Case-Mate's Hug allows induction charging on the iPhone

Haven't you heard of Powermat? True it is a case, but it has a mini USB port and cord for syncing. inductive charging is just kind of fun, more than it is practical. I'd be more impressed with wireless syncing than wireless charging.

$100 for an inductance charger is crazy. On the other hand I think putting a small device in a bulky sleeve and leaving it in there so I can sit it on a unique charger, instead of carrying a cable I can plug in relatively anywhere to charge but that doesn't otherwise bulk the unit is also a bit crazy. Same kind of crazy, though? :)

/then there's the crazy that I'm even replying to this, when I have a Nokia instead of an iPhone

Got mine in the mail today!
Cons:
1) Poor packaging.
2) The top bit of the "charging connector for the iPhone" doesn't stay on.
3) The "universal" power adapter (Input:100-240V) has only a North American plug embedded in the charging unit. Since this manufactured in China - the cost to have a truly Universal Adapter would add about 75 cents US to the cost of manufacturing.
4) Feels shonky (Aussie term but I am sure you get the idea) - poor quality of material for Hug. The mophie Juice pack air MUCH better feel, all the bits fit and it can be plugged in to charge while syncing (I am not too sure about wirelessly updating. BUT I can be convinced. ;)
5) Typeface in the instruction manual appears (I say appears because it must be 4 point type) to be a form of invisible ink (actually a pale light green) - maybe it is to indicate that they are a "green" company. Is not readable.
6) A metal disk 15 mm in diameter is attached to the box. It is magnetic. If it is a theft prevention device (non-RFID) then it is pretty poor. If it is a latch to hold the poor packaging together - it did not even come close to working.
7) Packing for international shipment - oversized box containing: CaseMate for my 15" MBP, two of the Hug devices and ONE puffy air bag! This stuff was knocked around like a BB in a boxcar!

I haven't even fired it up yet. We shall see.

Cheers from Oz.

#1 If the charging was built-in into the phone, the dock connector will be still free for use... its a simple matter to choose between one and other based on the connected status of the phone.

#2 Pointless to have this because it still makes me LEAVE my phone on the inductive charger dock. Wireless power can be revolutionary ONLY IF iPhone can be charged while I am using it in my hand - at same time. I enter my house, and it should start charging for ex...

Agree with exNewt and Kelly's point too.

These wireless energy solutions are not energy efficient. Can you imagine the watt-hours lost if this was the default way of charging an iPhone?

Can see the point of wireless power for charging electronics say inside the body. A charger for someone who can't be bothered to plug in a cable, I cannot.

Why would I want to add 80 % bulk of cheap plastic housing to allow my iphone to be charged without plugging into a cord. Kind of pointless, more work to create similar effort. Just stupet.

Class, all together now "we will not be swayed by the seductive lure of wireless induction charging, as even the most efficient systems - of which this is not - lose at least 30% of the electricity."

Thank you.

Only if it can sync the same way...

This is absolutely pointless, less convenient than a cable which lets you move, hold and therefore use your phone plus you wouldn't want to carry that base around with you either. I don't understand any advantage over the standard iPhone charge that comes included.

I think it's ridiculous that you cry about Apple not allowing you to wirelessly charge your phone and suggest this as an option but cry about it blocking the dock port. Why do you need that port? Because Apple doesn't allow you to even sync your phone wirelessly which is far easier to implement than inductive charging...

Bizarre that you didn't connect the dots here.