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A few months back Tom wrote a review about Nomad’s ChargeKey and ChargeCard, an innovative take on the humble Micro-USB cable. Since then, Nomad had have dropped the ChargeCard, as well as re-branding and re-designing the ChargeKey, which is now known simply as the NomadKey and we were fortunate enough to get our hands on one to have a look.
What is the NomadKey exactly? Well, its a way of carrying a Micro-USB cable around with you, without noticing it’s on your person. The idea is that wherever you go, you will always be able to charge your phone or tablet, so long as there is a USB socket of course. The NomadKey simply attaches to your key-chain, and waits patiently be used. I try to keep my key-chain bare and functional, but the NomadKey hasn’t added much bulk at all to it at all. I usually keep my keys in my back trouser pocket, and so far, I haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary since I began using the device. The NomadKey is 71mm in length, so it’s not going to be too noticeable on your key-chain at all.
The NomadKey’s natural position is Nexus friendly, meaning that you won’t have to twist it to insert the correct side of the Micro-USB to the device. For the rest of us Android users, it’s just a matter at twisting the end to turn the plug around to fit.
I mentioned earlier that the NomadKey has undergone a re-design, and since I received the new unit, I have noticed that it appears to be stronger, but yet more flexible. Both ends of the NomadKey are made out of engineering-grade Polycarbonate from Bayer, with the twisty middle section manufactured from a rubber elastomer from Dupont. Nomad says that the new design is much more durable than the previous model, especially at each joint. More importantly, the redesigned NomadKey is tougher, able to stand up to whatever everyday life throws at it.
In a nutshell, the NomadKey would seem to have benefited massively from the re-design; it feels tougher and more flexible, and yet manages to stay on the key-chain incognito until it’s needed. Anything that allows you to cut down on the clutter when travelling can only be a good thing. Since using the NomadKey, I have noticed that I am scanning my surroundings for USB outlets to top-up my battery where ever I go.
The re-designed NomadKey can be pre-ordered for $29 (£18.50) plus shipping and taxes from the HelloNomad site. And because we are nice like this, if you enter ANDROID into the promotion code box, you will receive a 15% discount on your order. The NomadKey is scheduled to begin shipping from September 18.
As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments or at our Google Plus page.
