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Idapt Universal Charger i4

*Est. $60

Reviewed

February 2013

by ConsumerSearch

Best desktop USB charger

Pros

Charges four USB devices at once
Includes several types of charging tips
Compact, low-profile design and solid build

Cons

Slow charging through USB port
Extra tips cost $10 each
Lacks syncing capability

Where to Buy

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Our Analysis
Specs
38 Amazon Reviews

Bottom Line

Idapt's i4 is the flagship of a line-up that has consistently pleased reviewers and consumers. It is perfect for reducing cable and adapters clutter, and it looks great on most desks. Shipping with six interchangeable tips, including a micro and mini USB tip, and available in a wealth of colors and themes to choose from, it satisfies a wide audience. One reviewer says it falls into the "Once you try it, you'll wonder how you did without it" category. It can charge up to four devices at the same time and is one of the simplest devices to operate.

Ease Of Use

"Setting up the Idapt i4 was a snap," says Rad Bennett, a reviewer from SoundStage!Xperience.com. It only takes a moment to connect any device to the i4. One way to charge using the i4 is to attach a device to an adapter tip and insert it into a slot on the base. Another method is to attach the device to the supplied USB cable. Experts like plugging several devices into the i4 at bedtime and finding them all ready to go in the morning and all in one central place.

Design

The i4's sleek profile comes in enough colors and themes to satisfy most tastes. Some of the glossier colors are fingerprint magnets, and one reviewer reported minor difficulties removing some devices from the slots. AndroidPolice.com reviewer Liam Spradlin says, "It feels solid without being bulky." Beyond that, the surprisingly light yet solidly built i4 is designed very well around its intended purpose.

Performance

Not as fast as other chargers, but the i4's performance impresses. Some say that even though it charges a bit slower than other USB chargers, the differences are not enough to matter. In one test, four devices charged in varying combinations, and each time they charged "flawlessly." PCMag.com reviewer Eugene Kim says, "The whole package works exactly as advertised."

Where To Buy

iDapt i4 Charger

(38 reviews)
11 Used & new from $38.51

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Our Sources

1. PCMag.com

Review Credibility: Very Good After testing the device, PCMag.com reviewer Eugene Kim says the "i4 could be a helpful addition to your gadget arsenal." He likes its solid build but is disappointed that it doesn't have sync capabilities. Kim says it will be a long time before the Idapt i4 becomes obsolete.

Review: Idapt i4 Universal Charger, Eugene Kim, May 23, 2012

2. AndroidPolice.com

Review Credibility: Very Good Liam Spradlin praises Idapt, saying they "hit the nail on the head with their charging solutions, with the i4 at the top of the heap." His only "major downside" is the slow charging speed through the USB port. Otherwise, he "would definitely recommend this device."

Review: [Review] iDapt i4 Universal Charger Combines Practical Functionality With Sleek Design, Charges All Your Devices With Ease, Liam Spradlin, Feb. 29, 2012

3. HomeTheaterSound.com

Review Credibility: Good Rad Bennett has experience with the Idapt i3, so, for him, setting up the Idapt i4 "was a snap." After extensive use of both models, Bennett says the Idapt "can rapidly become an indispensable piece of equipment for those who like their music everywhere."

Review: Music Everywhere: Idapt i4 Universal Charging Station, Rad Bennett, December 2011

4. AndroidSpin.com

Review Credibility: Good Little things about the i4 bother reviewer "Stormy Beach." His main gripe is with some devices having to be turned upside down, while others are turned forward or backward. He admits these are "silly little issues," and he finds the device "quite handy." His accompanying video review is very helpful.

Review: Accessory Review: Idapt i4; Charge Everything in One Place, "Stormy Beach", March 7, 2012

5. ByteNow.com

Review Credibility: Good ByteNow.com's reviewer, Andrew Geleff, says the Idapt i4 "has its flaws, but they are overshadowed by its incredible usefulness." He and his staff "love this product," and they are certain consumers will too.

Review: Review: IAPT i4 Universal Charging Station, Andrew Geleff, Aug. 30, 2011

6. SlashGear.com

Review Credibility: Good Is the Idapt Universal Charger i4 a perfect solution for desktop management of multiple devices? In his image-rich review, Chris Burns admits that it is not. However, he asks, "Is this device worth the money you pay for it?" He believes it is, and he uses excellent images to prove it.

Review: IDAPT i4 Universal Charging Station Review, Chris Burns, May 28, 2011

7. TestFreaks.com

Review Credibility: Good Tomas Ratas says, "The biggest advantage of the IDAPT i4 is the lack of clutter as it replaces the various cables and AC adapters." He tested multiple devices at once, and the i4 handled the operation "with ease."

Review: Review of the iDapt i4 Charging Station, Tomas Ratas, Feb. 27, 2011

8. GearDiary.com

Review Credibility: Fair "I like this unit … a lot," says Dan Cohen. He finds the device's low profile appealing and is pleased that it charges his iPad. He would appreciate being able to customize the selection of tip adapters because the ones shipped with the i4 are wasteful in that they include "three tips I will never use." Huge photo samples dominate his review.

Review: Home Tech Accessory Review -- Idapt i4 Charging Station, Dan Cohen, Aug. 10, 2010

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