Powermat Home and Office Mat
Manufacturer: HoMedics Part number: PMM-HO100
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Powermat isn't entirely free of wires, but it succeeds at being different and at powering your phone. On the other hand, we don't see it fulfilling a need.
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CNET editors' review
Powermat Home and Office Mat price range: $39.99 - $99.99
- Reviewed by: Kent German
- Reviewed on: 01/13/2010
- Updated on:04/02/2010
The good: The Powermat successfully charges your phone without a wired connection.
The bad: The Powermat won't work with every handset, and you'll need to pay extra to charge more than one device simultaneously.
The bottom line: The Powermat isn't entirely free of wires, but it succeeds at being different and at powering your phone. On the other hand, we don't see it fulfilling a need.
Editors' note: Though we reviewed the Powermat Home and Office Mat, the Portable Mat serves the same purpose but with a compact, foldable design. We updated this review on April 2, 2010, to reflect further testing.
If you had told us five years ago that innovation was coming in cell phone chargers, we wouldn't have believed you. Our response would have been, "What's the point?" We're perfectly happy with the wall charger that came in the box."
As it turns out, we were wrong--but only partially. Both the Wildcharge Pad, which we reviewed last year, and the new Powermat Home and Office Mat can power your phone without a physical connection to a wall charger. However, it's not completely wireless--you have to plug in the phone somehow--but it is quite a change compared with how things are done normally.
The technology is innovative and both devices work just fine, but we're still not completely sold on them. As with the Wildcharge Pad, we still don't see the Powermat as really fulfilling a need. We're still happy with our charger that came in the box, and we're not eager to shell out $100 for a product that does what we can do already for free. Even though it can zap power to up to four devices at once, you're going to need to pay more for the privilege.
As you might expect, the Powermat's primary element is a thin, black mat shaped like a skateboard (though without the angled ends). At 12.25 inches long by 4.56 inches wide by 0.63 inch deep, it's not exactly portable (you'll have to use Powermat Portable to take it on the go), but it is lightweight (9.9 ounces). The mat is mostly plastic, but a rubber section on its bottom ensures it won't slip around on a table.
In the box you'll find a power cable for connecting the Powermat to an electrical outlet. The cable is adequately long (4.5 feet long) and you can wrap it around its base for storage. You'll also get a Powercube Universal receiver, which is required for powering a device that doesn't have a Powermat receiver case available for it. You also get a selection of adapter tips for connecting the Universal Receiver to your phone.
The Universal Receiver illustrates an important point about the Powermat. Despite what you might have inferred from the company's advertising, the Powermat does not work without any wires at all. You can't just place a phone on the mat and expect it to zap your handset back to life magically; rather, you must connect your phone to the Universal Receiver, which you then place on the mat. And as mentioned previously, you must plug in the mat in the first place
Once you have that concept down, using the Powermat is easy. Three magnetic points on the mat not only deliver power to the Universal Receiver, but also hold it securely in place. Then, after placing the Universal Receiver and selecting the correct tip from the seven provided, you can connect your phone. The charging process should begin at once; a tweet sound will alert you that you've connected the Universal Adapter correctly and a tiny light will shine when your phone charging.
Overall, the Powermat worked fine. We charged both an iPhone 3G and a Samsung SGH-A117 without any issues. The entire charging period was about the same as with a standard plug and the phones held a similar amount of battery life. However, with a Motorola Cliq we ran into an issue. After charging for about 10 minutes, the Powermat ceased working and the tweet alert started sounding continuously. The alert lasted about 3 minutes, and continued even after we disconnected the phone, unplugged the Powermat, and plugged it in again. We alerted the company and they sent us another review unit. The problem didn't occur again, but it shouldn't have happened in the first place.
You get seven Universal Receiver adapters in the box. Besides specific tips for Apple, LG, Sony, and Samsung products, you'll also find a Mini-USB and a Micro-USB adapter as well as tips for the Nintendo DS Lite and Dsi. Powermat also included a carrying case for the tips, though it can hold only three at once. Besides the Universal Receiver, you also can use receivers crafted specifically for the iPhone 3G, the first-generation iPhone and iPod, and the RIM BlackBerry Bold. We didn't test these products, though it's worth noting that ZDNET's Andrew Nusca had a difficult time with the iPhone receiver. The receivers also cost extra ($29.99 to $39.99), which means you'll have to spend more than the unit's base price to take advantage of one of the Powermat's better features, which is charging more than one device at a time. On a similar note, you can power a fourth device with a USB cable, but you don't get one in the box.
User reviews
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Terrible Product - Where is CNET's review?
by metomjr on November 6, 2009
Pros: Good Concept
Cons: Not Pratical
Summary: I 've been trying to research this product, and have seen it displayed in a box in a store, but haven't seen a working model. What surprises me even ...
Summary: I 've been trying to research this product, and have seen it displayed in a box in a store, but haven't seen a working model. What surprises me even more, is that CNET has not even reviewed this product. Wouldn't wireless charging seem revolutionary? Couldn't this be a game changer for millions of cell phone users out there? Not a word from CNET, who supposedly is on the front edge of technology.
CNET - Please review this product. Based on the TV commercials and what it says on the box, it is very deceiving. It requires a special backing that attaches to your phone (which is only available for the iphone and blackberry) and to use it for any other phone requires a dongle that has a mini-usb port that entirely defeats the purpose of going wireless.
This product is a scam and CNET needs to point that out...and fast because this could potentially be a popular (but total bust) holiday sale item for those who aren't technically savy (think my mom).5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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helpful link
by mbtiernan on November 15, 2009
Pros: great concept
Cons: didn't find my device tip i would use for my phone
Summary: found this other link helpful sorry cnet
http://www.testfreaks.com/blog/review/powermat-wireless-charging-unit/Summary: found this other link helpful sorry cnet
http://www.testfreaks.com/blog/review/powermat-wireless-charging-unit/3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This is a waste of time and money.
by rylan234 on March 8, 2010
Pros: Nice sleek low profile look. Ingenious theory of cordless rechargability.
Cons: It's not so simple as dropping your devices and letting them charge. Charge pack adapters need to be purchased for each and every device you want to use on the mat.
Summary: I think this is a complete waste as you have to spend upwards of $100 for the charge mat and up to an additional $50 for each device you want ...
Summary: I think this is a complete waste as you have to spend upwards of $100 for the charge mat and up to an additional $50 for each device you want to charge. So for my phone, ipod, nav device, bluetooth headset and my wife's phone, would require 5 separate charge adapters which would put the cost at around $550 to do the work of our free wall chargers. The more annoying aspect of it is the need to attach the charge adapter to the devices. This means that if you have a case for your phone or ipod, you have to remove that case and put on the charge adapter so that the charge will happen. And then remove the charge adapter and replace your usual protective case once again. So for me, the extra expense and the extra hassle of removing and replacing cases, does not outweigh the simple annoyance of having multiple cords for my wall outlet.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This product is worthles.
by astormerhartley on November 29, 2009
Pros: sounds great...
Cons: ...But its a big scam
Summary: Totally killed my iPhone battery life. The commercial is really deciving. And why has C-NET not reviewed this item yet? What's going on, is everybody working there on vacation? ...
Summary: Totally killed my iPhone battery life. The commercial is really deciving. And why has C-NET not reviewed this item yet? What's going on, is everybody working there on vacation? Usually I love C-NET and have always relied on the C-NET advice here, but there is no review yet and this item is already being sold on the front lines at Best Buy...
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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What have I done to deserve this.
by oblivion_k on January 31, 2011
Pros: Nothing, nothing at all. Box looks nice, I guess.
Cons: Customer service is handled by monkeys with downs syndrome
Summary: Bought HTC EVO bundle receiver door and powermat charging station at best buy. Receiver door did not charge, so I shipped it back to them for a replacement. Before I ...
Summary: Bought HTC EVO bundle receiver door and powermat charging station at best buy. Receiver door did not charge, so I shipped it back to them for a replacement. Before I even sent it back, however, I received an Iphone 4 bundle in the mail. Shipped both of them back, and today I received another (yes, another) Iphone 4 bundle in the mail. With the overall quality of this item, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that this is a common occurrence. Powermat will go down in history as a prime example of how to do everything wrong.
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I absolutely LOVE my portable powermat!!!!
by janisg1 on January 24, 2011
Pros: I got the Blackberry adaptor, $30. I got an additional powercube from Ebay, $10. I needed the iPhone tip and the cube came with it. When traveling, I bring the mat with me for the hotel and use it in the car with a power inverter for long trips.
Cons: Only that if/when I switch Blackberry model, I may have to get a new adaptor.
Summary: One of the best things about the portable powermat is that it comes in a nice case and I can bring it with me on trips. I've used it ...
Summary: One of the best things about the portable powermat is that it comes in a nice case and I can bring it with me on trips. I've used it in the airport...you know how hard it is to find one plug, let alone 3 if you have multiple devices! I've used it in Europe with a power converter. SOOOO nice! Most of the people who complained seemed stuck on the fact that you have a plug going into the wall or the powercube plug into your device. Get over it. You need electricity or else you have to store power in the mat (limited) The powercube adaptors are just not a problem. No more mess of USB cords hanging around and being sure to use the right one...because as you've probably found out, as far as USB is concerned, size does matter. Also, think about how many times someone comes to visit and forgets their charger. This covers them all. I'm getting another one for the kitchen.
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WIRELESS...just to charge my phone takes 2 wires!
by mstechi on December 27, 2010
Pros: The idea as advertised
Cons: First the fact that I'm am returning this today. Dissapointed and confused. This product is misleading . My advice...buy a power strip! You will save a trip for the return and a few hundred bucks.
Summary: Dont waste your time. If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.
Summary: Dont waste your time. If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.
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Neat Creative Idea
by Hotsvensk on December 26, 2010
Pros: No Wires.
Portable.
Effective.
Aesthetically pleasing.Cons: Just 3 items charged at a time. (for my particular one)
Summary: Once you get past the fact that you have to purchase individual pieces...
Its easy, I can place it on my nightstand, just set down my phone, don't have ...Summary: Once you get past the fact that you have to purchase individual pieces...
Its easy, I can place it on my nightstand, just set down my phone, don't have to fidget with a plug-in, I have my items all near each other (find them quicker), I use one plug for 3 things (or more).. instead of having a large power strip on the ground. Its not a heavy item so if I need to move it I can do so.
It's like Wifi for charging, I'm sure many people were negative when Wifi first came about (buy a router, buy an adapter for your laptop, pay the cable company for the service) .. Nothing in this life is free, but I'm very happy with the ease this product provides me. It's happiness in the little things. -
Very Poor I will not ever do business with PowerMat
by scanner4 on December 20, 2010
Pros: I like the idea of "Wireless Charging"
Cons: my PPM-1PA1-B27 (single mat and cover for HTC EVO) over heated my phone, I never had the phone ever get as warm as it did...
Summary: Consumer relations is useless, I was told to send my Powermat back and then they lost it and won't tell when they will ship a replacement, why? because they ...
Summary: Consumer relations is useless, I was told to send my Powermat back and then they lost it and won't tell when they will ship a replacement, why? because they can't find the one I sent back. ( yes they have the UPS tracking number and it show it was delivered)
I will never refer anyone to this product or the company, I was made to feel that I had done something wrong and it was my fault that I had to return the devise and cause the problem to begin with....
Now if I could get my money back I would, but I was told that's not going to happen anytime soon, I may just turn this over to a lawyer -
The commercial, the box, the instructions. Rip OFF!
by stunzeed2 on December 17, 2010
Pros: NONE. False advertising to the "t". Absolute rip off and if this product doesn't rank number one in store returns I'd be shocked. Where on the box, commercial, or instructions does it reference needing "enablers" for your device? $150 power strip.
Cons: NOT WIRELESS unless you want to buy $50 holsters for the few products it supports, FALSE ADVERTISING never speaks of enablers. Just a horrible horrible product.
Summary: Don't not purchase this product unless you like power strips that cost upwards of $150 dollars. Don't fall for the "just drop in on and it charges" scam, ...
Summary: Don't not purchase this product unless you like power strips that cost upwards of $150 dollars. Don't fall for the "just drop in on and it charges" scam, that simply is not the case. I should have known it was a farce when the shelf was stocked with them at Christmas season and the "store return/half price" shelf was loaded with them as well. My fault for not doing due diligence and researching more deeply, but damn, have some respect for the consumer you advertising snake oil salesmen.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: HoMedics
- Part number: PMM-HO100
- Description: Wirelessly charges up to 3 Powermat-enabled devices simultaneously (plus one USB power port). Works with all Powermat receivers. Universal Powercube with 8 tips is included to enable you to charge hundreds of different devices.
General
- Product Type Wireless charging mat
- Width 12.2 in
- Depth 4.6 in
- Height 0.6 in
Power Device
- Voltage Required AC 100-240 V ( 50 - 60 Hz )
- Voltage Provided 18 V
- output connector(s) 4
- Power Provided 15 Watt
- Max Electric Current 0.83 A
- Features Cord management
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Connector tips storage case,
8 connector tips - Cables Included 1 x Power connector adapter - External
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Product series
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Manufacturer: HoMedics
Specs: 15 Watt,
0.83 A,
12.2 in x 4.6 in x 0.6 in -
Manufacturer: HoMedics
Specs: 15 Watt,
0.83 A,
12.2 in x 4.6 in x 0.6 in
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse HoMedics products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:HoMedics
- Address:
3000 Pontiac Trail, Commerce Township, MI 48390 - Phone: 248.863.3000
- Fax: 248.863.3100
