Who could've imagined how important batteries and chargers would be to the average family? Many families have a network of power strips and extension cords that look like a big plate of fire hazard-flavored spaghetti. But Callpod offers a solution to that problem with its Chargepod, a charging hub with interchangeable adapters. Plug into one outlet, and then connect up to six adapters at a time. Callpod has adapters available for almost every mobile device available. Granted, many of those charge with one or two variations of USB, so one adapter can handle multiple devices, but Callpod's website enables users to choose their specific devices to make sure they get just the right kinds, including many mobile phones, GPS's, and other devices that haven't entered into the digital age of universal chargers.

The hub-like design allows most devices to charge without piling device on device, although if you fill the entire wheel, it can feel a bit crowded. If you tend to leave your phone on your desk charging and want other devices out of the way, the adapter cords are too short, but because the hub uses a mini-usb interface, users can just use a mini-usb extension cable as a workaround for certain devices.

Callpod also makes a travel adapter for the car. Our family goes on long trips, so this is ideal, since iPods and DS's, staples for the trip, generally don't last for the entire ride, so this allows multiple devices to be charged at once instead of, "Is her iPod almost charged? Mine's dead." Speaking of travel, this also saves having to take a power strip and all those heavy power bricks to the hotel. If you travel by plane, that decreased weight could pay for the Chargepod in a few trips, not to mention the lighter luggage. A travel pouch rounds out the package.

I can't recommend Chargepod enough. It's a simple concept that solves a big problem for any family. In fact, depending on your family, you might want one for each child's bedroom so they can charge all their devices without a cord nightmare. Elegant, sturdy, compact (fits in your pocket)--now, if I could only get one for my home entertainment center. That cord mess is scary enough to fend off any burglars who might try to steal our TV and its many consoles.