Powermat – PPCGeeks.com https://www.ppcgeeks.com Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:27:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://www.ppcgeeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ppcg_banner-150x78.png Powermat – PPCGeeks.com https://www.ppcgeeks.com 32 32 WINNER: The Powermat Kit for EVO! https://www.ppcgeeks.com/2011/02/21/giveaway-the-powermat-kit-for-evo/ https://www.ppcgeeks.com/2011/02/21/giveaway-the-powermat-kit-for-evo/#comments Mon, 21 Feb 2011 21:12:12 +0000 http://www.ppcgeeks.com/?p=17188

WINNER: Congrats to Thacounty! Enjoy your EVO Powermat, we’ll be contacting you for address information!

If you (or do not) recall, we ran a review last week of the Powermat kit for EVO, along with other accessories.
Well now’s the chance to get your very own!

From now until just after Valentines Day, 02/20/11, we’ll be running a chance for you to win your very own Powermat kit, and love novelties just as much as me!

Entering is real easy too;

1. Reply to this post. Share your thoughts, anger, love, or indifference to the Powermat

2. Go on Twitter and type something about the powermat, with the hashtag #PPCGeeks or a @PPCGeeksDotCom in the message. We’ll add a second entry JUST FOR YOU!

As always, our contest is open to site visitors and users, but not staff, sorry!

GOOD LUCK!

]]> https://www.ppcgeeks.com/2011/02/21/giveaway-the-powermat-kit-for-evo/feed/ 148 BLEEP The Cords with the Powermat Kit: EVO Edition! https://www.ppcgeeks.com/2011/01/30/bleep-the-cords-with-the-powermat-kit-evo-edition/ https://www.ppcgeeks.com/2011/01/30/bleep-the-cords-with-the-powermat-kit-evo-edition/#comments Sun, 30 Jan 2011 20:44:44 +0000 http://www.ppcgeeks.com/?p=16242

Check Back on Feb. 1st for a Powermat GIVEAWAY!
Let’s face it: Charging sucks.

At the end of a long day, I’d often have at least four or five devices in need of a fill up: Cameras, MP3 Players, Cellphones, tablets, and even batteries! (External Batteries gotta charge somewhere!) Now, any average joe would shell out for the standard, circa 1980s power strip to plug in all the cables, and patiently plug each device in. However, the not-so-average-joe, like me, says “Bleep That Crap! I’m getting a PowerMat!”
We’re looking at two flavors of the PowerMat series in this review: The standard portable kit, complete with three mats and a universal adapter, but as well as the EVO kit: A single pad complete with an EVO compatible adapter, to make this device seamlessly integrated into the world of wireless charging.
For those unsure of the “black magic” that the PowerMat utilizes, it’s called inductive charging. Essentially a electromagnetic field is made around the pad, and magnets are used to transfer the energy in the field “Wirelessly” (The magnets technically are making contact through the field, but that’s getting too technical for this review.) PowerMat is the standard and most widely known of products that offer such charging for mobile devices, though alternatives are available, such as homemade. We suggest the latter.
The three unit charging station comes with three inductive charging ports, as well a USB standard female plug to charge up to four devices in total with. It’s actually quite easy to pack as well, since it folds in a convenient “block” at about an inch tall, still able to charge one device. In full use, it can hammer off four devices rather quickly. The inductive stations clock in at 5V and 1A of power, a little faster at charging than with your PC’s 5V and 500 mAh. Interestingly enough, you can control the power and sounds of the mat when devices are added or removed on the three user pad. To get your first device going, the universal adapter kit is included in the unit, containing a standard mini-USB port compatible with hundreds of devices through a bunch of adapters.
Read on to learn of the EVO Adapter!
The other unit is the less portable, but much more stylish single user pad for the HTC EVO specifically. Along with the pad, you get an adapter for your EVO that attaches where your battery cover was, then implements itself into your EVOs charging port. If you ever need to remove the port for connecting the EVO to the PC, the battery cover can stay on while the adapter piece hangs off meanwhile. It’s very fragile, and the design has been known to break on people (including this reviewer,) but PowerMat has kindly taken care of us, and assures us new models and designs are in production.
In conclusion, the PowerMat is really a novelty, but one hell of a marvel regardless. To go from three cables to one (to the mat, which is well hidden) is great. But there are a few flaws in the way it controls power consumption. I’ve seen devices lose connection at random, sometimes after a few minutes, and other times after hours. The unpredictability really ensues a “watched” charge as opposed to being truly cordless and userless. It’s nice to have beside your computer during the day, but pray no Earthquake (or loud roommate) knocks into your phone while asleep and dooms its charge!
The Powermat Kit retails for $59.99 (On Sale!) , and the EVO kit goes for the same price at retails, $59,99 . Go ahead and grab one or the other if your a nut about the latest and greatest, but it seems that they could use a couple fixes before being considered absolutely perfect!
Check back next week for our contest and giveaway of the PowerMat!
]]> https://www.ppcgeeks.com/2011/01/30/bleep-the-cords-with-the-powermat-kit-evo-edition/feed/ 12 PPCG Review: PowerMat Home or Office Mat for HTC Touch Pro2 https://www.ppcgeeks.com/2010/01/21/ppcg-review-powermat-home-or-office-mat-for-htc-touch-pro2/ https://www.ppcgeeks.com/2010/01/21/ppcg-review-powermat-home-or-office-mat-for-htc-touch-pro2/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:45:57 +0000 http://www.ppcgeeks.com/?p=2596  

PowerMat Home or Office Mat for HTC Touch Pro2 Review
January 21, 2010 by tsowen, PPCGeeks

Wirelessly charges up to 3 Powermat-enabled devices simultaneously (plus one USB power port). Works with all Powermat receivers. Universal Powercube with 8 tips is included to enable you to charge hundreds of different devices.

Product Features

The Powermat Home & Office Mat wirelessly charges up to 3 devices simultaneously by placing a device with a Powermat receiver onto the mat. There is an additional USB port to charge a fourth device via USB cable. The mat retails for $99.99. Cases and receivers are available at two price points: $29.99 and $39.99.

What’s in the box?

  • Home & Office Mat
  • Universal, international power supply (Energy Star level 5, 100-240V) with built-in cord management
  • Powercube Universal Receiver with 8 tips

Specifications

Charging Positions: 4 (3 wireless, 1 USB port)
Dimensions: .625″ x 12.25″ x 4.5625″ (HxWxD)
Input Voltage: 100-240V AC, 50-60Hz Universal
Output Voltage: 18VDC
Output Current: 0.83A
Standby Current: 0.011A
Adapter Power: 15 Watts

The Good

The Powermat Mat is very easy to use. Simply take it out of the box, attach the wall charger to the powermat and plug it in. Find the correct tip and attach it to your device. Then place the receiver on the mat.

There are three charging spots located on the mat. A magnetic attraction between every Receiver and each access point on every Mat assures that alignment is precise and the most efficient charging will occur. This is one of the keys to the Powermat system’s ability to charge your devices as fast or faster than the original power adaptor. Once you have it in the correct spot a light turns on below the charging point, and a sound effect is played. You get three points of feedback to make sure your device is charging. The light and sound effect can be turned off.

The Powercube is a small plastic device with a default mini USB tip. Tips fit over the default mini USB cable. Place the Powercube on the mat and you can charge devices. The Tip Storage container
was a nice added touch which can store your extra tips for different devices all in one little nice container.

The Bad

The mat only has three different slots so if your a gadget person like myself you will find yourself running out of room. You will also have to pay extra if you want to charge more than one device by buying extra cases to fit your device.

MODEL SUGGESTED RETAIL
Mats  
Home & Office $99.99
Portable $99.99
Receivers  
Case for iPhone 3G $39.99
Case for iPod Touch (2nd gen) $39.99
Battery Door for Blackberry Bold 9000 $29.99
Battery Door for Blackberry Curve 8900 $29.99
Battery Door for Blackberry Curve 8300 Series $29.99
Battery Door for Blackberry Pearl 8110+ Series $29.99
Dock for iPod & iPhone $39.99
Back for Nintendo DSi $29.99
Back for Nintendo DS Lite $29.99
Powercube $29.99

The Bottom Line

The Powermat isn’t entirely free of wires, but it succeeds at being different and at powering your phone. On the other hand, we don’t see it fulfilling a need.

More Views

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This product can be purchased in the PPCG Store for $97.95

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