Review: Chargepod Cuts Down On Chargers
Anytime a person like me packs for a trip, you need to pack all your gadgets. And with your gadgets, comes all the individual chargers to keep it running. Anytime I have brought my cell phone, iPod, PDA, satellite radio, digital camera, and PSP anywhere, I’ve had to stuff my bag with tonnes of cords. Companies are now starting to work on solutions to cut down the number of chargers you need, preferably to 1.
One such company is Callpod, with their Chargepod. The Chargepod is a cool device that lets you plug in up to 6 mobile devices at once. Looking at their website, they have tips for just about every portable device I own, except the digital camera which no one seems to have anyway.
One knock is that it doesn’t include any tips for any devices. They offer a bundle for $40 more that includes a car adapter, and six tips. The device itself, with 6 items in it, can be a little flimsy, if you need to move it around. The tips seem to be longer than necessary adding to this.
Many of my comparisons using it are to the iGo system I’ve used for a few years now. Chargepod doesn’t include laptop charging, though a newer model does. Where Chargepod beats iGo is that iGo only lets you charge 2 portable devices at once, to Chargepod’s 6. iGo’s system is also very difficult about charging iPods with another item. Chargepod passes this test with flying colours, when it charged my iPhone and my iPod Nano at the same time… and a Blackberry.
The Chargepod comes with a convenient travel case. And the car adapter is available separately. Great for those times you find yourself in the middle of nowhere on a family car ride, and everyone’s cell phone is dead. You can choose one phone to charge, or 6.
Despite the clunkiness of the design, it gets the job done effectively. You don’t need to throw a bunch of chargers with their messy cords into your suitcase or carry-on anymore. This one device is enough, which bodes well for any nervous airport baggage screeners… and in turn, you.
Price: $39.95 USD
http://www.callpod.com
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