GADGET GIRL - Powermat review

If you're anything like me, you've got charger leads coming out of your ears - one for your phone, another for your iPod, then there's the laptop, the digital camera, the iPad, the electric toothbrush... well, you get the idea!

Yet, despite every drawer being filled with a tangled jumble of cords, I can never find the lead I want when I actually need it - and it drives me insane.

Which is why I was so excited to be contacted by Amy from Skywrite PR to try their Mum's Survival Kit. Nestled amongst all those Mum essentials - a 2011 planner, To Do list, mini-megaphone, and a soothing eye mask - was a new Powermat wireless charger.

It consists of a simple flat base unit that plugs into the socket and permanently sits on your kitchentop, bedside table, or similar. 

Then you set up your device - in my case, my iPhone - by clipping it into a special case with receiver unit built on to the back. It's also compatible with iPods, certain mobile phone and digital camera models, handheld game consoles, and even some Sat Navs.

When your device needs charging you simply plonk it down on the Powermat, and it instantly begins to wirelessly power up.

I keep one Powermat in the kitchen

To be completely honest I wondered if was a bit unnecessary at first, since the base itself still had to be plugged in. 

But the more I used it, the more I loved it. It cuts out all that annoying faffing about as you dig out the right charger, find a spare socket, and plug it in.

As every busy mum will agree, when there are simply not enough hours in the day, every single second counts!!

And because it's so simple to keep my phone charged, I never get stuck with a half-dead battery anymore (pre-Powermat I could never find enough time to charge my iPhone properly, so it would always cut out mid-phone call!)

You also get a special USB cord that allows you to upload while the phone is snugly fitted in the receiver case.

I've got one mat permanently set up in the kitchen downstairs, and another beside my bed, so wherever I am I can just drop the phone down and let it charge away. It's also handy, because I know exactly where to find my phone when I'm rushing out the door again.

Sure, it's not an essential, but it saves me precious time, and makes my life just that teeny bit easier, and I'm all for that!

The iPhone 4 receiver and charging mat bundle costs £49.95. For more information, retailers and prices, visit the Powermat UK website.