ChargePod Review

Any modern day household is bound to have gadgets galore.  Until humans invent self-sustaining, automatically regenerating power supplies, every single gadget is going to require some type of power cable.  The Chargepod is a very simple and easy to use device that cuts the clutter, but its biggest downfall is the price tag.

The advantage of the Chargepod is its ability to charge up to six devices at once.  Smaller than the lid of a jelly jar, this central component is quite small and compact.  The unit has a total of seven inputs, but one of them is a dedicated mini USB port that is used to power the unit through a typical AC slot or even a car adapter.  Using the unit is a cinch – just plug and play.

The AC adapter is quite long, making it easy to reach any wall outlet, but all adapters are only about 3-4 inches long…which is perfect.  This keeps the unit small and easy to travel with, the ideal use for the Chargepod.  Unfortunately, the plug on the AC adapter does not fold into the unit, like the DS’ for example, which does reduce the portability factory slightly.

No matter which device you are looking to charge, there is most likely a cable for it.  Sony, Sanyo, Sidekick, Palm, Jabra, Plantronics, iPod, iPhone, GBA, DS, PSP, Blackberry are just some of the brands/units that have an available adapter.  All are available to purchase online here.  Yes, there is a lot.

To test the unit out, I charged an iPod, GBA, DS, Plantronics Bluetooth headset and a Blackberry (World Edition) all at the same time with no issues whatsoever.  All charging seemed to take about the same amount of time as normal and the charge held normally too. 

For $80, you can purchase the Chargepod Bundle Pack.  The price is steep, but you do get a decent amount of content.  The Bundle Pack comes with a set of six default charging cables, the charging unit itself, an AC adapter, a car adapter, and even a nifty zipper carrying case.  Alternatively, you can buy the Chargepod by itself for $40.  All adapters are $10. 

For what it’s worth, the packing of the unit looks pretty cool as it boldly displays the unit through clear plastic.  Using a green and black color scheme, the back of the packaging clearly explains what is inside the packaging, brands that are supported, and how to use the unit.  Unfortunately, it is composed of the same hard plastic packaging that everything else comes in these days.  I understand this cuts down on theft, but you usually wind up slicing off your finger before everything is said and done.

If you are always scrambling to find the right power cable, this device should help alleviate some of the problem.  If you can look past the weighty price point, then there really isn’t a reason to not consider purchasing this product.  Asking $10 for each adapter is murder, but you are paying for the convenience of having everything placed in one device and cutting out the clutter. 

Negatives: 

– The unit costs a good chunk of change

– $10 for each individual cable is pricey

Positives:

– Works great

– Easy to use

– Small and compact – great for traveling

– A ton of different adapters are available

– Cool packaging presentation

Callpod, makers of the Chargepod, also makes a number of different products including a second generation Chargepod and even Bluetooth headsets.  Visit http://www.callpod.com/ for more.