Logitech has just launched its Base dock for iPad Pro, a simple accessory Apple really should have made.
Apple’s duo of Pro iPads are fantastic devices, but they’re lacking interesting accessories. Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard aside, there isn’t really much to get excited about. Well, Logitech might just have changed that with it’s new Base charging dock.
The Logi Base is an elegant add-on for either your iPad Pro 9.7 or 12.9. It uses Apple’s clever Smart Connector – which until now was only used to connect keyboards – to charge the iPads.
Utilising it for charging makes complete sense. Instead of needing to plug in the Lightning connector every time you need to juice up the iPad Pro, you just pop it on this well crafted aluminium dock and the integrated magnets will suck it into place.
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I’ve been using the Base for a few days and so far I am impressed. It doesn’t seem to take any longer than usual to charge up the iPad and it’s angled at just the right point to make it perfect for watching movies. It’s certainly a nicer angle for a Netflix binge than the Smart Keyboard and even more upright than the Smart Cover.
It’s well built too, something I’ve come to expect from Logitech. It looks a bit like an iMac stand, built completely out of strong aluminium. To be honest, it could easily pass for an accessory Apple actually makes.
It has its limits though. I’d have liked a spot to pop my Apple Pencil – that bloomin’ thing always seems to get lost – and you’ll have to completely remove the Smart Cover/Keyboard before you plonk it down in the dock. It’ll work with the Apple silicone case, but again not any other third-party alternatives.
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You’ll also need to provide your own Lightning cable and wall charger, as Logitech doesn’t include one in the box. This is hardly surprising, I don’t think I know of any third-party accessories that come with a spare Lightning cable, but it’s still somewhat of a pain.
The biggest issue regarding the Base though, is the price. At £89.99, this is a seriously luxury accessory and certainly not for everyone. I’d assume this steep entrance fee must have something to do with the cost of licensing the Smart Connector tech, and as that’s sort of the whole point of the Base it would be largely pointless without it.
Still, it’s nice to see the port being used and this is certainly one of the best docking solutions I have used. It’s available now from Logitech.com and should be coming to the Apple Store.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
