28 replies to this topic

[The Soup Thief]

I'm always a bit wary about starting new Topics on Modaco - looks like I'm breaking virgin snow here though...

I see from this news item Paul posted last month and the comments that followed that the N4 uses the Qi standard.  I'm an utter noob when it comes to wireless charging, but I assume that one needs a receiver device (here, a Nexus 4 with built in receiver) and a compatible transmitter, so in this case a Qi charging pad.  The Maxell Air Voltage and Bitmore Charging Pad are each available for 40 quid.
XDA developers has a few optionsfrom Energizer and Panasonic, though it appears only the former is available in the UK currently (and quite pricey too)

In the comments on the above-linked news page Flibblesan linked to a Nokia device available through Handtec - not available anymore :-(  Also as Zarch1972 points out the Palm Touchstone doesn't work
There are a bunch of cheap Powermat options (I think Powermat is a Duracell brand) on Amazon, but I assume these are not Qi compatible
Similarly there are some Duracell Mygrid pads going for pennies - I guess these are not compatible
Can anyone confirm whether the Nokia chargers are compatible with the N4?

Any other suggestions?

EDIT:
Here's a bit more info on N4 wireless charging.  Confirms that Nokia chargers are Qi compatible, Powermat are not.
Also that Qi is pronounced "chee" - who knew?  Also there's an "LG Portable Power Mat", but it's unavailable through Amazon UK at the mo

Edited by The Soup Thief, 07 December 2012 - 01:59 PM.

[Pondlife]

Think all those cheap ones were around before qi.
Expect we'll see some better options eventually just like a larger array of cases would be nice.

[The Soup Thief]

I've ordered a crappy plastic case from some amazon seller - just to save me smashing the fragile beauty in the early days.  Hopefully will get something a bit prettier as things come on stream.  It will be a shame to cover up that gorgeous backplate...
Re chargers, the two 40 quid ones mentioned above are both Qi chargers.  I just want  to hear a few reviews before I flash the cash
Surprised the Chinese sellers haven't weighed in here - Qi is an open standard - there are no royalties to pay, so it should just be a matter of someone wanting to set up buiding them

EDIT - just had a look on Aliexpress - the best anyone will do for a Qi charger is about $50 - slightly less wholesale, but only slightly.  That's about 30 quid - for the reduction in hassle, I think the Maxell or the Bitmore look well worth the tenner extra

Edited by The Soup Thief, 07 December 2012 - 03:47 PM.

[Pondlife]

Yeah I got that the 40 quid ones were qi, but thought the cheap ones were too old. I did see one reviewer had troubles with the nokia charger and the n4.
I expect there's not been enough interest in wireless chargers for the budget sellers to flood the market yet. If there is more interest now I think they'll start churning them out fast. I'm in no rush for the qi charger can wait for saner prices, preferably that charge more than one device.
Expect we'll see more cases first though. Yeah was hoping for one with a totally clear back. Ordered front and back screen protectors and a slip case as temporary measure.

[everett_psycho]

I've ordered a maxell charger but it's taking a while to turn up, I'll post more when it arrives.  Also found this as an import but went with the maxell as I had a play voucher to use anyway

http://www.vococal.c...ite_p12461.html

Also got a cheap tpu case of eBay for about £3, the clear ones hide a chunk of the back but you can still see the nexus logo and some of the effect of the back glass, hopefully some manufacturers will get on board making decent cases and qi chargers

[The Soup Thief]

Just saw this Forbes article which gives a little background to why there are so few Qi chargers about at the moment
Sounds like the standard has been set - Chinese fabs, start your engines!

[Pondlife]

Not really as that was over a month ago and they were churning out charging cables for the new iphone in hours.
Tbh I don't see the adoption by wp8 phones and the nexus 4 of qi as definitive for which charging standard wins out.

[professordes]

The 40 quid Maxell charger picked up from one of the on-line retailers in the UK works very nicely with the N4 (as it should, being Qi). It is a fair bit bigger than the phone, although it is light, so it isn't really a very portable option. It would be nice to have something rollable....

[everett_psycho]

Mines in my bag at the moment to try at work, it's really light but it is about the size of a 7 inch tablet so not that portable.

Also add Paul found out, nexus glass on a plastic plate is very slippery, you need a case on the nexus to stop if sliding off

[t0ph0id]

My Maxell case arrive today. I don't find it slippery in the slightest when my phone is on it with no case.

It is bigger than the phone, but it needs to be. About the size I expected to be honest.

I found it charged pretty quickly, but did get a bit warm. Will try and log some temperatures.

[everett_psycho]

 t0ph0id, on 11 December 2012 - 02:52 PM, said:

My Maxell case arrive today. I don't find it slippery in the slightest when my phone is on it with no case.

It is bigger than the phone, but it needs to be. About the size I expected to be honest.

I found it charged pretty quickly, but did get a bit warm. Will try and log some temperatures.

I found mine seems to charge faster in the case which is a bit weird

[StuMcBill]

I looked at the Nokia wireless charging plate the other day, seems to be a nice piece of kit!

I *think* it is qi compatible, and if I had my N4 (its being held hostage until Christmas), I would have stuck it on the plate in Carphone Warehouse!

[ethicalstrategy]

I can confirm that the Nokia plate works fine with the N4.  I've stuck mine on a few in CPW without any problem.

[Weasley]

 ethicalstrategy, on 12 December 2012 - 04:58 PM, said:

I can confirm that the Nokia plate works fine with the N4.  I've stuck mine on a few in CPW without any problem.

I tried the Lumia 920 wireless plate on my N4. its keep displaying charging and not charging.  ocassionally its will charge 1% on wireless then not charging again.

[The Soup Thief]

In a thread over at xda some guy reports having been in touch with this company about compatibility of their device with a the N4. Claims it works http://store.wpcentr...5A233A12862.htm

[The Soup Thief]

Here's the link to the thread http://forum.xda-dev...d.php?t=2040340

[The Soup Thief]

This Xda post is interesting... http://forum.xda-dev....php?p=35132235
Maybe the Nokia pads are ok after all...

[Rusty!]

I use the Maxell Air Voltage charger with mine, it's pretty cool.

[everett_psycho]

The official orb has appeared on the play store, well it's there but us in the UK can't buy it yet, it's going for $60 plus p&p in the states

[Sn0warmy]

If you can get your hands on the LG WCP-700 Wireless Charging Pad, I highly recommend it. I've been using it since mid-December and it's been absolutely flawless. I picked it up for about $40 shipped at the time it was available on Amazon.

I should mention that it charges the phone perfectly even with the official bumper and the Diztronic TPU case.

Edited by Sn0warmy, 14 February 2013 - 06:10 PM.