PowerMat

Citsur86 · 10-08-2009, 06:09 PM

I looked and did not see this posted.

I am heading to Target in a few minutes to pick one of these badboys up. Basically, you buy 2 things, the mat and a special case for the phone. To charge, you simply sit the phone down on the pad and through magnetic induction the phone is charged. Once it is finished, the mat stops sending a charging signal to the phone so it is also green!

Has anyone used this yet? How big is the case for the iPhone that you have to use. I am going to try it out anyways but I was wondering.

Price is a bit steep at $99 for the pad and $40 for the case. I have a BB and iPhone (BB for work) and plan to also get the $30 case for the BB. Lets see if $170 is worth it for easy wireless charging.

Citsur86 · 10-09-2009, 08:58 AM

So here is a review of the PowerMat.

Pros: charges fast, super convenient, very cool technology, reduces cords everywhere, charges multiple devices at once, green technology (stops charging when device is full, (Blackberry Curve add-on is almost not noticeable), comes with pad that can charge virtually anything including laptops.

Cons: Case for iPhone is a bit Bulky, specific placement device must be layed on (not free for all drop pad), looses value if you only have 1 device to charge, pad that comes with mat is a bit redundant as you must still plug in a device using the pad (only the pad lays on the mat - somewhat counter productive - no pun intended).

Overall I would recommend this device if you have a few bills to spend and a few devices you need charging daily. It would also make an awesome gift (plan to get it for my brother this xmas for his iPhone). The potential that this technology has is enormous. I am excited to see if it gets off the ground and how far it goes.

MileHighRob · 10-09-2009, 10:40 AM

I know of PowerMat but have yet to use it or speak with anyone else that actually has either. Thanks for your quick review Citsur. A sports radio talk show host has been endorsing the product but of course his motive is biased.

BCA2812 · 10-09-2009, 05:33 PM

I bought one of these for my Iphone at Best Buy yesterday. I actually like it. The receiver case top and bottom half could fit together a little better. The magnet on the back adds some weight to the Iphone of course. Judge me lazy, but I like the ability to simply lay the phone on the mat and bam it starts automatically charging. The phone rings, simply pick it up and answer... no more unplugging the phone from the cord so I can walk around and talk. Get a screen protector as well because the case does not come above the chrome bezel so if you lay the phone face down, it will be laying on the screen. Included accessories, the power cube specifically, lets me recharge my external Just MobileGum battery. The mat also has a USB port for charging as well as the three "hot spots" on the mat itself. BCA

ZipZap · 10-09-2009, 10:56 PM

Why not use the ipod dock attachment instead and loose the bulky case.

BCA2812 · 10-10-2009, 09:33 AM

That's what I'll do if the case gets on my nerves. I'll try it out for a few days first. BCA

djwindsor · 10-18-2009, 02:45 AM

Nice concept but a waste of money. I have a mophie and i charge it in my car and when I'm home and it is sufficient for my needs. I think the idea of the induction case will be a deal breaker for many people. I simply don't see the advantage if all you have to do is slip the phone into the dock charger.

Jmills · 10-19-2009, 01:47 AM

I think that this product is very well put together. I also foresee this technology to eventually become standard in all of our electronics. Of course there are still things that need improving "free-for-all" placement as OP said being at the forefront of those things. Once the technology evolves and whole coffee tables, picnic tables, countertops, etc. are manufactured with the ability to charge electronics and new devices begin coming out with the ability to receive charge built into the stock case, this will be very convenient.

Until then, this is a fun little preview of what's to come and if you have the money to spare(unfortunately I don't), in this economy, it's a good buy.

MAD 69 · 10-20-2009, 12:54 AM

I can see how this might be good if need to charge multiple things, but if you have only 1 iPhone it's a bit redundant.