While my Dad may not be as in-tune with mobile technology as I am, he is every bit a gadget-aholic as anyone I have met.  He and I have spent a lot of time over the past years lamenting the growing tangle of cables we have both found on our desktops.  Most of you have probably found this same thing as our devices grow smaller and more portable.  There is a charger for my Zune, another for my iPod Touch, Palm Pre, Kindle, and the list goes on…with many of the cables incompatible with any other devices.  This means when I travel, I almost need a separate bag just for my cables. 

Over the summer, my Dad and I were talking about this power consumption conundrum, and he commented that what he really wanted was some kind of a power mat.  Just drop your device – any device – onto the mat and the battery will charge through induction.  It was a nice thought, but I questioned whether the technology was really available for something like that.  I questioned it, Powermat did not.  They just went right on in and built a mat which can power up to three devices at a time.  In fact, they built not just one power mat, but two of them: a desktop model and a portable model. 

Right out of the box, I was quite impressed by the space age design of the Powermat.  Whether it works or not, it looks really cool.  A lot like a small skateboard.  Most of the multiple device chargers I have used are enormous…big, thick, and heavy.  Not the Powermat, which takes the “mat” in its name seriously.  This is one skinny power adaptor, sure to leave plenty of space on your desk.

The top of the Powermat is made from a smooth plastic material.  Three magnetized circles on top are where your device will draw its charge.  Underneath, the bottom has a rubberized mat, which helps ensure it will not slide around on your desk.  The connections are hidden on the back, including the light and sound controls and AC adaptor jack. 

The portable version of the Powermat functions pretty much identically, though it does not quite have the same space age appearance.  Instead, the portable version consists of three square tiles, held together with plastic hinges.  To me, it looked a lot like one of those old Jacob’s Ladder toys. 

These hinges allow the tiles to fold on top of one another, forming into a compact cube for storage or transport. 

Once folded, the whole thing will fit neatly into the included hard shell case (which also holds the AC adaptor cable) for easy transport.

Both the portable and desktop variations of the Powermat are able to charge up to three devices at once, simply by connecting your device to those small magnetized circles on top.  So, we’ll just go ahead and toss the Zune HD on top of one of those circles, sit back, and wa…what’s that?  You say it is not charging yet?  No, it is not.  Of course, while that Powermat is filled with energy, just ready to be transferred, your device requires an appropriate receptacle in order to receive that energy and transfer it to your device’s battery.  This is where the illusion that is the Powermat starts to fade.

In order for the Powermat to be truly effective, it needs to work exactly as I described.  Just toss your device, any device, on the Powermat and watch it charge.  This would make the Powermat a universal version of Palm’s Touchstone charger.  In order to get there, however, the Powermat receptacle would have to be built into your devices, and that has not happened yet (hopefully, Poawermat will get there).  In the meantime, you will need a Powermat adaptor in order to connect your device to the Powermat.  In essence, this renders the Powermat less a space age, revolutionary accessory; and more just another multi-device charger, with a really cool space age design.

If you have an iPod, iPhone, Blackberry, or Nintendo DS then you are in luck.  You will have an awful lot of options to connect a Powermat adapter, including battery doors, cases, new backs, and cradles. 

These all worked well,and I really liked these options because they truly eliminated the wires entirely.  Like Palm’s Touchstone charger, these solutions allow you to place your device directly on top of the Powermat, without tying it down with cumbersome cables.

If you do not have an iPod, iPhone, Blackberry, or Nintendo DS, then you are going to need the Powercube Universal Receiver.   The Powercube Universal Receiver is a small plastic square which connects to the Powermat.  A retractable cable will connect to your device using one of the included adaptors.  Waitaminute…did you hear that?  Yeah, if you do not have one of the select few Apple, Blackberry, or Nintendo devices, then you are going to essentially need a cable in order to connect your device to the Powermat.  I have to admit that I was extremely disappointed to find that most of my devices required a wire in order to connect to this wireless charger.

That being said, let’s take a look at what the PowerCube allows you to do.  The default is a standard miniUSB connection.  On top of that, you can connect adaptors for:

• MicroUSB
• Apple
• Nintendo DSi
• Nintendo DS Lite
• LG
• Sony PSP
• Samsung

(not all adaptors are shown in the picture)

While I will admit that these adaptors will cover a wide variety of devices, Powermat still has a long way to go.  The King of the Hill in this universal power accessory model is Gomadic, which features a TipExchange library containing adaptors for thousands of devices.  Notably, my ZuneHD was not compatible, along with any of my Sandisk media players, a variety of wireless headsets and headphones and plenty of other phones, devices, media players, and accessories.  For my purposes though, the lack of an adaptor for the Zune HD was an incredible disappointment.

The other thing I noticed when I started charging my devices with the Powermat is that there is nowhere to put a device which is charging via the Powercube adaptor.  If you have a device with a cradle, back, or case adaptor, then it will be contained completely on the Powermat.  Devices which require the use of the Powercube, however, will hang over the edge.  This is a real problem if your Powermat is located on a desk or shelf with limited space.  It would have been nice if there had been some kind of fold-out or snap-on ledge, which could hold your devices while they are charging.

I have to say, I absolutely love the concept behind the Powermat.  This is exactly the device my Dad and I discussed over the summer…with one notable exception, you still need a wire to connect most devices.  For that reason, this felt a lot more like a proof of concept than a ready for prime time accessory.  While Powermat came very close with this one, and the wireless portion works great, they need to quickly and significantly expand their library of available battery doors, backs, and adaptor cases, so that every device (or at least many) can be charged by simply tossing it on the mat.  Until then, we’ll just call the Powermat a great idea, whose day has not quite come…though I will be waiting patiently to see where it goes from here.

What I Liked:

• Inductive charging comes to the masses
• Space age design
• Backs, cradles, and cases bring wireless charging to many devices

What Needs Improvement:

• Many devices still need a wire
• Only three devices at a time
• Limited selection of adaptors and tips

Where To Buy: Powermat, Target

Price:

• Powermat: $99.99
• Powermat Portable: $99.99
• Powercube, cradles, backs, cases, and adaptors: $29.99-$39.99 (note that a Powercube and full compliment of adaptors is included with the Powermat)

DDH Software is getting into the Christmas spirit, offering users a 60 percent discount on any purchase of new software from their site made now through Christmas day.  Just use the code:

2009holiday60

when checking out.

This is a good way to get HanDBase, DDH Software’s relational database manager for a deeply discounted price.  You’ll find that HanDBase is available for a number of different handheld platforms, including Palm OS, Windows Mobile Professional, Windows Mobile Smartphone, Blackberry, Symbian S60 and iPhone, and that it supports a wide variety of desktop configurations including support for Windows and Mac OS operating systems.  Support for syncing with HanDBase databases, Access databases and ODBC compliant data sources is also available in the differing packages.  Note that while the iPhone desktop addons (desktop software and conduit) do qualify for the discount, the actual iPhone version of HanDBase purchased through the iTunes App Store is not discounted.

Head over to check out DDH Software’s HanDBase offerings at http://www.ddhsoftware.com/products.html.  And don’t forget to use the code 2009holiday60 when checking out to get your 60 percent discount.

Believe it or not, AT&T’s wireless service isn’t what it should be.  You would think that since they are the sole provider of the number one smartphone in the United States, and perhaps all of this planet Earth, that it would be outstanding in coverage and reliability.  You might also think that since so many customers have come to them for that darling called the iPhone, that they would be trying to continually enhance the service those customers received.

Unfortunately, it is quite the contrary.  AT&T’s coverage has always been a bit on the poor side (areas of no coverage, dropped calls, etc.), and since the onset of iPhone users consuming network resources at a rate far exceeding regular phone users, it has become worse.  To make matters worse, Gizmondo is reporting that instead of reinvesting some of those dollars that loyal customers pay in into a more reliable phone experience, they are actually doing the opposite, with a decrease in network maintenance and expansion that started with the initial onset of the iPhone.

All the more reason to be glad that I opted out of my contract with them.  How about you?  What has your experience been like?  If it has been poor, does this make you even a bit more frustrated?  Let us know!

Well, look who finally decided that this whole ebook-ereader thing just might be more than a fad.  Its our friends at Borders Books.  It was announced yesterday that Borders and Kobo would join together to produce a Kobo-branded ebook store, as well as an ereader device.  Kobo is an electronic download service that was spun-off from the Canadian book seller Indigo Books & Music Inc.  Kobo will also supply an ebook store for Indigo.  Borders is stressing that they want their ebooks to be able to be read on any device, from a PC to even a Nook.  Kobo, which is due to start-up in February, has 2 million ebooks for sale and another 1.8 million for free.  No date has been given for the release for the ereader.

All I can say is “Its about time!!!”  Seriously, Borders watched all the Kindle success, and then all the buzz from the Nook.  I even offered to be the mediator between them and Sony.  So, I am glad they decided to jump in, since I tend to spend most of my money with them.  Although, I am still a paper book kind of girl; it doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t consider an ereader if the right device came along.

Via:  Moneycontrol.com & Engadget

This Holiday, with the economy in the tentative state that its in, I’ve had a number of people approach me with similar questions about techie gifts for their loved ones.  What should I get?  How much is too much to spend? Where do I start?

Those are all great questions.  I’ve got a couple of suggestions for the technology minded.  Let’s take a quick look at what’s available and you can make the best decisions for you, your family, and your budget…and don’t worry.  This really isn’t as difficult as you think it is.  Oh; and by the way. Just for the record, I am NOT an Apple fan boy… You’ll understand why in a moment.

Mobile Devices
Yes, kids…its a Smartphone kind of year.  HTC is tearing it up with introductions in the Windows Phone and Android platforms, on nearly all four major wireless carriers.  However, before you can get started, you need to pick a wireless carrier. If you have a regional carrier (like US Cellular, here in the Chicago-land area) with a killer deal, look at it long and hard before passing it up for one of the majors.  However, here’s my quick set of guidelines for the major carriers:

Verizon Wireless – If you do a lot of travelling, go with them.  They have signal everywhere (there IS a map for that).  However, be prepared to pay a premium for the better coverage.  They have to make up the cost of implementing their network somehow, and they’ve passed it on to their customers.  Their phone choices are getting better with the Motorola Droid, but they generally suck.Recommended Device – The Moto Droid.  This iPhone competitor won’t replace the iPhone, and its not without its own challenges, but by all accounts, its a great device.

 

The Motorola Droid on Verizon Wireless…

AT&T Wireless – Depending on your geographic location, your coverage may be better than what we have here in Chicago-land.  For me, the coverage is WAY less than desirable; but they have decent phones, including the iPhone.  Pick AT&T (generally) if you’re looking for the latest devices, or if you gift of choice this Holiday Season is the iPhone. Its going to exist nowhere else until June 2010 at the earliest.

Recommended Device – The Apple iPhone (obviously).  If you’re looking for the iPhone experience, NOTHING out there on any other carrier is going to be able to replace it.

 

The Apple iPhone is THE quintessential Smartphone…

Sprint – Sprint shares some (but not all) towers with Verizon Wireless.  They are a middle of the ground carrier when it comes to service, rate plans and phone choices.  Be careful when looking at Sprint, their retention rates are low, and there’s rumors that they are being looked at by Deutch Telekom (they own T-Mobile).

Recommend Device – The HTC Touch Pro 2.  This Windows Phone is one of the best on the market, made by the darling of the Smartphone arena.

 

The HTC Touch Pro 2 is a great Windows Phone…

T-Mobile – They have the best rate plans in town. Period. Their coverage generally stinks so if you’re budget minded and looking for a phone for a loved one this Holiday Season, check T-Mobile’s coverage map first. Travelers will be out of luck with T-Mo, as their National coverage tends to stick to about 1500 yards either side of a nearby interstate highway.  Here in Chicago-land however, their coverage is better than AT&T.  Their phone choices are also not too bad, with at least two new Windows Phones and three Android phones.

Recommended Device – The Moto CLIQ. This Android powered phone is a social network junkie’s dream, bringing all of your favorite networks down into one convenient interface.  Watch for my review of the device on Just Another Mobile Monday.

 

The Moto CLIQ’s strengths lie in social networking…

MP3 Players
Despite what Microsoft is trying to do with the Zune and the Zune HD, Apple really wrote the book on the portable music player. If you’re looking to get a loved one an MP3 player, in my mind the question to ask yourself is what kind of iPod to get, and how big.  In my mind, there are really two choices – iPod Shuffle, the iPod Nano, or the iPod Touch. 

No…I didn’t miscount. The Apple iPod is the quintessential music player. Its form, function and unfortunately, its price point singularly distinguish it as the multimedia player to have. 

iPod Shuffle
The Shuffle is the entry level iPod, giving you random playback of selected songs.  If budget is an issue for you, this is the way to get the iPod experience at under $100. Its a difficult deal to pass up; and the iTunes experience is worth the cost. 

Starting at just $59, the Shuffle just may be the iPod for you…

iPod Nano
The Nano, with its new video camera offers video (obviously…movies and TV shows), pictures, and music for under $200 bucks. With the inclusion of the aforementioned video camera, it takes social to a whole new level.  This is the iPod that most teens and tweens want. Its small, offers varying color choices and gives them a creative outlet with its internal video camera.  Starting at $150 bucks, this is a really nice holiday gift, one that most everyone would like.

 

Starting at $159, the iPod Nano with video is a teen’s holiday dream come true…

iPod Touch
While Apple will tell you that the Touch is for everyone, its really a high end device, targeted at gamers and geeks. Starting at $199 for a meager 8GB, this device is the next portable, handheld gaming platform of choice, provided Apple doesn’t annoy all of their developers out of the business.

 

Starting at $199 for just 8Gb, the Touch is a high end gaming device…

Laptops
Without getting into a netbook, because some of them are just too small in size for some people, basic laptops can cost anywhere from $299.99 to $499.99. Be careful here.  If you’re in the market for a new portable PC, get something that provides anywhere from 1.5-2.0gHz of speed and at least 1GB of RAM.  Any speed CD/DVD writer will work, and any size hard drive 160GB or higher will provide adequate storage for a reasonable price.  RAM and hard drives are easy upgrades for notebooks later, and with prices on both coming down, you can add extra life later to a purchase today.

Recommended Budget Buy – For $389.99 you can get this Acer Aspire AS5517-5086 Notebook from Tiger Direct.

Desktops
Refurbished or used Mac desktops can be a GREAT value.  Macs tend to hold their value longer than Windows PC’s; and used or refurbished Macs are WONDERFUL media PC’s when hooked to an HDTV or HT monitor.  They also make a great first PC for young kids and educational software, especially if the desktop you find is an Intel based Mac (so it can run Windows in a Boot Camp partition).  Check eBay or Craig’s List for these kinds of deals. 

Recommended Budget Buy – For a mere $189.99, you can get an eMachines ET1810-01 desktop computer from Tiger Direct. 

Check out Tiger Direct, near Aurora, or New Egg for some other really great deals.

I hope this buyer’s guide has given you some ideas. Buying tech-toys or gifts isn’t hard when you understand what’s out there and what their limitations are.

Have a Happy Holiday!