How Many Gadgets Do You Plug in and UnPlug?

Photo provided by Powermat

 by Lori Cunningham     

Congratulations to Marilyn Schwartz for winning a free FujiFilm’s SeeHere.com Photobook for Mother’s Day!  

I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of plugging in and unplugging all the chargers for my devices.  I HAVE to plug in my phone each night so I can be sure to receive my calls and surf the web the next day.  But I also have other devices that need to be charged occasionally.   For example, my GPS, iPod, Sony digital video camera, portable DVD player, BlackBerry Speakerphone, Sanyo hand cam, etc.      

Since these devices do not get charged frequently, finding the right cord to charge them can be a hassle!  While at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 

photo provided by Flickr

 in January, I heard a lot of buzz about a wireless charging system for handheld devices called the Powermat  system.  I was intrigued, so I investigated it further.  Powermat generously sent me a Powermat and some receivers to try it out for myself.  I found out that the Powermat is not entirely wireless, after all, how would you get power to the devices?  The Powermat itself needs to be plugged into a wall outlet, but that is where the wires stop.      

The Powermat has the capability of charging most cellphones, Bluetooth headsets, mp3 players, GPS systems, eReaders, kids’ portable game systems, and more.      

How it Works 

 In order for the Powermat to work, you need to purchase a Powermat and some receivers, which will be attached to your devices.      

 1.)  Powermat for Home & Office Mat or Travel – Portable Mat     

 The Home & Office Powermat is meant to lie on your desk and the Portable PowerMat can be nicely folded up in a custom case and taken with you while you travel.   Both cost the same, $99, and can charge up to three devices.  

2.) Receivers  

To charge your handheld devices, you need to purchase a Powermat receiver to attach to each device.  In most cases, you replace the battery cover of your phone with the Powermat battery cover.  For iPods, you’ll need a Powermat cradle to charge.  Each receiver costs anywhere from $29.99-$39.99.  If you have an older handheld device that Powermat does not make a receiver for, no worries.  Packaged with the Powermat you will receive a Powercube.  The Powercube rests on the Powermat to charge and plugs into your older device using a small 3 inch cord.  The Powercube comes with 8 different tips which more than likely fits into your device.  

Now, you’re ready to charge!  After attaching receivers to your devices, you just place the handheld device right on the Powermat.  Instantly you’ll hear a confirmation audio clip that tells you the device has connected correctly with the Powermat.  You will also feel a magnetic tug to help you find the right charge spot on the Powermat.  It took only a couple of hours to receive a full charge on my phone.  Once your device is fully charged, power will be cut off and your device will not be overcharged.  To see the Powermat in action, watch this quick one minute video: 

A Mom’s Perspective 

It is so easy to place my cellphone on the Powermat at the end of the day.  I love the fact that there are no wires and the charge automatically stops once the battery is full.  I even like the cute little alien-like sound I hear when my device correctly connects with the Powermat.  Because of the Powermat’s size, you can easily charge your cellphone, your husband’s cellphone, and a child’s cellphone, PSP2, or other device.  Your daughter will never worry again where she put her power charge cord!   Placing the Powermat near your main exit door makes it convenient for grabing your phone and being on your way. 

Overall, I loved the Powermat and highly recommend it.  It’s great for the house or when you’re traveling.  It looks cool, unclutters your charging area, and is convenient.  There are two downsides however.  One, it is very pricey to buy three (or more) receivers AND the Powermat.  Two, the receiver for the iPhone is not a battery cover, like for the other phones, but a complete black case that covers (and protects) the iPhone.  This presents a problem because 1.) it’s black!  That means you can’t use your jewel studded iPhone case or my bright pink Otterbox case.  2.) the Powermat case covers up the dock connection located on the bottom of the iPhone.  So you would no longer be able to doc your iPhone into your alarm clock or stereo system, unless you pryed it out of the Powermat case (which isn’t easy to do!).  

Good news on both of these downsides. 

I  discovered a workaround.  Instead of buying the iPhone receiver, buy the iPod cradle receiver.  You can easily plug your iPhone or your iPod into the cradle and keep your jewel studded case!  With regards to the expense of the receivers, I learned from an article in the New York Times that Powermat is working with handheld device manufacturers to embed their receivers right into the device!  This means, in the future, your phone will already have the receiver built-in and all you’ll need is the Powermat.  Now that’s just smart!