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Today we’re looking at the Zip Mini Touch-n-go by The Joy Factory. Here's a link to the review with all links to buy product and accessories

The Zip Mini is a charging station that uses magnetic “zip tail” plugs to inductively charge your devices without bulky cases or any modification to your phone or tablet. Many have wanted the functionality of Apple's Magsafe laptop charging magnetic adapter in Android tablets and smartphones for years. For whatever reason though, nobody has been brave enough/smart enough to make the jump yet. Is the Zip Mini the answer to our prayers? Read on...

Click here to see a SUPER FUN video slideshow of the Zip Mini Touch-n-go

Main advantage: mimics wireless charging's ease without modification, outputs 2.1amps to charge a tablet or galaxy note 2, relatively cheap

Main concern: can't charge other device's if charging a tablet, short cord length, can disconnect at times

Unique features: magnetic charging attaches without effort and just works

We've reached a point with smartphone's where wants become reality everyday. Do you want to talk to your phone and tell it to remind you to meet Joey for coffee on Tuesday? Okay. Do you want to have your phone unlock your front door without even removing it from your pocket? Sure thing. Do you want your phone to just be charged without any effort from you? Not so fast buddy!

The promise of true wireless charging is still struggling to be. Companies fight silently in a cold war deciding who will be the true wireless charging standard for years to come. Of course Apple will have to be different and even after a standard is declared. They'll come out with AppleCharge wireless accessories that they'll slightly change every six months. The wanting masses will happily pay $45 a pop for a special AppleCharge to AppleCharge S adapter for each and everyone of their accessories. The Android world has it's own version of Apple's dirty tricks in the form of Carriers vs. manufacturers. Verizon will do things like intentionally disable wireless charging on the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 so that they can sell more of their DROID branded phones that have Qi wireless built in. The point is, you're a bit out of luck at this point. Though there are working versions of wireless power, there will be so many changes coming up that most every purchase you make will be a paperweight within a couple of years. How can you get some of the functionality of wireless charging without opting in to the losing endeavor of Apple vs. Everyone vs. your wallet? The Zip Mini is a start.

The Zip Mini is a small disk a little bigger than a hockey puck. The top shows a circular indicator light and four “dimples” with tiny metal contact points. These each accept a magnetic power disk on a 2” cable that then connects to your micro or mini usb device as well as any apple product. A single micro usb input around back accepts a power adapter that will supply enough juice to charge up to 4 devices. The important distinction though is “UP TO.” The UP TO goes out the window if you're charging an iPad or other tablet that draws 2.1amps of power. Most smartphones will allow you to charge two at once. Apple iPod’s and other low energy devices can utilize the full four charging ports at once but don't count on that every time.

If you're careful about your devices, this is a great system. If you know what will work and what won't after careful trial and error, this can be a reliable charging option. If you don't have the patience to adapt yourself to this way of charging, then move on instead of bad mouthing something you didn't give a real chance to. The charging cables, called “zip tails” are very short, which is a double edged sword. Short enough to possibly leave them attached to your phone throughout the day (but that probably isn't practical because they'd get snagged and break pretty quickly) but too short to use your phone while it's charging without disconnecting the power. The magnets hold well enough but I wouldn't mind a little more strength. I see an ideal use for the zip mini that unfortunately joy factory hasn't planned for, wall mounting. For this to have the best chance to succeed, neither device can move or else you'll risk disconnecting the cable without knowing it and reaching for a dead phone in the morning. Since Joy Factory didn't include mounting holes on the bottom, I plan to use Velcro to attach the disk to the wall near a wall mounted cradle. With the proper spacing and careful mounting of both the Zip mini and my wall cradle I'll have the zip as it should work. All I will need to do is place the phone in the cradle and the magnet will automatically find the charger. No chance of dislodging overnight and truly simple usage from day to day.

I only wish that the charging ports were a little more sunken in or molded to allow the charging disks to only connect in one way. As it stands, the magnets find the charger about 90% of the time. The other times it can be slightly off-centered or partially connected which means no juice. No juice means no fun.

Thank you again to The Joy Factory for supplying their product for review.

Alternatives: None that I've seen that function the same

What's in the box: carrying pouch, Zip Mini charging disk, power adapter, micro usb and apple 30 pin “zip tails”, Lightning to micro USB adapter for iPhone 5

How much:

Manufacturer - $49.95

Amazon - $36.99

Google pricing

Additional Zip Tails – depends on tip. Anywhere from $10.99 to $15.99

Is it worth buying: If you have the patience to learn how to approach this it can be a very convenient and usable charging solution.

If you haven’t already, click here to see a video slideshow of the Zip Mini Touch N Go

ENJOY YOUR GADGETS!