Despite my best efforts to save money and practice fiscal responsibility, I love gadgets. Anytime some newfangled, techno-gizmo comes on the market, my eyes bulge like Homer Simpson around a doughnut and my ears perk up like a dog about to be fed.

I've got a good amount of gadgets floating around my apartment; my iPhone 3G, iPod Classic, an iPod Shuffle I use at the gym, my old Palm T|X that still sees occasional use, my Bluetooth headset and a bunch of other items, all plugged into any number of outlets, creating a jungle of cords and cables.

The last two weeks or so, I've noticed more and more and more commercials for the Powermat, which allegedly charges your devices without the hassle of cords all over the place.

Naturally, I'm intrigued. Rationally, I'm skeptical. The advertisements show the Powermat charging iPhones, Blackberries and some other portable device. That's cool and all, but considering how completely anal-retentive Apple tends to be when it comes to its technology, I find it hard to believe that this cool-looking device actually does the job.

Nonetheless, my original thought that the $100 retail price would be a good investment, especially for the portable version. With my iPod Classic and Shuffle (for the gym) and my iPhone 3G, that's three devices that would get some use. I still, from time to time, use my old Palm T|X when I'm putzing around the house and for various projects and I can never seem to find the charge cord for my Bluetooth.

So, now I'm stuck. Yes, this would be a pretty sweet and handy tool to have either on my desk or in my bag, but at $100 - plus the cost of the cases/cradles, is it just another "As Seen on TV" doohickey ... plus, will it actually work with my devices?

Any of you folks take the plunge and have a review or suggestion? Use the Talkback feature below and share your experience.