Why You Can Trust CNET This $5 mouse pad is also a Qi charging pad
And it comes with a wireless mouse that also charges wirelessly. Plus, a genuinely great electric toothbrush deal.
Not pictured: the wireless mouse that's also included. And that mouse can also recharge via the Qi pad!
I've already professed my love for things that have Qi charging pads built in. In fact, just the other day I wrote about a picture frame that doubles as a Qi charging stand. (That 50%-off deal is still available, by the way.) So when this popped up on my radar, of course I had to share it.
For a limited time, and while supplies last, Walmart has the Tzumi Wireless Charging Mouse Pad and Rechargeable Mouse for $5.05. Shipping is extra, however, unless you pad your cart to at least $35 or opt for in-store pickup. (Update: This was out of stock for several days, but it appears Walmart has added to the available inventory. The one I ordered was suppose to arrive over the weekend, but I received a notice that it had been delayed.)
Let me clarify exactly what this is, followed by some explanation for the very mixed reviews. For starters, it's a mouse pad that has a built-in Qi (pronounced "chee") charging surface on the side (or top, depending on how you orient it). That means you can lay your phone on it and keep it topped off throughout the day.
That narrow section can also be propped up at an angle, effectively turning it into more of a phone stand. Obviously then you'd want to rotate the entire mouse pad so the phone is at the top.
Meanwhile, you also get a 2.4GHz wireless mouse that, like most, relies on a small USB receiver. That receiver is stored inside the mouse's underbelly, where it's easy to overlook. I think many people expect that you when you plug the mouse pad into your PC, that connects the mouse as well. It doesn't; you also have to plug in the receiver. I suspect this accounts for many of the "this doesn't work!" ratings.
Here's what I find especially cool: When you're not using the mouse pad to recharge your phone, you can use it to recharge the mouse. Yep, the latter supports Qi charging, something I haven't seen before.
All this for $5? I'm in. And because it's Walmart, if the thing doesn't work well for some reason, it's easy to return.
Your thoughts?
Originally published last week. Updated to reflect new availability. Removed expired bonus deal.
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