Powermat Portable Mat

Zitat: A great demonstration of innovative technology, but it´s too expensive Good Points An innovative way to charge gadgets; stylish design; reduces cabling Bad Points High cost; makes annoying noises

Zitat: Pros: + Universal Charger charges just about everything portable + Cases are solid + Folds up into a smaller package: Seamlessly charges multiple devices Cons: - Unseemly raised edge for iPhone 3G and iPod touch case - Cases are difficult to remove - Steep entry price - Magnetic induction connection isn’t truly wireless

Zitat: When I first saw the Powermat devices on the shelves in Target and Best Buy, I had my doubts about it. It seemed to me to be a new attempt on an old trick. As I watched this product sell out over the holidays, I thought it nothing more than a fad. However, my mind was changed when I had the chance to talk to the people at Powermat at CES this year. I saw the level of commitment to the technology and a desire to continue to evolve their offerings. This led me to test the Powermat with an open mind. I took a look at what Powermat was claiming and what their devices actually bring to the table. What I found is that it really does do what Powermat claims; since receiving the Portable Mat and receiver case I have replaced the normal charger for not only my wife’s iPhone 3G S, but also use the Powercube to charge my kid’s iPhones (they share that connector) while leaving a single USB cable connected to the Portable Mat so that all four phones can be charging at the same time without the need to have them spread out over the house. But, beside the return of multiple power outlets in my house; I got something else. For the first time since we all got our iPhones, I have a clear counter; this is worth more than I can say. Gone is the “bucket” full of USB cables and power packs and in return I now have an open space with only the Portable Mat in its place. Over all we can highly recommend the Powermat Portable Mat and Receiver case for iPhones. It is an excellent product despite the price ($100 for the mat and $30 for the receiver case) and one that actually provides what its marketing claims; something that is rare in this day and age.

Zitat: The good: + There’s no denying that the Powermat is one of those bits of kit that makes you gasp. Just pop down three gadgets and they’ll begin to charge, despite the lack of plugs, via some alchemy known as magnetic induction. Powermat uses the same charging technology as the Touchstone Palm Pre accessory, but the twist here is that there´s just one charging station to rule them all. Powermat wants to offer slip-on cases for every mainstream gadget from phones to cameras, so that they can all suckle on the mat’s wireless energy. The cases on offer (BlackBerry Curve and Bold, iPhone and iPod touch and Nintendo DS Lite/DSi) work just as advertised, and are cleverly tweaked to shut off when the battery is full. The bad: - It’s the need for these magic cases that prove to be the Powermat’s undoing. Not only are the cases limited in range (the company says Nokia is high up on its priority list), but they’re expensive at around £30 a pop and, in the case of the iPhone, so enormous that you wouldn´t leave them on out of the house, making the whole set up no more convenient than a regular wall plug. Powermat’s solution for as-yet supported gadgets is perplexing too – it’s selling a Powercube accessory that comes with nine different charging tips to cover most phone manufacturers, but you’ll be left wondering why it’s worth 30 notes when you still have to plug your handset in. The Powermat could flourish in time – and the company wants to upscale to netbooks and laptops. If it can reduce the size and price of the cases for a wider array of gear, it’ll only get better. Right now though, £160 to wirelessly charge three items is a bit too much to ask.