Review: Duracell myGrid

Review: Duracell myGrid
[rating:8]
Cost: $69.99 (+$32.19 for Power Sleeve)myGrid at work
Where to buy: www.amazon.com (and various other retailers)
Manufacturer’s Link: www.duracell.com

Duracell expanded their SmartPower line and I’m excited about the new myGrid wireless charging system. Duracell’s new myGrid is a wire-free charging station that lets you simply place down and charge up to 4 mobile devices. myGrid works with most popular cell phones and many portable MP3 players though it seems to be particularly well designed to work with BlackBerry (and iPhone). It took me seconds to unpack and plug in, so no geekological PhD degree is required. Just slap one of the included sleeves or power clips on your phone (or device) and you are ready drop-and-charge.

The starter kit that I received came with 1 Duracell myGrid charge pad and 1 Duracell Power Clip with compatible tips for mini-USB powered devices and Nokia phones. Additional sleeves and connectors are available for purchase for around $30. For the purpose of this review Duracell also provided a Duracell Power Sleeve for BlackBerry Curve and for the Pearl. The power sleeve is very well made. It hugs and protects my Berry nicely just like a gel case should. This power sleeve is better than most other cases out there, one less thing to buy (extra points for value there).

duracell power sleeve duracell power clip

What I love about this is that I immediately replaced the spaghetti of wires on my desk with this futuristic, sleek-looking mat and now I can just drop my phones and iPod down on it when I’m not using them. It even charges my WiFi Skype phone. It would be great if they also made a smaller version (2 devices) that I can put by my bed and maybe even one for the car. I’d buy several extra grids in a heartbeat, but not at around $70 a pop.

The grid is magnetic so you can basically drop your device on in any orientation and it will stay put and charge. No need to worry about aligning it, there really is no thinking involved.

The myGrid power supply draws 100-240V AC at just 0.4 Amps which is about as much draw as two standard BlackBerry chargers but this will charge up to 4 iBerryPhoneP3players.

My opinion: DuraSWELL!!!

PROS:

  • Low power draw to charge several devices
  • Adaptable to a number of devices including MP3 players and other phones
  • Looks cool, made well

CONS:

  • Power Sleeve not included in starter kit ($30 extra)
  • A bit pricey (because I’d want more than one)

starter kit retail box

Note: We received a demo unit from the company in order to write this review.

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