This looks like a very nice universal multi-charger - if you need that sort of thing for your gadgets.
Has multiple charging tips which can be switched out as required (and you can buy new tips - hopefully they'll release one for the new Lightning connection soon). Charges up to three devices at a time.
The concept is that you have one "charging station" connected to its plugpack through a wire, but that is the ONLY wire in the entire system. It is intended that your entire family get the appropriate charging adaptors for their mobile phones/MP3 players/Ipads/whatrver, and then they just sit them on the charging station to charge. The charging adaptors for phones and Ipads look like a typical protective cover for those devices, but slightly thicker to contain the electronics.
It's good from a convenience point of view - you never have to unplug a charging cable, you just grab your device and go. Likewise, you never have to find the correct cable to charge your phone/MP3/whatever, just sit it on the pad and it will charge automagically.
The one I saw appeared to be quite energy-efficient, too. It had some way of sensing the presence of a charging adaptor being put on (or even 5mm above) the charging station, and only then would it start drawing power from the mains. The rest of the time it was in a low-power "sleep" mode, according to the manual.
If you regularly connect your mobile phone, MP3 or Ipad to a computer, the charging adaptors can be a problem, because they plug in where YOU want to plug in. I think some of the better brands have a second socket on the charging adaptor, you use that one rather than plugging directly into your device.
Ahh okay fair enough. At our place everyone charges their gadgets differently… we use a combination of bedside iPhone docks, computer docks, regular wall chargers and a digital radio with a dock built in.
I guess if you wanted to have the one designated spot this would be a pretty good idea. Personally I'm waiting for a nice iPhone 5 alarm dock to come out, which might end up taking a while -.-
Actually, you're thinking of an induction charging station. this has plain old plugs :P
It's a glorified dock.
Oops, you are right. Sadly, I can't remove my incorrect statements.
.. comment deleted
Anyone else find one of these? Haven't been able to find one in brisbane OfficeWorks stores…
Looks like a pretty good deal, however I've always thought of these things as a bit useless… wouldn't a regular cable do the job with less clutter for your desk?