ZDNET Highlights
- Twelve South’s Valet is available now for $179.
- It’s made of genuine leather, has a Qi2 wireless charging puck and space to keep your essentials safe.
- It’s not cheap, and is only designed to charge one or two devices.
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Premium mobile accessories maker Twelve South recently released a first for the brand: a desktop wallet with a wireless charging puck and organizing space, made from genuine Nappa leather.
The Valet is clearly premium, with a solid build and rubberized stoppers that keep it stable on any surface. It has a weighted zinc alloy base, which makes it quite heavy, weighing a total of 2.3 pounds. The base measures 9.75 inches by 7.5 inches, taking up plenty of space on a dresser, console or nightstand.
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That’s a good thing, as it’s an attractive piece with a classic aesthetic, designed to hold essentials including jewelry, a wallet, and a watch, with a raised puck that supports Qi2 wireless charging at up to 15W.
Its design couldn’t be more minimalist than this. It has two USB-C ports on the bottom – one that connects to a power outlet, and another for an optional second cable, so you can charge another device at 35W. This isn’t a one-stop shop for all your electronics; It’s best for one-two, max–devices, while keeping your essentials in one place.
There are four cable routing posts on the bottom of the Valet that allow you to guide wires through any of the four sides, so it can be arranged in portrait or landscape mode, with charging posts on either side. It’s little touches like these that show Twelve South’s thoughtful design to maximize practicality.
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I’d say this is for the person who wants a practical, simple piece for consolidating phone charging and pocket essentials, and doesn’t need an octopus-like charging station with flailing cords for multiple devices at once. Its concise design resembles an analog desktop wallet, not a charger. In fact, if there is no power cord, there is nothing to indicate it Is A charger.
In terms of customization, there are two components: the leather base and the (magnetic, removable) frame that surrounds it. The leather is available in either taupe or black, while the frame is offered in taupe, ecru, brown or black, allowing a variety of color combinations.
I went with the solid black model and I love how it looks on my nightstand. However, I will note that the black color does show dust, especially if you are constantly placing items in the wallet that have come straight from your pocket.
The weighted zinc alloy base of the valet keeps it raised off the ground for an elevated look. Placing the device on a wireless charger causes the two lights at the bottom on the base to momentarily illuminate, indicating that it recognizes and is actively charging, but thankfully they dim after a few seconds. I should also note that the wireless charger here also works through my MagSafe-compatible phone case.
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Twelve South is aiming for a premium consumer here, and the price certainly supports that. At $179, it’s certainly not cheap, but it’s also not that unheard of for a device made of genuine leather and such a sturdy construction.
The brand’s HiRise 2 Deluxe, for example, charges two devices wirelessly, but in a far more straightforward form, $79 — a full $100 less.
ZDNET’s shopping advice
Valet of Twelve South There is a classically designed desktop console that also functions as a charging station. I would recommend it to anyone looking to consolidate essentials. This is one of the most solidly built desktop wallets I’ve tested so far: This thing doesn’t move around even when you repeatedly pick up your phone and place it on a magnetic wireless charger.
It’s a bit expensive, but its genuine leather surface and straight construction make it an instrument that will last a long time. If you’re tired of disposable plastic chargers from dubious online sellers, consider investing in a practical device with a sophisticated design.
