Review: PowerMat

I’m not known for having the tidiest desk at work. There are games, gadgets, TVs, you name it, surrounding my desk on any given day. Now add to that a pile of cell phones and you can imagine what my desk looks like. Part of the mess comes from all the cords. It’s a given I have to charge each device before I review them, so naturally I get a rather unpleasant tangle of cables and cords. So imagine my glee when PowerMat showed up at the office!

The product claims it can wirelessly charge all my gadgets. Yes, wireless! Could this be the answer I’ve been looking for? Could this be the gadget that finally gets my co-workers off my back? Could this change the look of offices forever? Well PowerMat certainly has some great features, but I doubt many will be running out to purchase it just yet.

The Concept

Imagine charging all of your cell phones, MP3 players, even Bluetooth headsets, with no cords or cables. Sounds so futuristic doesn’t it? The concept has been around for years. In fact we saw early devices unveiled at CES two years ago, but they have taken a long time to come to market. Well finally, they have arrived!

PowerMat uses magnetic induction to charge your devices. You place a special magnetic backing on your phone or gadget, place it on the PowerMat, and sit back and watch them charge. Only gadgets using the special backing will charge, preventing the user from getting an unpleasant shock.

The Design

It’s hard not to look at PowerMat and think of a small skateboard. The device measures in at 12.5″ long and has rounded silver edges. Unlike its competition, the WildCharge, PowerMat has a smooth black matte surface to lay your devices on. Since the surface is black, it does show dust and smudges, but it can easily be wiped off.

On the front face of the PowerMat you will find three small white LED lights. When devices are charging, the LED lights will light.

PowerMat looks like a small skateboard

On the backside of the mat, you will find a power adapter input, a USB port, and a button for sound and lights. Pressing the light button will turn off the white LED lights. The sound button mutes the device so it does not beep when you put a device on it, and the USB port acts as a fourth charging input for devices that can be charged via USB.

The Setup

PowerMat doesn’t require much setup at all. Once the mat is plugged into the wall it is almost ready for use. Almost. If you were to just lay your gadgets on the mat they would not charge. You need to have a special magnetic backing on your device in order for PowerMat to work. These backings are designed individually for specific phones and must be purchased separately.

The PowerMat phone backings are actual battery covers with the special PowerMat magnetic device built-in. To use these you must remove your original battery cover and replace it with the PowerMat battery cover. The battery cover is roughly the same size, but the magnetic device does stick out a bit adding a little more weight. Don’t worry they are still light.

If your phone does not have a battery cover ie: iPhone, you must buy a different type of PowerMat backing. This looks like a thin black protective shell for your iPhone. This slips around your iPhone, allowing you to charge your device wirelessly. These cases do add a bit of bulk since they wrap around your phone.

You use special magnetic backings on your phones to charge them. Each one is sold separately

Backings will cost you between $30 and $40 USD per device. It is important to note you do not have to buy these backings as the PowerMat comes with something called a PowerCube. This cube magnetically attaches to the PowerMat, and has a cable with adapters that can attach to almost any device. The only drawback here is that you really aren’t going wireless if you choose to use PowerCube since it is tethered to your device with a cord.

Once your backing is on your phone or gadget, you simply place it on the PowerMat. There are three spots on the mat which will accept devices. You can see the spots by looking carefully at the surface as they are indicated with a tiny circle. These spots are magnetic so once you bring your device close to them, it will automatically draw the gadget in “locking” it into place. As soon as the gadget makes contact, the PowerMat will chirp and the corresponding white LED will illuminate showing the gadget is successfully charging.

The Performance

One of the claims PowerMat makes, is that it will charge your device quicker than conventional wall socket. I was pleasantly surprised to find that claim true. I tried charging three separate phones all with completely drained batteries, an iPhone, an HTC Touch, and a BlackBerry Storm2. These three phones were so low on power they wouldn’t even turn on. All three charged within 2 to 2.5 hours. The claim seems accurate.

If you don't shell out for the PowerMat backings you'll have to use the white "PowerCube" which brings cords into the mix

The Downsides

The biggest problem with PowerMat isn’t the device itself, rather the price when you add up all the accessories. The PowerMat retails for $99 USD which in itself isn’t bad, but if you don’t want to be stuck just using the PowerCube to charge devices using a cable, you need to shell out additional cash. Each backing costs $30 – $40 so if you want to charge three gadgets the final price would be at least $200.

The other issue is with the PowerMat backings. They are plain looking and don’t have the same design as your original battery covers. For example the BlackBerry Bold has a nice faux leather finish. The PowerMat backing for the Bold does not. So owners will lose the stylized look of their fancy battery covers. Same goes for the iPhone and iPods. Since there are no battery covers, you need to use a PowerMat case which wraps around your phone, taking away from the sleek look of your device.

You must replace the battery cover on your phone with the PowerMat cover

The Bottom Line

Yes PowerMat sounds gimmicky but truth is it works, and works well. The mat is able to charge gadgets with no wires. On top of that, it is faster than using a regular power cord. What I don’t like is the price. $99 for the mat itself isn’t bad but paying at least $200 to be able to charge all your gadgets seems a bit steep. If you’re an early adopter who doesn’t mind paying a premium, then you won’t be disappointed with PowerMat. Those on a budget should probably wait until the next generation comes out, or at least for a good sale.

The Good

Charges gadgets with no wires
Faster than regular charging cords

The Bad

Must be separate backings for each phone/device
Expensive