Mobile Technology

ChargeDrive brings charger cable, flash drive, tripod, and stand to one accessory

ChargeDrive brings charger cable, flash drive, tripod, and stand to one accessory
ChargeDrive is a thumb drive, mount, tripod, and charger
ChargeDrive is a thumb drive, mount, tripod, and charger
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Using ChargeDrive as a tripod to read a recipe
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Using ChargeDrive as a tripod to read a recipe
The ChargeDrive makes an easy-to-use tripod
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The ChargeDrive makes an easy-to-use tripod
Using the ChargeDrive in a car as a dashboard mount
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Using the ChargeDrive in a car as a dashboard mount
The ChargeDrive can be used in the car, adding to its versitility
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The ChargeDrive can be used in the car, adding to its versitility
ChargeDrive features a microsuction pad for landscape viewing
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ChargeDrive features a microsuction pad for landscape viewing
The color choices for the ChargeDrive
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The color choices for the ChargeDrive
Charging on a laptop with ChargeDrive
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Charging on a laptop with ChargeDrive
The process of folding out a ChargeDrive and applying the sticky pad
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The process of folding out a ChargeDrive and applying the sticky pad
ChargeDrive is a thumb drive, mount, tripod, and charger
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ChargeDrive is a thumb drive, mount, tripod, and charger
An early ChargeDrive prototype
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An early ChargeDrive prototype
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Part of owning a smartphone is purchasing accessories that go along with it. We need chargers, cases, and other devices to really complete the experience. A trend you can't help but notice in the mobile space is accessories that perform multiple functions, with the aim of cutting down on the amount of stuff we need to carry. ChargeDrive for iPhone and Android phones is one such device, pulling quadruple duty as a charger, tripod, stand and thumb drive.

The first goal that Idris Sunmola, the creator of the ChargeDrive, set out to achieve was building a charger that was easy to carry around without a long cable. Of course, a rigid charger of this nature is not optimal for all situations, such as when you want to hold your phone while it's charging. But for propping it up, ChargeDrive will come in handy.

Another useful function performed by this device is that the legs prop out so you can use it as a tripod. For video chat or taking photos, this should come in handy. It can also be used in the car as a sort of dashboard mount along with a DC power brick.

One of the legs features a microsuction pad, allowing users to mount their device in landscape mode for watching videos or doing anything where having a stable device would come in handy.

The last function offered here is a 16GB flash drive. Nothing fancy, but having some portable storage you can carry around along with your mobile charger could certainly prove to be useful.

Sunmola is seeking funding for his ChargeDrive on Kickstarter. It is still at the beginning of its funding period, but it has a great distance to go until it reaches its US$40,000 goal. Backers interested in receiving a device can do so for a minimum pledge of $39 while the early backer special lasts. Once those run out, the pledge jumps to $45. January of 2014 is the expected delivery period.

More information is available in the pitch video below.

Sources: ChargeDrive, Kickstarter

View gallery - 10 images
1 comment
1 comment
sk8dad
...so, the phone is held mechanically upright via it's charging/usb port? I'm not certain, but I don't think any of the connector standards spec for mechanical loading. Picture the scenario where the phone is balanced on some uneven rock and falls over. While the impact may not be strong enough to break the phone, having a 3+ inch cantilever hanging off the lightning port would certainly increase the risk of damage.