Mobility Digest Review: Universal Charger IDAPT i4

It’s Sunday so I figured let’s go with another review, maybe even I’ll post another later. Who knows, we’ll see how industrious I feel later today. For review today I’ve got a universal charger from a company called IDAPT and it’s aptly named the IDAP i4. This charger is certainly unique, it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. The i4 uses a system of adapters that plug into a base to charge your devices, it has three adapters and a standard USB port so you can charge four things at one time.

Author: Kristofer Brozio

Vendor: IDAPT

Price: $59.99

Overall Rating: 4/5

Universal Charger IDAPT i4

IDAPT I4 is an innovative charging solution that can charge up to 4 mobile devices simultaneously and is compatible with over 4,000 mobile electronic devices including the iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Nintendo DS, PSP, GPS systems, digital cameras, and Bluetooth products.

The IDAPT i4 features an interchangeable tip system making it completely customizable.  It has 3 charging points and an additional USB charging point, allowing users to charge their electronics without the mess of tangled cords or the need for more than one outlet.

Features:
-SIMULTANEOUS – Charge up to 4 devices at the same time
-ECOLOGICAL – LEDS indicate the charging status of your device. Save energy and switch off IDAPT when not in use
-FUTURE PROOF – IDAPT is committed to constantly update the range of adapter tips as new devices are launched.
-UNIVERSAL – Charge all your electronic devices with complete compatibility.
-SAFE & ERGONOMIC – The articulated tips make IDAPT a sturdy adaptable product for everyday use
-EASY AND SIMPLE – Simple connection and disconnection of electronic devices.

Specification:
AC Input: 85-240 VAC – 0.2A; 50/60 Hz worldwide compatible
4 independent chargers with self-regulating power supply
DC Output: Up to 13 W
Cord length: 1,6 m
Dimensions: 169 x 135 x 32 mm
Weight: 300 g

What’s in the Box?

So it comes in a box, everything comes in a box right? The box for the IDAPT i4 is attractive, and nicely done but it’s a bit flimsy.

Inside the box you’ll find documentation, power cable, charging station and six adapters.

The adapters that come in the box are not exactly popular, at least in my opinion anyway. Some of them are like the the iPhone, mini and micro USB connections but I don’t see what the needs for the Nokia, Samsung and Sony adapters are needed for. Anymore most every phones uses a USB adapter. Then again though I guess people have old phones and I guess some of the non smartphones might have those funky adapters. I can’t wait until there’s actually a standard for all phones out there, this proprietary crap is ridiculous I think.

The base I got for review is a glossy black in color, it’s nice and rather stylish. The i4 should fit in with any décor, either in an office of your home. There are three holes for the adapters and a power switch towards the top or back. On the side, not pictured, is a regular USB port.

When it arrives it’s all covered in plastic, the bottom is as well. There are also four rubber feet there and on the back of the base is the power connection.

Impressions / Review:

The individual adapters just plug right into the base station and lock into place. On each side of the adapter are buttons, pushing both at the same time unlocks the adapters and they pop out.

I grabbed my Captivate, Tilt and iPod Touch and plugged them in. Yes I still have my Tilt floating around, I couldn’t really find anything else handy that uses a mini-USB port for charging.There are LEDs for each port, they light when active and green when not.

 

You might notice that my Captivate is upside down, well the microUSB port is on the top of it. I did grab my Motorola Backflip to try that, but it has a USB port on the side so it wouldn’t fit with the iPod charging.

So depending where the charge points are on your devices you might need to move the adapters around, or things might not fit.

Conclusion:

The i4 works fine for charging, and it’s nice to be able to charge several devices at one time. It seems to take the same amount of time to charge as it would using the regular AC adapter that comes with the phone.

I don’t like the idea of having different adapters and having to buy more of them. Maybe it’s me, but I don’t think I should have to keep paying for something after I already bought it. On the other hand I guess paying a small amount just for an adapter is better than having to buy a whole new device.

 

Pros:
+Very simple to use

+Looks great, very stylish

+Seems well made

 

Cons:
-Can’t reposition adapters

-Some things just don’t fit