Olin Wireless Power Charger
The Olin Wireless Power Charger, as the name implies, lets you charge devices — currently, the Nintendo DS Lite (RRP $99) and Apple iPhone 3G and 3GS (RRP $149) — wirelessly, in the same time as it takes for the manufacturer’s supplied charger to do so.
I road-tested the DS-compatable model, which comprises a circular charging pad and a hard acrylic casing that encapsulates your DS Lite (the case can stay on the DS between charges, doubling as a protective cover).
To charge the unit, you just place the DS in the supplied case on the mat surface and the charger does the rest. A status indicator shows when the device is fully charged and short circuit protection guards against damage from power surges. The unit won’t overcharge either.
While the Olin Wireless Power Charger does exactly what it says it will, to my mind, it’s a pretty expensive powerup option — while each charging mat is capable of charging either device, cases are not currently available separately, so if you had a DS and an iPhone , at the time of writing, you’d need two separate chargers and be up for almost $250.
However, that situation is likely to change with plans to sell the casings separately, and a twin charger expected to become available in the not too distant future (prices are expected to be $59 per sleeve, charging plates for $99 and complete sets for $149 — no news on a release date or price for a twin charger).
Another problem with the charging mat for the DS is that it's a bit bulky and not that light, making it a not-so-attractive option for carrying around if you're travelling.
However, where I can see the benefit in the charger is in a family setting, where the kids can easily and safely charge their DSes without having to mess with plugs and powerpoints.
Gail Lipscombe has worked for some of Australia's hottest tech magazines for over 10 years. In her blog, she focuses on demystifying technology, gadgets and the web for average consumers.