Review: BlackBerry Tour Charging Pod

There are several different ways to charge your BlackBerry.  You can use wall charges, car chargers and even solar powered chargers.  We also recently talked about the Fuel case that acts as a separate charging station for your device.  Even though all these options are available the BlackBerry charging pod is still the popular choice by many.

The BlackBerry Tour charging pod looks like other charging pods but just has a different size.  One of the first things you’ll notice about any BlackBerry charging pod is the design.  The outside is covered in a sleek chrome finish that gives off a nice shine affect.  It’s a small/compact charger that is perfect for any desk or to put at your bedside.  In order for the charging pod to work you will need the BlackBerry USB cable that comes with your device.  Simply insert the USB cable into the back of the charging pod and you’ll see an indicator light come on.  This means your BlackBerry is now ready to be charged.

The reason why these types of chargers are so popular is because you can easily take your BlackBerry on and off it without having any wires get in the way.  Don’t get me wrong the stock USB charger does serve its purpose but it has some flaws, particularity on the Tour.  As Brad stated in his review, it’s kind of a pain to use your BlackBerry while it is still plugged in and being charged.  This is not the case with the charging pod as you can easily take your BlackBerry off to check your messages, then put it back on and it will start charging again.

As I stated before the charging pod makes a great bedside companion.  It is set up perfectly to be used on a table next to your bed where you will have easy access to the time.  I now use it exclusively for my alarm clock.  In fact ever since RIM started adding the bedside feature to the BlackBerry phones more and more people have chosen this option.  After you start using the charging pod to recharge your phone you will realize that it performs like any other charger out there.  It is also works well for watching movies because of the angle it sits on the pod.   Of course you have to make sure that the phone is placed on the pod correctly and there is no case on it.

There aren’t many things wrong with the BlackBerry charging pod just a couple of minor issues.  Because of the way it is designed there really is no back support so if you are moving things around and accidentally bump the pod your BlackBerry will fall off.  It would be nice to see the back of the pod raised a bit more so your device is more secure.  Also like most BlackBerry users I use a case so in order for it to work in the pod I have to take the case off.  This really has nothing to do with the pod itself it’s just a minor inconvenience.

This was my first charging pod and for the most part it’s a solid charging solution.  At $24.95 you won’t break the bank and I love how I can use it as bedside clock.  I would like to see some minor design tweaks in future releases but from now on it will be the only charger I use at home.

BerryReporter Rating:

Purchase the BlackBerry Tour Charging Pod