By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best solutions. Take for example the Nomad ChargeKey which is a key-shaped dongle that doubles as a charger for your iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad (provided they use the newer, more convenient Lightning connector).
While today's devices last longer than ever, there are always instances when we need to plug in and get a quick charge. I used my iPhone to navigate to a location about an hour away from home late last week and by the time I was heading back, I was down to 30% battery life. While I had my MacBook Pro with me, I didn't think to bring along a Lightning adaptor.
Thankfully I had the Nomad ChargeKey in my keychain. This small, rubber and plastic device plugs into the USB port and then into the iPhone for charging. It is rugged and convenient and best of all it has a small loop so it can be hooked up into your keychain. Being a USB device, it can pretty much plug into any computer, backup battery or wall plug that feature the USB standard.
Nomad, who also make the ChargeCard (credit card shaped charger) and a MicroUSB ChargeKey (for all the other devices on the planet), really understand the needs of mobile workers, travellers and multi-device users.
Not only is the ChargeKey well designed, it is also quite durable and well-built. I was worried that the ChargeKey would get roughed up in my pocket next to house and car keys but it's been surviving so far. As I often work away from the office, I usually need to carry a bunch of devices and plugs, wthe ChargeKey ensures that I can get a charge whenever necessary.
Apple sells Lightning adaptors and there are now various third party Lightning solutions but nothing I've tried comes close to the convenience and quality of Nomad's ChargeKey. ChargeKeys costs $25 each (free shipping for up to 2 units), they are so popular that they're backordered until February 28th.
Rating: 5 out of 5