New gadget simplifies your portable tech
Think about all the portable electronics your family uses on a daily basis, be it dad's BlackBerry, mom's iPhone, and of course, the kids' beloved Nintendo DS gaming systems.
Instead of buying your spouse or children more gadgets over the holidays, maybe you can treat yourself to a simplified way to keep everything charged up and ready for action?
The Powermat ($99; powermat.com) is a wireless charging solution for your handheld devices, eliminating the need for messy wires plugged into multiple AC outlets throughout the home.
This thin, Energy Star-compliant mat sits on a desk, table or countertop, and you simply place your gadgets on top to start charging up. Special backings, required for each compatible device, magnetically lock onto the mat to initiate charging. Depending on which gadget you're buying it for -- such as an iPhone 3G S, BlackBerry Curve or Nintendo DS -- prices are $39.99 or $49.99 for the fitted backing.
Up to three devices can be charged at the same time, and as a unique power-saving feature, the gadget stops drawing power once it's fully charged (a light at the front of the Powermat shows you when it's time to remove it). The Powermat also charges up your devices more quickly than when plugged into an AC outlet.
Included in the Powermat box is a free "powercube," a small accessory that attaches to a device's power jack -- such as a cell phone, GPS device, media player or camera -- and recharges it on the Powermat. This can get you started before you purchase the correct backing for your smartphone or gaming system.
A Powermat Travel Mat (also $99) offers the same functionality as the main product, but was designed for portability in mind, as three interconnected mini mats fold together for easy travel. A fitted carrying case is included.
By Marc Saltzman, MSN Tech & Gadgets
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