The mat comes with a pad that you have to plug into various objects to charge, so a I agree that pad is somewhat pointless. However, there is practical application here. Right now, you have to buy a case/add-on to what you want to charge if you don't want to use the pad (so really you have to), and that lets you drop your item onto the pad to charge.
Current application is not great but it is convenient and very cool technology. I have my BB and iPhone sitting on it charging right now.
Whats more exciting is the potential application for the PowerMat. Imagine if something is sold that can hook under your counters/tables/walls and creates spots on the table where you drop or hang your electronics. Imagine too that the electronics already come "PowerMat Capable" so no additional case or add on is needed. Anyways, it is still a cool piece of technology now with some practicality, but the potential is huge.
Thread already started BTW:
http://www.everythingicafe.com/forum...mat-55955.html