22nd Oct 2016
Charging stations to end cable spaghetti
Anywhere there are more than a few devices – home, school or at work – charging stations help with recharging them all without every AC power point being taken up by a USB charger, and a trip hazard of cables everywhere.
Whether its for iPads, tablets, smartphones or other devices, there are a number of charging stations to end the cable spaghetti war while making sure everyone has a charged-up device ready to go.
Here are some tips to make sure you get the most from your charge station.
- Placing your charge station in a well ventilated position is important. Having lots of devices heating up while charging could otherwise see them overheat each other. So choose a spot with good movement of air in and around the charging station.
- Keep it easy for your device users, and they will use it more. Locate your charging station in a spot with good access and light, so people can easily reach it and see to plug in their device. If it’s too hard, they won’t use it.
- Electricity is powerful stuff, so respect it. Choose a good quality charging station that is certified for use in Australia and properly built with quality materials and methods. No one should ever mess with power, so choose a reputable brand, from an Australian retailer as they are responsible to offer certified products in Australia.
- Check that your devices will fit in the charging station. For the clever device users with protective cases to drop-proof your iPad or phone, its important to check the specs of the station and of your case. Mostly the issue is thickness rather than length. There are many protective cases that are slim-line and fit into most charging stations, so check your station and case are compatible.
- Choose the right charging station to achieve your purpose. There are different size and format charging stations, from 5 device plate-sized stations for home or office, to cabinets or trolleys for 40 iPads or tablets. Think about your needs now, and in three years time, and add on two more devices. Buying a good quality charging station with room to grow will save you money.
- Consider if you need secure storage as well as charging. If you are charging devices at school or a business, you may need a secure station that protects the device while it charges. Especially for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) in education or workplaces, keylockable or pin code systems are available, taking care of charging but also secure storage for individual users.