If your fingers have limited dexterity, making those connections can still be a problem. One solution is to use the magnetic style connectors for phones and tablets that can replace Apple Lightning, USB-C, or USB-micro type with a simple magnetic connection.
But I wanted to find a way to use wireless charging to charge tablets, and here is a solution I found.
Magnetic Connectors
If your fingers have limited dexterity, making those connections can still be a problem. One solution is to use the magnetic style connectors for phones and tablets that can replace Apple Lightning, USB-C, or USB-micro type with a simple magnetic connection.
When choosing this type of connector, be sure to get one that holds very strongly. I also recommend the “round” type as it can connect without having the “line-up.”
Charging on a Stand
Something that Android phone users and more recently iPhone users have enjoyed is the wireless QI charging that allows them to place their phone on a stand and have it start charging. Even owners of phones without built-in wireless charging have been able to add it through an external plug-in sleeve
Wireless Charging of Tablets is a Problem
However, except for the GrandPad, Amazon Fire HD Plus tablet, and Huawei MatePad Pro, which have built-in wireless charging, there has been no advertised means of charging tablets.
Several hobbyists have published articles showing the use of phone QI receivers on their iPad, but Nillkin PowerHold is the first complete system I have found.
Here is the system I tested… and it works!
Evaluating the Nillkin PowerHold
This wireless charger was tested on the devices below using these products:
Tablets
Samsung TAB s5e
Samsung TAB A 8.4
Apple iPad Pro (2018)
Charging equipment
Links below go to Amazon [affiliate links], where you can see the equipment used in this solution.
As expected, wireless charging is a little slower, but the tradeoff of not having to make any connections makes it worthwhile. I suggest charging the tablet in a vertical orientation as it is more balanced on the stand
If the tablet case is thin, the wireless receiver sleeve will work inside the case.
However, if the case is thick, the wireless receiver must be installed on the outside
I also added a “nail file” to balance the thicker case, and I used Gorilla Tape to hold down the wireless receiver to the back of the thick case
One problem that I ran into is that the wireless charging receiver cable length is too short to allow charging of a tablet in the horizontal mode. On the Apple iPad Pro 2018, the power lead length is a little longer.
But still not enough to charge in a horizontal mode
However, both will charge adequately in a vertical mode
While vertical charging mode is acceptable for a phone, the manufacturer should make the power lead longer allowing tablet charging in a horizontal mode.
Wireless charging at work!
*Disclosure: The research and opinions in this article are those of the author, and may or may not reflect the official views of Tech-enhanced Life.
If you use the links on this website when you buy products we write about, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate or other affiliate program participant. This does not affect the price you pay. We use the (modest) income to help fund our research.
In some cases, when we evaluate products and services, we ask the vendor to loan us the products we review (so we don’t need to buy them). Beyond the above, Tech-enhanced Life has no financial interest in any products or services discussed here, and this article is not sponsored by the vendor or any third party. See How we Fund our Work.
Retired Intel Engineer wanting to share DIY technology tips for the children of parents wanting to remain living independently. I like posting ideas and answering technical questions. If a product or software has an issue making it hard for seniors to use, I try to offer workarounds and also try to contact the manufacturer for solutions. I write a column for this website in the Innovation- Homebrew Solutions & Ideas section
