You can charge your various cellphones and hand-held game machines by placing them on a Powermat wireless magnetic-induction charging pad.
Lay up to three devices on the pad. When they’re in the right position, a pleasing tone sounds and you feel a slight magnetic tug. Each device needs a special sensor, though. With a BlackBerry, you replace the standard battery cover with a Powermat version.
Since the iPhone doesn’t have a removable battery, the Powermat sensor is incorporated into a special i Phone case. Other similar devices are sold for the Nintendo DS and DS Lite.
It eliminates the tangle of cords and even saves energy because plugged-in charging cords draw power even when not connected to a device. Powermat draws less power than standard cords.
But you’ll be spending up to $250 ($100 for a charging mat, and $30 to $40 for each charging device) to eliminate a little clutter.
A cheaper solution is buy a multi-outlet extension cord for a few bucks, stuff the cables under the desk and throw them in a drawer when you’re done. Eric A. Taub
