upgrading to the new NOMAD Stand One Max (2024) from the older Base Station (2019-21)
More: NOMAD Goods Site
I’ve got a lot of use from my old and discontinued NOMAD Base Station. I don’t have many complaints, but over the years, my tech moved on to the Faster-charging Apple Watch 10 and the 15W MagSafe charging on my iPhone 15 Pro. I also fancied using the iPhone’s Standby mode introduced in iOS 17 (2023) but needed a vertical MagSafe charger to transform my iPhone into a bedside clock.
The NOMAD Stand One Max initially appeared to fit the bill but represented a non-trivial investment at GBP140.
Design & Build
Both stands are fairly classy and suitable for most bedsides and work desks. Both have similar dimensions, but the new Stand One Max is noticeably heavier and made from scratch-resistant glass and quality metal. In contrast, the older one was a similar metal plus a slightly padded surface for the horizontal charging area. Each can charge a Watch, iPhone and AirPod case.
The standout difference is that the newer model has faster MagSafe charging, plus the vertical mount position that magically makes standby mode work.
Here are the specs. Guess where my problems start!
| Feature | Base Station Apple Watch Mount Edition | Stand One Max |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Charging | 10W output per coil (3 coils), supports 7.5W dual-device charging. | 15W Qi2 and MagSafe are for fast charging. |
| Apple Watch Charging | Requires a separate Apple Watch charging cable (not included). | Built-in Apple Watch Fast Charging (Series 7, 8, 9, 10, Ultra, and Ultra 2). |
| AirPods Charging | Compatible with AirPods (via Qi wireless charging). | Specialized Qi2 spot for AirPods with up to 5W wireless charging. |
| Additional Rear Ports | USB-C PD (18W) and USB-A (7.5W) for additional devices. | None |
| Multi-Device Charging | Charges up to 5 devices simultaneously | Designed for up to 3 devices with optimized wireless charging. |
| Additional Features | None | The raised Qi2 charger ensures compatibility with iPhone cameras and supports StandBy mode. Ambient Light Sensor: Dims LED indicators at night. |
The new Stand One Max is fine. I like it. But it’s not perfect for me. It lacks the following.
- I miss the USB (out) charge points to the rear. I used a very short USB cable to charge my WHOOP and the other as a spare that came in handy for any other bedside charging requirement.
- Although AirPods are shown in some images, I don’t own a pair. I understand the need for NOMAD to include charging abilities for them, but it’s a waste of space for me.
- StandBy mode only works with the iPhone when placed horizontally. While the MagSafe magnet easily holds the iPhone horizontally, it doesn’t look great with this specific stand design. The looks seem better when the iPhone is in portrait, but the StandBy doesn’t work. Grrr.
Take Out
It’s a great bedside unit.
I notice the quicker charging speed, even though I don’t need it.
If one were available, I’d probably opt instead for a flatbed iPhone charger with additional charging options to the rear.
Price & Target Audience
- Stand One Max:
- £140 (about $175).
- Ideal for users seeking the latest Qi2 and MagSafe charging, fast Apple Watch charging, and a sleek, modern design for showcasing and organizing devices.
Stand One Max for cutting-edge technology, premium design, and advanced features like fast Apple Watch charging and iPhone StandBy compatibility.
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