I was looking for a iphone charger for my 3G but without the cables and the Gear4 Powerpad seemed to tick all the boxes, however I was slightly disappointed when it arrived in the post. The following is a break down of the Pros and Cons for the device:
Pros:
Use of Volume and Power button is not affected by the cover being on.
Cover has good non slip properties.
Charges the phone quickly and without any fuss.
Cons:
Cover has no firm way of sealing the iphone in, the cover comes in two pieces and if dropped the cover separates and leave your phone exposed.
Speaker volume is affected by the cover being over the speakers on the bottom of the phone.
A slight humming noise is heard whilst the phone is on the charging pad.
Charging light continues to stay on whilst the phone is charging - not good if you are trying to get to sleep whilst the phone is in the same room.
No access to the Sync Cable port whilst the cover is on.
Recommendations
A USB Lead for the Gear4 Powerpad, that way you could connect it to your laptop and charge as you travel - Iphone cable does the same.
A battery indicator system on the cover - Like other external Battery devices
After buying this device I would consider buying another one, if they made one for the Iphone 4, however I would like to see the security of the cover improved before I would fully trust this cover if dropped. I would recommend this product to anyone who wants to have a no hassle home charging device for their phone.