PowerMat is a new device on the market that allows you to wirelessly charge a variety of devices such as cell phones and handheld video games. Simply place them on the PowerMat – its magnets place each device in the optimal position for charging, then charge it via magnetic fields. Lights and sounds indicate the status of the device and alert you when it’s fully charged (at which point the PowerMat is smart enough to turn itself off).

What devices can you charge with PowerMat and how do you do it? These devices fall into three main categories: cell phones (mobile phones), handheld game consoles, and miscellaneous devices. For some devices, there are special receivers that are attached to the device for convenient wireless charging. Other devices must be charged with a more conventional wired connector; for this purpose, the PowerMat comes with a dedicated PowerCube universal receiver and multiple connectors (known as “tips”).

Cell phones:

• AppleiPhone 3G: There is dedicated support for the iPhone 3G; requires installation of a special PowerMat-compatible receiver case (purchased separately). iPhone can also be charged with a special Apple PowerCube tip (included) or a receiver cradle (purchased separately).
• AppleiPhone 3GS: A dedicated receiver is soon to be released for the iPhone 3GS. In the meantime, use the special Apple PowerCube tip (included) or the receiver base (purchased separately).
• AppleiPhone (other models): Use the special Apple PowerCube tip (included) or the receiver base (purchased separately).
• blackberry edge Bold, curve 8300, curve 8900 Y PearlNote: There is dedicated support for these Blackberry models; requires installation of a special PowerMat-compatible battery door (purchased separately).
• blackberry edge RoundNote: A dedicated receiver is about to be released for the BlackBerry Tour, in the meantime, use the micro-USB tip (included).
• blackberry edge (other models including Storm): Use mini-USB or micro-USB tips as needed (included).
• LG: Spent LG 1 or micro-USB tips (included).
• Samsung: Use the Samsung tip 2 (included).
• Motorola: Use micro-USB or mini-USB tips (included).
• Palm: Use the micro-USB tip (included).
• Bluetooth headset: Use the micro-USB tip (included).
• htc: Use the mini-USB tip (included).
• Nokia: Use the special Nokia 2mm tip (purchased separately).
• Sony Ericsson: Use the special Sony Ericsson tip (purchased separately).

Games:

• nintendo ds lite: There is dedicated support for Nintendo DS Lite; requires installation of a special PowerMat compatible rear receiver (purchased separately). The DS Lite can also be charged with a special PowerCube DS Lite tip (included).
• nintendo ds: There is dedicated support for Nintendo DSi; requires installation of a special PowerMat compatible rear receiver (purchased separately). The DSi can also be charged with a special PowerCube DSi tip (included).
• Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP): Use the Sony PSP tip (included).

Please note that it is not necessary to remove the back of the receiver to play. Receivers for other game consoles are in development.

other Devices:

• ipod touch: There is dedicated support for the iPod Touch; requires installing a special PowerMat-compatible receiver box (purchased separately). iPod Touch can also be charged with a special Apple PowerCube tip (included) or a docking station (purchased separately).
• iPod (other models): Use the Apple tip (included) or the receiver base (purchased separately).
• gps Devices: Use the mini-USB tip (included).
• Some Kodak Cameras: Use the Sony PSP tip (included).

You can see that the PowerMat covers most portable devices very well. However, many of these need to be charged by the PowerCube, so if true wireless capability for particular devices is important, it’s worth checking that receivers are available for them.