OVERVIEW
Powered by a mini USB cable (included) this small humidifier can be attached to a standard small water bottle and with the included filters, it shoots out a constant jet of mist. By making this USB-powered, it can be used almost anywhere from your bedside to your car. Heck, I plugged it in to a portable USB battery pack and it worked just fine. It also has a blue LED "mood light" whether this is a pro or a con will be subjective to personal tastes.
WHAT I LIKE
Simple and effective.
Can be used with cold water as a mister on hot days
Two filters included
Can be used for aromatherapy (couple of drops of essential oils in the water)
Has a limited range, but works for one person very nicely
Relatively inexpensive compared to other options
Automatic shut-off after 8 hours
WHAT I DON'T LIKE
I had trouble finding a water bottle that it would fit properly on. Underneath it has threads to screw down as a cap would, but so far I have found that am off-brand water bottle is the only one that it works with (tried five including the latter). Many water-bottles are using a plastic-saving, earth-friendly design, and the humidifier will only sit on top of these, NOT secure at all.
USB Cable was a tad short for safe use
LED light has no off-switch (i.e. you're stuck with the "mood lighting")
Water bottles aren't exactly the most sturdy of things. Spills are a concern.
TO MAKE THIS A FIVE-STAR PRODUCT
I really think that a water container should be included with this product, even if it meant the price going up a few dollars. I do NOT feel safe with this resting on top of bottles without screwing down, and as I mentioned, it's getting hard to find the right bottles. On top of issues with fitting, water bottles are not known for their upright abilities having this near a phone or computer is simply too much of a risk. I have added an image in the Customer Images section showing a simple hard-plastic add-on that would honestly take this from good to great!
OVERALL
This is a great piece of tech, and pretty reasonably priced. Used with essential oils, it is my new favorite scent diffuser, and it definitely puts out enough vapor for one person to get decent relief from those dry winter months. Given the design issues I mentioned, I would probably rate this at around 3.75/5, however I have rounded up to four stars. With the extra add-on of a hard plastic receptacle for water, this would be a five-star product, no questions asked.
Make sure you pick up some extra filters, and make sure they're jammed in there tightly! I though mine was defective until I gave the filter an extra shove. Recommended with a few reservations.
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Update: well, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Satechi's customer service had read my review in full and responded to some of the points I mentioned!
1) Apparently Evian is the best brand for a secure fit. This is definitely good to know, and I will give it a shot next time I go to the store.
2) My suggestion for a hard plastic water receptacle was forwarded to a higher up for consideration, this was very nice to hear!
Though this doesn't change my star rating (at least, not yet) it IS very nice to see a company that listens for a change!
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(2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)UPDATE: I had dropped my review rating on this product as it stopped working after the third use. Then Satechi replaced the entire unit. I must have had one rare one that got clogged.Satechi's USB Portable Humidifier provides a soothing and relaxing environment wherever you are. It can be used in your home, your car, your office anywhere there is a USB plug. That means an external battery can power this if you are camping!
It is a cold humidifier so it cools instead of heats and it turns off after eight hours automatically. I use it in the bedroom with a small solution of Pine Scent and then plug the USB into a standard Apple DC outlet adapter. I just don't have a computer in my bedroom. No big deal. Even a battery would work with a USB output.
You can tell that it is working by looking inside the cap for a light blue light. It is very hard to see without looking inside. Any bottle can be used, but one that is a little deeper than the 3-inch wick is preferred and a bottle with a screw cap, such as on any standard hiking/biking water bottle will work best. Plus, the size is small so you can carry it anywhere.
I think it's a bit pricey, but the convenience is great. It comes with two 3-inch wicks, so you'd have to stock up from the company when you run out. I wish I could tell you how long they last, but they seem fairly sturdy. Cleaning the nozzle is easy with a little vinegar solution. I enjoy this at night with the aroma scent. I can go right to sleep. Product supplied by manufacturer for an honest review.
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Bought this for travel needs and occasional bedside needs (heavy winter when furnace runs a lot).First, we feel what other people wrote in reviews is correct, you need to use Evian water bottles. We tried just about every other regular water bottle and it wouldn't fit. Second, Evian or distilled water works best with the device. When we tried regular tap water in the Evian bottle, the diffuser started slowing down considerably and at times, just stopped. We cleaned the top diffuser area with some Acetone and that worked well to remove build-up's. We ultimately tried filtered water from our refrigerator's built-in/replaceable water filter and that worked reasonably well, but not as good as straight Evian water.
The device has a built-in timer and automatically shuts off after 8 hours (we think); you have to unplug the USB power cable in order to restart it or put this device on a power switch.
Our biggest concern is filters. It comes with two filters and the interval for filter replacement is something like two months. I have yet to find third-party sites, including Amazon.com, where I can buy replacement filters and at a decent price.
Overall, I would not buy this for day to day use. We are switching back to our regular room size humidifier and using this device for traveling (hotels) only.
Honest reviews on Satechi USB Portable Amazing Humidifier
Works great and comes with 2 filters. The output is cold not hot. I only wish I had ordered some replacement filters to go w/ this item as I'm using it all the time!Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Satechi USB Portable Amazing Humidifier
I love cool and innovative new products and the Satechi USB Portable Humidifier definitely fits the bill. Using an USB power source through a computer, plug, or even an external power bank you can help alleviate the dryness of a room. As long as you not expecting miracles the Satechi USB Portable Humidifier is a great device... especially for travel and the dreaded ultra-dry hotel rooms.
The Satechi humidifier attaches by screwing onto the top of almost every water bottle. The key is to manage your expectations while it fits on most water bottles it does necessarily screw on tightly.
Notes
While it does not tightly screw onto every water bottle but that is ok it does need to screw on tightly it is ok for sit on top of the bottle
Puts outs about 1 ounce of water an hour.... so it will not completely eliminate the dryness of larger rooms, but if you place next to your bed it will still help.
has auto shut-off after 8 hours
Can be used as Aroma Diffuser
2 Watts of output
Completely silent
Works best with purified or bottles water
Final Verdict The Satechi USB Portable Humidifier is a very cool device. Using a standard USB output you can create a mist for 8 hours. Recommended
5 Stars
Please Note I received this product for reviewing purposes
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