Why should the Palm Pre have all the fun when it comes to cordless charging? Well now, thanks to Powermat USA, just about any device can charge without being directly plugged into a power socket. And if you have an iPhone, iPod touch or Blackberry device, all you have to do to charge them is… well nothing, you just put them on the table.
Here’s a look at this innovative system…
Powermat offers two basic systems.
The Powermat Home and Office mat is a sleek mat that sits unobtrusively on a desk or table waiting for something, or more accurately up to four somethings (if you include the built-in USB port), to charge.
The Powermat Portable Mat is about the same size (although not as sleek).
It too can charge up to four devices at a time. Unlike it sibling however, it can fold into three sections for easy transport in the included case.
Both mats come with a well-designed Powermat Power Adapter that has built-in cord control. Both also include a Powermat Powercube Universal Receiver, eight assorted tips and a bin for storing them. With these tips you can charges hundreds of different devices.
Finally, it is worth noting that both mats also include a wired USB connection for charging devices that require a full-size USB. It isn’t a wireless solution, but it reflects the depth of thought that went into designing the entire system.
To use the Powermat, you simply take a device that is “wearing” a receiver and place it on the Powermat. That’s it! Sound and light indicate that a connection has been made and that the device is charging. A second sound indicates when the device is removed from the mat. Once on the mat the device will charge as fast or faster than the stock power adaptor.
The whole system is rather mind-boggling the first time you see it. It absolutely is one of those gadgets that has major “WOW! OMG!” appeal. This is so true, in fact, that it can only be appreciated by seeing it.
The Powermat system is impressive. It is well designed, well built and does what it promises. It delivers an extra punch or two of gadgety awe the first time newcomers see the charger in action. At the same time, the system is far from inexpensive. Amazon is currently charging $129.99 for the Home and Office Mat and $119.99 for the Portable Mat. And while a $29.99 Universal Powercube is included with each, receivers for the iPhone ($49.99), iPod touch (($39.99) and Blackberry ($29.99) are not. Obviously the system can get rather pricey rather quickly.
So is cutting the cord/s worth the price and added bulk the device receivers add? That is going to be a matter of personal taste. What is clear, however, is that Powermat has brought one innovative technology to the wider market, and they have done so with a first generation product whose design, fit and finish is impressive.
What I Like: Huge “WOW! Factor”, actually works, blows minds regularly, truly allows you to cut the various jumble of cords, VERY well designed and built
What Needs Improvement: Pricey (especially for something that isn’t realy necessary), Receivers add bulk, weight and bulge
More information and some truly entertaining promo videos can be seen on the Powermat site.
Our thanks to the company for sending along review/keeper units of both mats.