GamePro Labs Gadget and Gear Roundup (3 of 8)

Callpod's Chargepod

What is it: If you're anything like us, you own a ton of electronic devices. Cell phones, MP3 players, DS Lites and PSPs-you probably carry around enough circuitry on a daily basis to legally qualify as an android. But you know what we hate: Trying to find enough free outlets to charge all of those devices. Sure, a power strip solves the issue of having enough outlets but the resulting tangle of wires drives us nuts. The Chargepod looks to solve that issue by offering a single, elegant solution to your battery charging problems. This disc-shaped gadget disperses power to its six outlets; you simply plug in an adapter and then connect your device directly, eliminating the need to have a long wire running to a wall outlet.

How does it perform: Exactly as advertised. We ran the Chargepod's power plug to the wall, popped in the adapters that we were sent and plugged in a variety of devices, including a DS Lite, a PSP and an iPod. The Chargepod also comes with a number of adapters for popular brands of cell phones as well. We didn't do any hard testing to see if plugging in a bunch of different devices affects charge times versus just plugging it into a wall but the Chargepod doesn't advertise speed as a feature; it's all about consolidating your wires, which the Chargepod effectively does.

What did you like about it: It's easy to use and it was sort of cool to see all our devices laid out on the desk. Geek pride and all that. Also, we loved the concept: having one central charger for all of our electronic devices just makes a whole heck of a lot of sense.

What didn't you like about it: Well, there's the price, which is a tad high to being with, and then you have to figure in the cost of all those adapters, which quickly adds up. We were also concerned about the fact that we were plugging in six power-hungry devices into one rather flimsy device. We doubt there's a fire danger but you know, it still had us feeling a little leery.

Should I buy it: If you own a lot of electronic devices and are constantly fumbling with power cables and wall outlets, then you should definitely consider investing in a Chargepod. It consolidates all of your devices into one easy to access location; just be sure to buy the right adapters and you're set to go.

www.callpod.com
MSRP: $49.95
Fun Factor: 3.75

Comments [9]

post a comment

  • First
    • Jump To Page:
    • [ 1 ]
  • Last
war02orc

Good article GamePro, but I won't be using any of those devices lol. I have a surround sound audio system for my PC, an iPod, and no need of $100 earbuds. And who in their right mind would buy a set of 2.1 speakers for ~$500-600 instead of buying a surround sound system instead?

war02orc

I might use that 6 port charger though, but I'm worried about proper distribution of power to my devices. All it takes is one power spike or irregular power flow to destroy my iPod, PSP, or DS. For $45 it sounds too good to be true.

MegaGeek

This Keyboard would definately fit my lifestlyle except for the price. if anyone knows where to get an awsome keyboard like this cheap they are stupid not to buy one for at least backup.

Sire

okay, now the keyboard is just getting into a HUGE console controller looking keyboard, it's funny, I can't really tell how big it is but if you held it like a big controller and used your thumbs, it's like a Spinal Tap looking thing. And wasn't there just an article on how console controllers have too many buttons?......Or maybe you can hold it to your chest like an autoharp...........what you need is a keyboard or controller in where you pull, rather than push the buttons, you know, like an old cigarette machine, kinda like an operators switchboard.

colossus16

The Keyboard looks totally badass!!!! I see that there's multiples of some of the keys. The P button should be in a more convenient position, because in a lot of online games, P is pause, the all important function.

  • First
    • Jump To Page:
    • [ 1 ]
  • Last

Post a Comment