No dead air: Samsung installs airport charging stations

Samsung Mobile on Monday announced that it had installed 50 free charging stations at Newark Liberty International Airport in Terminals A, B, and C.

The shelf is a bit narrow, IMO.

(Credit: Samsung)

Each charging station includes four outlets that allow several normal travelers or a huge geek of one to recharge their electronic devices simultaneously. The stations are built to charge devices designed for U.S. voltage--120 volts--and come with a small shelf to hold the gear. Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) of New Jersey is providing electricity for all 50 charging stations at the airport.

Samsung Mobile has already recently installed free charging stations in several U.S. airports including 54 at JFK, 51 at LAX, 12 in LaGuardia, 18 in Orlando, and 22 at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Sounds great, but I doubt I'd ever use this. I mean, do they really think I'm gonna leave my phone or laptop alone at some charging station at the airport? Don't airports try to curb leaving your stuff unattended anyway? Sure you could just stand there, waiting for whatever you're charging to finish, but if you do remember to keep your knees bent so when you pass out you don't do that much damage.

Also, from the looks of it, the shelf could use more space. How do they expect me to charge my 17-inch laptop on that thing? I guess I'll be copping a squat under the station if I want to be able to watch movies on long flights.

[admo1972]

I just took a trip from and to EWR, and noticed these stations right away. They are actually situated amongst the chairs by the gates, making it easy to charge and use your devices while you wait for your plane to board. They're not just randomly placed in hallways and such, so no need to stand and wait, or leave it unattended.

[justdaven]

I wonder if there is a 12volt outlet for folks who are traveling with their car adapter only...

[jmackowi]

Southwest Airlines has counters that are set up in many terminals with the same idea in mind.

[rbz275]

yes, i saw these at Newark Airport in the beginning of august. They are between back-to-back rows of seating, so there are many chairs surrounding them. It is a greatly welcome change, considering there is such a shortage of outlets at airports.

[searchaphone]

Well I guess now you do not have to just compare mobile phone offers online, you have to look at the airports to see where you can charge your phone! I think this is an excellent idea because I know the number one place my phone dies is waiting at the airport because my flight was delayed. My kudos to Samsung!