (I still have one running Android in an iCade).
 
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So THIS is what Logitech have been teasing on their website for a few weeks now?

A nice concept, but no rubber coating on the bit that the iPad rests on? Even if it doesn't cause scratching, the sound, the 'dink' you get every time you put it down, the unnerving feeling of the chance that it might scratch the back...

... for $99, to not even put some rubber on the lip for everyone's peace of mind is a joke.

And I thought Apple's own Watch charging dock was expensive at $79! At least that comes with a lightning cable and is made of material that won't scratch!

Dear lord, Logitech.

Oh, I've just seen it apparently has a thin polycarbonate layer for search protection.. not mentioned in the review? (still not worth the money).
 
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