Review: Scosche BaseLynx – Modular Charging System

As your device arsenal or gadget collection grows, so do your charging needs, so it’s reassuring you can find an elegant solution like the Scosche BaseLynx – Modular Charging System for you to expand on as the need arises.

At first glance it looks right at home, neat and tidy on virtually any surface. I found the real beauty of BaseLynx is its minimalist design around four charging modules, three of which can operate independently or be powered individually. When hinged together, they can operate as a single unit all seamlessly powered through one of the end caps by one AC power cord.

BaseLynx Modules

The modules, starting with the Vert Charging Station as the name suggests, allows up to three devices, like a smartphone or tablet to be organized vertically on their edge, saving valuable desk space whether you’re charging up or simply storing your device for the evening. The module’s strong, sturdy shark fin-like rubberized compartments keep your devices separated and standing tall. In fact my 13-inch MacBook Air can be set on its widest edge without fear of it falling over.   

At the back of the Vert are three charging ports;  An 18W USB-C Power Delivery port surrounded by two 12W USB-A ports, one on either side. The USB-C port is designed to charge up to three times faster than a standard charger. It also uses adaptive power which can adapt to charging devices without fear of overcharging. As an FYI, higher powered devices like the newer MacBook Air, will charge, but albeit at a very slow rate.  

The 10W Qi-certified Wireless Charging Pad juices up compatible devices like the iPhone 8, or Samsung Galaxy 9 and up or even accessories like Apple AirPods ( in their charging case) by simply laying them flat on the pad’s padded material-like surface in line with the charging coil. A glowing soft white LED at the front will tell you your device is charging. This is particularly handy in helping to avoid a dead battery as you grab your phone and head out. If it’s red, your device hasn’t been placed correctly and won’t charge if perhaps it’s detected as a non-compliant device.

I was also delightfully surprised my iPhone 8 would charge without having to remove its silicone case. Of course, results may vary depending on your case’s construction, especially if it contains metal.

The BaseLynx Watch module is a magnetic charger designed for Apple Watch. A little narrower than the Qi pad, it can charge your watch by simply laying it flat. The magnetic connector can also be propped so it can lay on its side in nightstand mode that changes your watch face into a bedside clock.

All modules come with a non-powered EndCap to ensure a sleek and uniform finish and to not leave any ports or hinges exposed. However, you can add an extra 18W USB-C and 12W USB-A port without adding additional bulk. This is where the 4th module – the Dual Port Charging EndCap with adaptive power can come in handy. It does have its own power source. It simply connects to the end of any of the other modules.

Start with a BaseLynx Kit

While components can certainly be purchased individually, it would make more practical and economic sense to start with a basic bundle like the BaseLynx Kit – the basis for my review. It comes with the Vert, Watch and Qi pad modules, a single 5-foot AC power cord and non-powered endcap. The BaseLynx Pro Kit offers the same three modules, but also adds the Dual EndCap charger plus short one-foot USB-A and USB-C cables.

Overall Thoughts

I really appreciate its overall minimalist design – no more bells and whistles than absolutely necessary. It helps you keep all your gadgets charged and organized on your desk or night stand. It has a smart and aesthetically pleasing look, not bulky but with a robust build. And unlike many other chargers, it doesn’t need to be shoved to a hidden corner or kept on the floor.  

I also like that you can expand the system with additional optional and even future modules, providing there’s enough juice available from your power source. To determine that, Scosche has made it easy, cleverly assigning a power point value to each module . The watch module, wireless charging pad, powered end-cap and Vert have assigned values of 1, 2, 3 and 5 points respectively. Connect as many modules in series to a single AC connection as you will, providing the total value does not exceed 15 points. 

I think it would have been handy to have a second USB-C port as they have become more and more commonplace. Perhaps one more on the Vert, or an additional one on the watch charger. What’s not that commonplace are one-foot cables – although you can get them on Amazon. Perhaps they could include them with the basic kit.  

BaseLynx Black

Despite the few items on my wish list, the BaseLynx warrants fairly high marks. It also makes for a great Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or graduation gift.  The Scosche BaseLynx White is available exclusively at Apple retail and on-line stores. In Canada, the kit retails for $199.95, the Pro Kit, $259.95 with individual modules starting at $54.95. You can also purchase BaseLynx Black Kit  from Amazon.ca and other modules directly from Scosche

A syndicated version of the article also appears at Troy Media and affiliated syndicated sites.

Greg Gazin, also known as the Gadget Guy and Gadget Greg, is a syndicated veteran tech columnist, communication, leadership and technology speaker, facilitator at Crestcom International, blogger, podcaster and author. Reach him @gadgetgreg or at GadgetGuy.ca.

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