It seems to be a never-ending issue for me, having more devices that need charging than I have outlets available. The Callpod Chargepod touts itself as a “charging device that allows you to charge multiple cell phones, PDAs, headsets, and most other mobile electronics with a single power cord.”
Without tripping a breaker or messing something up? This I’ve got to see …
The idea behind the Chargepod is that you can pick out manufacturer-specific adapters for your small electronics, and its “voltage regulator technology and interchangeable power adapters will safely charge all of your mobile devices, regardless of manufacturer or model.”
Included in the box are the base station (with six ports), an AC power supply, a miniUSB device adapter, a voucher for a free device adapter of your choice, a carrying pouch and a user manual; this kit as just described (and shown below) is called the Chargepod Value Pack.
Of course, the whole point of having a single pod which can charge up to six devices is having the extra tips so that you can charge more than one or two items. You can either purchase tips singly, or you can upgrade to the Bundle Pack, which comes with Callpod’s choice of six “popular adapters” and a car charger. My only worry with that is that since I need a disproportionate amount of microUSB and iPod adapters, this kit would include adapters I might never need.
My suggestion would be to use their Build a Customized Chargepod page, and get exactly what you need, even if it might wind up costing a little bit more.
The Chargepod system begins with a base station, the approximately 2.75″ x 0.5″ silver plastic hub which has six mini-ports for the proprietary Callpod adapters, and a miniUSB port which is where the AC or DC adapter is inserted.
Because of the adapter system and how there are so many available, the Chargepod is able to work with a huge assortment of personal electronics including “iPods, cell phones, Bluetooth headsets, PDAs, digital cameras, navigation units, mp3 players, digital readers and portable gaming systems.” The Chargepod will not work with notebook computers or other large electronics.
When all six of the adapters are inserted, you get a chraging device which resembles a starfish.
There are blue LEDs which shine at each of the six charging ports; a green LED indicates that the device is getting electricity.
Admittedly, the most devices I have attached at once so far have been four, but each time the Chargepod has worked perfectly and without any device errors. I’ve been keeping the Chargepod on my kitchen counter, because that’s where I usually charge my devices throughout the day. Being able to charge more than two at once from the same outlet has been a fairly elegant solution to my previous charging woes. Perhaps the only con that I can find is that the entire bundle can take up quite a bit of room when the Chargepod is full and devices are fanning out in each direction; luckily I have the counter space for it.
Having the car charger and storage bag makes traveling with the Chargepod very convenient; the fact that all of its adapter tips also work with my regular traveling companion, the Callpod Fueltank Duo, makes this set a winner.
The Callpod Chargepod 6-way Charging Device is available directly from the manufacturer and other retailers.
MSRP: $39.99 for the Chargepod, $9.99 for additional tips, or get a ChargePod Bundle Pack for $79.99
What I Like: Ability to charge up to six devices from one outlet; adapter tips are compatible with other Callpod accessories; extremely portable and perfect for travel; AC or DC charging plugs available
What Needs Improvement: Adding tip scan get pricey fast; Chargepod with six devices attached takes up a fair amount of counter space due to starfish design