WildCharge

WildCharge isn’t quite the same as the Palm’s, which uses electromagnetic inductance to charge. WildCharge uses old-fashioned conductive charging, which means it is wired, sorta, but there’s some cool technology going on there. Not anymore. Today iPhone owners get their own get wireless charging system.You can charge more than one device on the pad at a time, so it can be used to replace a mass of black, boxy wall warts. Cases for the iPod Touch are available immediately. The iPhone cases can be ordered in advance with delivery expected in two to three weeks, said the company.

WildCharge also makes wireless mats and cases for the BlackBerry (those cases don’t cover the data port) and generic models that will fit most any phone. All models of the case are $35 from the WildCharge Web site. You’ll also need a charging pad, which is $50. The mats are UL-listed and have built-in protection against short circuits and shock. “You could take the pad, lick it, stick your hand on it, throw your keys on it,” said George Holmes vice president of sales and marketing and presumably the man to call if you burn your tongue.

There is at least one potential flaw in the system. The case, which is Apple-approved, covers up the port on the phone that is normally used for charging and updates. That’s not a problem if you use Apple’s MobileMe service to update your phone wirelessly, but otherwise you’ll have to take the case off each time you want to update.Cases for the iPod Touch are available immediately. The iPhone cases can be ordered in advance with delivery expected in two to three weeks, said the company.