(Powermat) Charge your gadgets wirelessly

For the past three years, every CES show has dangled the promise of wireless charging products. But we haven't seen these power chargers become widely available.

This year Powermat says it is closer than ever to the finish line. At CES 2009, the company announced a line of products for home, travel and work use that could charge from three to four devices on a single mat. The Powermat can charge iPods, iPhone, other mobile phones and even a laptop.

Powermat uses the principle of magnetic induction to deliver wireless power. Users plug in their Powermat to an electrical outlet and can then place their devices on the mat to charge--which means there are two parts to the system, the mat and the magnetic cases/docks that are attached behind each device.

In its true sense the Powermats aren't completely wireless since the device just goes on a mat that is plugged in. Think of it as a better-looking Power Squid. But when Powermat's technology is built into kitchen countertops and walls, it could potentially be more true to its name.

The mats in white and black finish are priced at $100 and the cases/docks for each individual device will cost $30.