As we’ve noted recently, Logitech’s Logi BASE ($100) is the first stand to charge an iPad Pro through its Smart Connector. BASE displays an iPad Pro at a 70-degree angle for viewing while charging. The stand works with either size iPad Pro, and should work with most cases that leave an opening for the Smart Connector. The charging stand doesn’t include any cables or power adapters — a Lightning cable is plugged into the back of the stand, with the USB end of the cable to be inserted into an adapter. Logitech recommends using an electrical outlet with BASE, rather than a USB port.
BASE is mostly made of aluminum, with small plastic sections to cradle an iPad Pro, and a slightly sticky bottom to stay put on a desk or table. It’s 7” x 4.48” x 3.23” and weighs 12.6 ounces — solid without taking up too much space. An iPad Pro connects and charges easily using the Smart Connector. For the record, there’s no way to use a Smart Connector keyboard while the iPad Pro is docked — the device occupies the Smart Connector and there’s no passthrough option or any extra port. A Bluetooth keyboard is still an option if you want to write while the iPad Pro is docked.
It’s nice to be able to quickly put an iPad down to charge without looking for a cable. Logitech estimates it takes about 7 hours to fully charge an iPad Pro using BASE, and in our tests with a 12.9” iPad Pro, that proved to be pretty accurate. However, that’s about two hours slower than our standard recharging test for the Pro. Base’s output/input rating is 2.4A, so conceivably, the speed should be the same — unless of course, the Smart Connector just doesn’t pull the same amount of power, or there’s some kind of difference in how it transfers a charge.
BASE is a well-made charging stand for iPad Pro. It fits either iPad Pro model, it’s made of solid aluminum, and it will stay put on a surface. However, it is $100, which is a lot for a stand. Charging is a key attribute, but most users probably don’t mind plugging a Lightning cable into an iPad while their device rests in any stand…especially when considering the slower charge this stand delivers. So is the convenience worth it? If you see it more as a stand with the added benefit of charging — rather than some kind of a supercharger — you might appreciate BASE. Some might consider BASE as a “semi-permanent” stand, leaving it on the same desk or countertop all the time, which would probably be a good solution. BASE is a fine stand, but it doesn’t offer a lot of bang for the buck.
Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: Logitech
Model: BASE
Price: $100
Compatible: 9.7” and 12.9” iPad Pro
