What you need to know
- Lenovo is going to sell its unique Wireless Charging Kit later this year.
- The tech uses a pogo pin method and charging pad to charge your laptop wirelessly.
- The Go Wireless Charging Kit goes on sale later in October for $140.
Lenovo loves testing out new technology in a simple process called releasing it. Whether people love it or not is the question, but the company is never afraid to push boundaries.
That is the case with its new Go Wireless Charging Kit. This system was first seen in its ThinkBook G2 i laptop, announced earlier this year. But now, instead of being built into the computer, anyone can add it to their 13" or 14" Ultrabook PC.
Here is how it works.
The kit involves a simple rubber strip with two pogo pins and a Type-C connector. Stick the ribbon to the bottom of the laptop towards the rear and use the Type-C plug to connect to your laptop's Type-C port. By the way, you need a Type-C port to make this work. That also means you do give up a port to make this all happen.
Next, you can use your laptop's Type-C cable to plug into the wireless charging pad. It takes up to 65-watts, which is standard for Intel Ultrabooks and non-gaming or workstation laptops from AMD.
And that's it. So long as those two pins touch anywhere on that metal plate, you're good to go.
Now, when you get to the office or come home, you can plop your computer down on this thing, and it starts charging. Moreover, it charges as quickly as if it were wired. The tech operates through 'Power by Contact' patented technology from Energysquare, who is working with Lenovo on the experiment.
The kit is also limited to 13" and 14" laptops because of the length of the charging strip. Presumably, Lenovo could make longer ones later if there is demand. It would be best if you also were careful to avoid any fan intake vents your laptop may have in that area.
Another small bonus? That strip helps elevate the laptop slightly, giving you some angled typing, which is better for the wrists.
Whether people will actually buy the Lenovo Go Wireless Charging Kit remains to be seen. It is undoubtedly a clever idea and perfect for those who use a laptop as their only computer while also having a frequently used dedicated workspace. But it is also a bit niche and odd, not unlike using cork in your keyboard.
But hey, at least Lenovo is trying here!
Look for the Lenovo Go Wireless Charging Kit later in October for $140. We're sure to give it a try ourselves, and we'll let you know how it goes.
