Based on the description on their site, the controller includes a built-in battery: "8.39 Wh Li-ion battery, 35+ hours of gameplay... "
That was disappointing for me. Specially condidering the Steam Frame's controllers make use of AA batteries: "One replaceable AA battery per controller, 40hr battery life"
AA Batteries might not be as convenient to use, but being able to replace them is a great advantage. All my Xbox360 controllers still work fine, but none of my PS3' Dualshock 3s.
The official docking station could be used to recharge (rechargables) AA batteries so the functionality could remain the same.
Skill issue. Feel free to pay more to compensate.
Rechargeable controllers didn't use to have dock stations some years ago, how did you manage then?
I just plugged them in and used them while they charged.
You can still plug a controller with AA in and use it while the batteries are in the charger
Personally the worst aspect of my original steam controller is the AA batteries. Constantly have to swap them and sometimes low battery meant buggy inputs. I very much prefer an integrated battery that gets topped up when I put the controller back to its place.
But I can see why you and others prefer otherwise.
Didn't say the contrary, you asked what we did when rechargable controllers didn't have stations.