Powermat Wireless Charging System: Novelty or Necessity?
Before I get into my thoughts on the Powermat for iPhone 4, just know the accessory does exactly what it’s supposed to do: wirelessly charge your phone. See, I am not writing this as a review, more as my non-bias opinion on the product line as it is — take it as just that.
When I was first introduced to the Powermat line of products I was impressed with the idea; cutting edge and cool, with the “wow” factor that could make for a decent impulse buy (which is one of my biggest vices). But, I never did end-up buying one, opting to watch from the sidelines as friends and colleagues bought it, got bored and allowed it to collect dust like many other mobile novelties of past. You see, the idea could have been great if implemented properly from the get-go; equipping work stations, airports, cars, hotel rooms etc (practically anywhere you could place your phone down safely beside you) with the system could eradicate the need to ever bring pesky chords along for the trip, all you would need is the specific attachment for your device and you are set — no pun intended. Problem is, it wasn’t, actually far from it. The launch was extremely limited to a few in-market (and already dying) devices with the BlackBerry Bold 9000, iPhone 3G, and BlackBerry Tour 9630 respectively. The attachment was ugly, added extra bulk, and wasn’t compatible with that nice OEM leather hip pouch you just got with the phone. Not to mention the fact that if you forgot to bring the mat with you, you were essentially SOL, because the attachment wouldn’t work without it, nor would your desktop charger because of the added bulk to the back of the device. Well, to my surprise, Powermat heard my prayers and re-designed their device backings. All good in the hood? Not so much. As cool as they are, the Powermat line still has not caught on. Contrary to manufacturers hopes, many a hell-spawn have seen inception, doing exactly that of the Powermat — often cheaper.
So now, with all the brands offering wireless charging systems, why aren’t any of them as widespread as so hoped? Because it is and always will remain a novelty. The cost and timeline to implement the airports, coffee shops, hotels etc.with systems would be exorbitant and I don’t see any having the desire to invest the cahoonas themselves. So without that actual jump, there isn’t much incentive for consumers to invest $60+ dollars into the system, when they can just as easily plug their devices into a wall or dock.
So, my say- novelty — despite my love of the actual idea of the accessory and the team behind it. What say you? Let me know in the comments.
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@GrumpyButtFunny
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Lieman
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