PowerStation Organizer Review: Reduce Clutter and Organize Mobile Charging

[Kris Kumar]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.barrys-rigs-n-reviews.com/reviews/2005/hardware/power_station/power_station.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.barrys-rigs-n-reviews.com/reviews/2005/hardware/power_station/power_station.htm</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Pocket PCs, MP3 players, cell phones, mini-game consoles—keeping these and other hi-tech toys recharged and ready to go with their usual jury-rigged mess of power cords and adapters can take a toll on your desktop. Today, we’ll look at a handy, inexpensive accessory that will keep the rest of your gadgets organized and recharged while helping to eliminate the clutter of power cords snaking across your desk—the ReSource, Inc. PowerStation Organizer."</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Nov05-PowerStation.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/> <br /><br />Does anyone over here own this practical organizer? I am definitely keen on buying one for myself. The only gripe I have is the product styling. Wish it had a little more <i>pizazz.</i> :-) If you are interested, you can order it from <a href="http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/searchdetail.asp?T1=112+0465&amp;dept=&amp;search=&amp;child=">here</a> for only $19.95.

[Jerry Raia]

You are being too kind. The thing is downright ugly! But it looks like it does the job.

[freitasm]

I am trying to get everything possible being charged via USB. Mini USB on new Windows Mobile 5.0 devices is great! I have a single cable to plug different devices. I also have external hard drives and Bluetooth GPS, all plugged into USB (and no, no USB HUB, they are not good, even the powered ones). I have 10 USB ports on my desktop.

When not using the USB standard plug (such as in the old WM devices) then I have minisync cables to reduce the clutter. And wireless keyboard and mouse.

[Jerry Raia]

I would like to do that too. One problem is Active Sync freaks out if you have two devices hooked up at the same time as I do.

[freitasm]

True... But I only have one at a time (although I do carry the SP5 and the Apache everywhere). Now with persistent memory is not a big deal if the Apache runs out of battery :P

[ctmagnus]

I would like to do that too. One problem is Active Sync freaks out if you have two devices hooked up at the same time as I do.

Simple enough solution: Don't try to sync two devices at the same time :P

Actually, since I went 100% Bluetooth, I haven't had that issue.

Bluetooth rocks!

If I was at all good with any graphics editors, my sig on all forums I visit would be I [heart] [Bluetooth logo]

[Kris Kumar]

You are being too kind. The thing is downright ugly! But it looks like it does the job.

It does get the job done.

Wish it was designed as a charging station for Apple iPods. I am sure the manufacturer would have paid more attention to detail. :-)

[Kris Kumar]

I am trying to get everything possible being charged via USB.

I wish all manufacturers adopted USB. I hated it when Motorola went from mini-USB for the MPx200 to its proprietary plug for the MPx220. I hate HP for having their own stupid connector for the Pocket PCs (are they still doing it. I have the iPaq 2215). And it goes on....... :-(

[ctmagnus]

Then there are instances like the SMT5600, which has a circuit in it that will only accept a charge from certain mini-USB chargers.

[Jerry Raia]

Simple enough solution: Don't try to sync two devices at the same time :P

Yeah but I wanna plug then both in to charge at the same time! :D

[ctmagnus]

Simple enough solution: Don't try to sync two devices at the same time :P

Yeah but I wanna plug then both in to charge at the same time! :D

So sync via Bluetooth!

:mrgreen:

(Have I told you how much I love Bluetooth?)

[Jerry Raia]

I know, I am a BT fan also. My KB and mouse are as well.

[Sven Johannsen]

I don't seem to have much trouble with multiple things plugged in to USB. I plug in the first one and let the sync complete. Then when I plug in the others they just are detected by USB, but AS ignores them. and they charge.

WM5 is a bit more annoying in that the device seems to want to turn on if it thinks it has a USB connection, even though AS isn't and won't talk to it if it is not first. Once on, it won't turn off if you have the normal 'don't turn off on external power' set.

[Jason Dunn]

That thing is UGLY. Bleh! Neat idea though.

[John Trosko]

I just never thought I'd want an item like this, even being in the "organizer field." Yes, they are not too attractive, and very bulky. But it was the "how-to" that got me. And seeing how the wires are "hidden" inside the unit. Sitting on the shelf, the unit might actually work! I posted these questions on my Blog-- let's see if we can receive any interesting suggestions. I know someone who just purchased one for her desk. http://organizingla.blogs.com/organizingla_blog/2005/11/powerstation_or.html -- John

[Flick]

Then there are instances like the SMT5600, which has a circuit in it that will only accept a charge from certain mini-USB chargers.So that's why the generic car adapter that worked with my MPx-200 won't work with my SMT5600! That was bugging me.