Summary
Gadget Review
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Review at a glance
Product supplied by CallPod Manufacturer: CallPod Price: $49.95 Pros:
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September 06, 2007
The ChargePod is a customizable system designed to charge up to six devices at one time. The folks at CallPod have done a good job of engineering a charging system for the tech-carrying road warrior. I travel quite extensively for work and regularly forget a power cord or two. The ChargePod system not only allows you to reduce cable clutter, but puts all your charging needs in a small, lightweight, organized package.
The ChargePod base station allows you to connect up to six device specific adapters at one time to a central hub. The central hub is powered by a usb power cable.
When I first saw the base station on the CallPod website, it looked like it might be constructed of aluminum. Admittedly, the tech-geek in me was a bit disappointed to discover its made of plastic. That being said, both the base station and cables are well made and fulfill their function. Indicator LED's glow blue and green when the adaptors and power cable are connected, a nice touch.
According to CallPod's website, they offer adapter cables compatible with thousands of electronic devices to include PDA's, mp3 players, cellphones, digital cameras, portable gaming systems, etc. There are several ways to purchase the ChargePod system. Bundle packages are available which include the base station, wall and car chargers, and six adapters. However, the more practical and effective way to buy the system is to order the base station (which includes the central hub, usb power cord, carrying pouch and one adapter) and the specific adapters separately that suit you best.
The one issue I had with the ChargePod system is how large and heavy the power brick is. It is almost as large and weighs as much as my Treo and Blackberry.
The size, weight, and functionality of the ChargePod definitely works for me. So much so, that I am planning on ordering the iPod and digital camera adapter cables to complete my set. There is no doubt that I will regularly pack my ChargePod system when I hit the road. The base station (with one adapter cable), car charger, and five adapter cables will cost you approximately $120 which is relatively expensive when compared to other equivant multidevice charging systems, but those others do not allow you to charge most of your devices at one time.
Price: Beginning at $49.95 for base station and a single adapter cable. Additional adapter cables are $9.95 each. Depending on your needs, the total system could cost greater than $100.
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So is this better to have with you in the car or on the plane when your phone or laptops dies, or is a portable battery, say like a Tekkeon, going to get you further. I'm really curious what type of system to commit to, because I vitally need something. Any thoughts on comparative virtues? Nice review, by the way.
Wouldn't it be easier (and cheaper) to buy a powered USB hub and USB charge cables for all of your devices? Then you've got standard USB charge cables to let you charge from your laptop or from the hub.
GreatDay,
The system isn't designed to charge a laptop. Just smaller electronics, like PDA's, Blackberry's, iPods, portable gaming systems, digital cameras, etc. It charges from a wall socket or car lighter and does not work like a portable battery extender. The system is really designed to charge multiple devices at one time. It does take up a good amount of desk space or the passenger seat of a vehicle. I hope this helps.
Lord Bodak,
It all depends on how many devices you carry with you or need to charge at one time. If you have more than a couple tech-toys needing charging the ChargePod is a great choice. One cable set that plugs into one outlet is ideal as well....
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