Imagine ditching the tangled wires and slow charging woes forever—Nomad's latest wireless hubs are here to revolutionize your gadget setup with lightning-fast power! But here's where it gets interesting: these upgrades aren't just about speed; they spark debates on convenience versus sustainability that could change how we think about tech accessories.
Hey there, tech enthusiasts! I'm Andrew Liszewski, a seasoned reporter who's been diving into the world of gadgets and innovations since 2006. My passion for electronics kicked off way back in my childhood, and it's been fueling my curiosity ever since. Today, let's chat about Nomad's refreshed Stand One and Stand One Max charging stands, which now embrace the cutting-edge Qi2.2 standard. For those new to this, Qi2.2 is an upgraded wireless charging protocol that boosts efficiency and speeds things up significantly—think of it as the evolution of MagSafe, allowing compatible devices to juice up more quickly and reliably.
Specifically, these hubs now deliver up to 25W of wireless power to supported smartphones, such as the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL and the iPhone 16 and 17 series. This faster rate means you could fully charge your phone in a fraction of the time compared to older wireless options, which often topped out at 15W or less. Picture this: popping your iPhone on the stand before bed and waking up to a battery that's ready for the day ahead—ideal for busy mornings when you're rushing out the door.
Just like their predecessors, the new Stand One and Stand One Max boast a premium build with a blend of glass and precision CNC-machined aluminum, ensuring they're not only visually appealing but also incredibly durable. They're designed to withstand daily use without scratching or warping, making them a solid investment for your home office or bedside table. Each comes bundled with a high-quality braided USB-C cable, but you'll need to provide your own 40W USB-C charger. And this is the part most people miss—and where things get controversial. Nomad explains in their FAQ that they believe many folks already have multiple power adapters lying around, and including extras would just contribute to unnecessary electronic waste. It's a bold stance on environmental responsibility, prioritizing planet-friendly practices over pure convenience. But is this the right call? On one hand, it reduces landfill contributions by encouraging reuse; on the other, it might frustrate users who expect a plug-and-play experience. What do you think—does Nomad's eco-choice make them a hero for sustainability, or is it just an inconvenience in disguise?
The updated Stand One is hitting shelves right now for $119 via Nomad's online store, available in sleek silver or rugged carbide finishes. Weighing in at 575 grams (that's just over 1.2 pounds), it's lightweight enough to move around easily but substantial enough to stay put. Beyond the Qi2.2 boost, Nomad has added a clever second wireless charging pad hidden beneath the angled phone holder. This lets you power up your AirPods or other compatible wireless headphones at a steady 5W rate, so you can charge your phone and earbuds simultaneously without extra clutter. For example, if you're deep into a podcast or music session, you won't have to juggle multiple cables—just place everything in one spot and let the wireless magic happen.
Meanwhile, the Qi2.2-enabled Stand One Max is also available for $159 in carbide or silver options through Nomad's site. At 875 grams, it's a bit heftier, but that weight adds to its stability. It retains the enhanced design from previous iterations, allowing you to position your smartphone horizontally on the stand while charging an Apple Watch at the same time—a setup that's perfect for multitasking setups like desk workstations. Interestingly, this fixes a design hiccup from the original model, where the layout made horizontal phone placement tricky when charging the watch. And while the Stand One gets the new AirPods pad, the Max keeps its earbuds charging feature intact. Tucked behind the vertical Apple Watch slot is a convenient indent where most Qi-compatible wireless earbud cases fit snugly, topping them off at 5W. Imagine syncing your entire Apple ecosystem in one go: phone, watch, and earbuds all juicing up together for seamless connectivity.
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- Andrew Liszewski
What’s your take on these charging stands? Do you see Nomad's environmental angle as a game-changer, or would you prefer the included charger for hassle-free setup? Does the added earbuds charging justify the price bump for the Max? Drop your opinions in the comments—let's debate!
