BuQu Tech Magnetyze Charging System (for iPhone 4/4S)

By Eugene Kim

If you have an iPhone 4?or 4S?and are envious of the wireless charging capabilities of the Nokia Lumia 920, you'll want to check out the BuQu Tech Magnetyze Charging System ($69.99 direct). It uses conductive technology to both charge and sync your device without having to plug in any cables. It's certainly not a must-have iPhone accessory, but being able to drop your phone on a stand and have it charge up is undeniably cool.

The Magnetyze Charging System includes everything you'll need to get started including a desk stand, a protective case, and the Magnetyze charging cable. The set is available in black or white. The desk stand has a nice modern look to it, with a small footprint that won't take up too much space. There's a micro USB port on the back of the base. You'll need to use the included cable to connect the base to a computer for syncing, or just use the AC adapter if you only want to use the charging function. The system isn't completely wireless, but you don't have to connect any cables to the phone itself. A small circle on the stand houses metal contact points that connect the stand to the back of the case.

The magnets in each component are strong enough to make it easy to line up and connect the stand and case or cable and case?simply hold them close enough and they snap into place. The phone can be rotated 360 degrees to sit either vertically or horizontally on the stand. Once in place, charging and syncing work exactly as advertised.?

The case itself resembles a typical iPhone battery case, which an extended bottom and thicker profile. It comes in two parts, a rigid back with a 30-pin connector on the bottom and a flexible rubber bumper that wraps around the phone and holds it in the case. There are cutouts for the buttons and headphone jack, but I found them to be a bit too tight and recessed. The back of the case has a metal bull's-eye contact point in the center. The case is thicker and heavier than the one used with the Duracell Powermat, but still only adds 0.16 inches in thickness and 1.12 ounces in weight.?The included Magnetyze cable attaches to the back of the case much like the stand, and gives you another way to charge or sync your phone. It makes the transition to the Magnetyze system a little easier, as you can keep your cable in one location and your stand in another. ?

The biggest problem with the Magnetyze system, which is true for all third-party wireless charging systems, is the need to replace all your current cables with Magnetyze compatible accessories. Luckily they give you the stand and a spare cable, but you'll need to take the phone out of its case to use it with non-Magnetyze products. Duracell's inductive system is more established and the company is also making a push to have Powermat-compatible charging stations placed in public locations. Powermats do not sync like Magnetyze, but with wireless syncing available, that advantage is moot. Both systems work equally well at wireless charging, but I prefer Duracell's sleeker design.?

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