Customer Reviews

Powermat Home & Office Mat (Black) [Doors Sold Separately]

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(18)
1 star:		(59)

 

 

I got this Powermat because it looked cutting edge and I thought it would be worth it to spend $100 to simplify re-charging small electronic devices. It did not turn out to be such a great time saver and I am returning it.

Please note that it does not re-charge ALL small electronic devices. You need to have specific models and thankfully most of my gadgets complied. You also need to place each item to be re-charged into a Powermat receiver case (additional purchases will be required) and then place it on the Powermat itself. Or you could use the universal case with included tips but this is almost like using the device's original charger. Your device is charged through the magnetic connection between the Powermat and the Powermat case holding or connected to your device. Remember to remove the receiver case after charging as it is not recommended for daily use. It seems an extra step and the opposite of simplification but it charged fast. It lets you know when you have made a successful connection. The process of fitting your electronic device (iPod cases cost $40) into the charging case for the Powermat can be tricky at first. The included directions were not very helpful.

Basically, this Powermat is an ultra cool looking devise that is the same thing as a decorative charger station (Digipower SAM-G100-CH Executive Edition Charging Valet - Cherrywood) but with more steps, compatibility issues and slight hassles with removing Powermat charger cases. I cannot think the energy savings are substantial but hopefully it is the start of greener technology.

I would not recommend this device over the usual charging cords unless you have money to burn and want the latest gadget.

I picked up this product and the iPhone case because it seemed like a great idea. After I set everything up I started to wonder if the magnet on the iPhone case was safe in my pocket where I also keep my credit cards and if it was safe near video tapes.

So I called Customer support, after about 20 min wait I was told by the lady who answered my call that I should remove my iPhone from the case after charging because the case was not intended for daily use. I asked if I needed to switch cases two times each day where the time savings was over just plugging my iPhone into the charger, which can be done in the case. At this point the lady got a little snippy and said I should e-mail my question in for a more detailed response, because she did not have any further information.

So I sent an e-mail asking if the iPhone case could be used for daily use and if the magnet was safe around credit cards and video tapes (I work at a TV station) after 5 DAYS of no response I just returned the unit. As of today 14 days later their support has NOT responded. Hello I just paid $159.00 at least tell me you looking into it!!

This COULD have been the coolest product, but I just don't think it is ready for primetime yet and this company needs to learn how to support its users better!

It seems to me you are just trading one issue for a new issue. I was also bothered by the fact their instructions say to remove this case before taking you iPhone into the Apple Store? Would using this void your warranty? Are they just saying that fearing you don't get the case back? I don't know because support NEVER responded.

I purchased this product via the website and was excited to try it when it was delivered. Set up was simple, but the instructions for charging were disturbingly vague. I couldn't figure out how to charge my devices without the one cube that they sent me. After several failed attempts, I realized that I needed a slim receiver for each device (which they don't sell for many cell phones including my LG Voyager). Additionally, I would have to pay another $30-$40 for each additional receiver or cube so that I could simulataneously charge my devices.

Why would I buy more cube receivers that I would still need to plug my device into? Very disappointed with the product for my needs and very pricey for less than total functionality. If you have a Blackberry and/or an IPhone then you might want to consider it. Just know that you'll need to invest another $40 per device to get the full functionality as you see it advertised. Too pricey for me!

I purchased one of these powermats after seeing the ad on TV. The mat is nice and not a bad looking product. But the cases you need to buy are crazy. I purchased two cases one for my iphone and the other for my wife's blackberry. Nothing like having my nice sleek iphone made bulky. My wife didn't seem to mind the case at first since she puts it in her purse. We started to realize that the phones did not charge as fast as they did when they were plugged in. The company claims they do charge just as fast. Second we started to notice the case started to fall apart. The square thing on the back became disconnected from the case. This was just after two weeks od use!!!!! I called the company and they said that the case was not intended to be used like a conventional case!!! So, let me get this straight, I am expected to remove the case and put it back on when i want to charge my phone? This is more time consuming than pluging it in. When calling the company I realized that the powermat is made by Homedics. Who makes footbaths and massage chairs. I think wireless charging might be a little beyond them at this time.

Length:: 5:10 Mins

All it takes is a little research before you buy. All of these negative reviews are silly. This product uses induction charging technology, just like your Oral B toothbrush. Only devices equipped with the proper induction receivers will charge on this, EXCEPT for the back USB port. It'll charge anything USB. I don't know of any products being sold that already have a Powermat induction receiver built in. Thus, you must buy receivers for your products, like iPhone docks, Powercubes, and iPhone cases - all made buy Powermat.

Here's what I'm charging with it:

iPhone 3GS in Otterbox Defender on Powermat Dock with SendStation Dock Extender (available on Amazon; requires slight sanding to fit into Otterbox case).
iPad 16GB on Powermat Dock with SendStation Dock Extender (available on Amazon; requires slight sanding to fit into Otterbox case).
HTC EVO 4G plugged into Powermat Powercube Receiver
Cisco 7921G Wireless IP Phone plugged into back USB Port.

All devices charge. It works quite well. Read the instructions. The base is magnetized and you can feel your devices slip into the proper place, towards the front of the Powermat. There are only 3 spots on this Powermat (plus the back USB port).

Please, research a product before you buy and don't assume anything; don't leave a bad review because you failed to research the product and you just magically expected it to work. It's a technological product. Not a magical product.

I saw this in a store and checked it out. I replaced the product, walked over to the Velcro cable management ties ( Cables To Go - 29856 - 11in Velcro Hook and Loop Cable Straps Bright Multi-Color 12Pk ) and saved myself $96, plus ~$20 per extra device for which I would need to buy an adapter. Attach a Velcro strap to each recharge cable, wrap it, and then PUT IT AWAY when done. BUT, WAIT! THERE'S MORE! If you buy now, you'll be able to keep the cable wrapped, WHILE CHARGING, at no additional cost!

Frankly, these recharge pads save no extra electricity, and are NO MORE CONVENIENT. The pad uses an much electricity in standby mode as my cable does, but i'm quite certain people will leave the pad charged in at all hours, whereas they would normally unplug the recharge cable when done. You still have to plug your device in to something. The pad takes up space and is nothing more than neat-o gadgetry for people needing an ego boost.

What we REALLY need is for the IEEE to decide on a standard, external recharge pin configuration or induction charging solution, which manufacturers may integrate into rechargable products (phones, cameras, entertainment devices, hearing aids, etc). This way, you'll never need attachments, and charging pads will be standard features in nightstands, desks, kitchen counters, etc.

This review has been changed due to the change in the product description.

This was originally advertised as a wireless charging product with wired charging capability. The controversy over the wireless aspect has led to a device title name that is now impossible to knock as deceptive. It is a Powermat.

If you are the type of person who will go out of your way to cut cable clutter at all costs, including the loss of simultaneous usability while charging, than perhaps this may work for your needs.

Cable/Clutter Phobic: This personality aspect does exist. Although cables still provide the fastest delivery of data, charge and functionality above all wireless alternatives to date there are people who will go out of their way to avoid having a visible cable.

Wireless option, yes. Easier than a USB plug, no. Cutting clutter, if you don't consider the mat and the wireless charging case clutter. Personally, picking up a cable already sitting on my night stand, desk, or console is as easy as it gets.

As a multifunctional charging base, make sure that you investigate fully what comes in the box and the additional potential purchase requirements for devices not supported with or without optional accessories.

When you read about the Powermat they really don't mention that inorder to have it work as shown you have to purchase additional equipment that must be attached/stuck to the back of each additoinal device that you want to charge. The Powermat comes with one "plug in" that charges one device at a time the old fashion way. Not such a good deal when you have to order and spend more money to get what you thought you were getting originally. This would have been a good buy had they included everything you needed up front to charge at least three things. Plus, not knowing the size or thickness of the device stick on, I was concerned about how bulky it would be. On a camera or Ipod it wouldn't matter much but when trying to clip my iPhone back into a belt holder it might not fit.
I returned mine!

those 3 devices are the ones shown on the commercial, and those 3 devices have the special adapters made for them so you only drop the device on the mat and it starts charging.

For everything else, its a waste of money and doesn't work, because you are STILL USING A CORD. For everything else you must use the powermate universal adapter cord, which you set on the mat, and then plug it's cable end into your device.

So whats the point of that? If I still have to plug something into the bottom of my LG cell phone every time I want to charge it, I'm not getting a darn bit of benefit other than having spent $100 for a $10 charger.

SO, if you have several iphone/ipod touch devices, some blackberries and nintendo-ds devices, yes, this is a great charger.

But for 95% of the rest of the world that has other cell phones, for example, this device does almost nothing for you. You would be better off getting a slim powerstrip with multiple outlets and using your device chargers. Same amount of connectivity, at a 95% discount from the powermat.

This thing will be good and useful if and when they produce batteries/doors for all major cell phone models out there.

Here's a thought... license the technology to the handset makers...

I bought this for my wife for Christmas- under the misinformation that it is a stand alone product.
You need to also buy receivers what go onto the products you are intending to charge.
With all of that expense- you might as well get a several pronged electrical adapter and just plug you products in like you normally would.

DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!