Charging on the mat

The Powermat might sound like a rather dodgy videogame accessory, but it's instead a wireless charger for mobile devices, including iPod and iPhones. It's similar in scope to Uniden's Wireless Power kit, except that the Uniden solution uses a direct metal conductive charging method, while Powermat uses magnetic induction instead. Physics differences aside, this does alter how the Powermat works, as you've got to align up the magnets in the device you're charging and the mat. Thankfully, the properties of magnetism help here — once you've got the rough position right most devices will edge into place as the magnets align. The mat itself also gives out a positive chirp when contact is made, and naturally enough you should see the lightning bolt icon flash up on the iPhone or iPod you connect up. The Powermat kit is sold locally in a number of different variants depending on what you want to charge with it. From an Apple perspective, there are three different kits that may serve. First, there's the basic kit with a charging power block that connects up to a number of tips for various phone types, including a standard iPod/iPhone dock connector. It's not that visually elegant, but if you have multiple phones or devices to charge, it's an option. There's also an option for a standalone iPod/iPhone standalone dock piece, or an iPod Touch or iPhone case. I tested with the power block and the iPhone case, as well as a separate charging case for the Nintendo DSi. Why? Because if you're going to drop hundreds of dollars on a charging solution, you're unlikely to want to use it to charge just one thing. For the record, the mat itself will charge three devices wirelessly, and four in total if you use the mini USB port out the back. The iPhone case is a two-piece affair that slips nicely on and off an iPhone 3G/3Gs. It doesn't support the 2G iPhone according to Powermat, and I wasn't able to test this theory out in any case. It's a better solution than Uniden's rather stiff case, partially because it is easier to remove, but also because it sports a micro USB socket at the base, allowing for synchronisation even when it is in the case. Charging speed was very good, but then for this kind of price it would want to be. Like the Uniden solution, the real problem with the Powermat isn't the technology, which works well and could be used to impress pretty ladies at parties. In theory, anyway. The real problem is the price. Whichever way you slice it, $199 is a lot to pay for a charging solution that only replicates the power cable you've probably already got. To get the maximum utility out of the Powermat, you're going to want to shell out for a further two charging packs, bringing the total cost near to $300. That's a lot of money to pay for what is still just charging convenience.