<a href="http://cbxblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Sandra_blog_thumb_nb-e1271783381536.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-595" title="Sandra_blog_thumb_nb" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Sandra_blog_thumb_nb-e1271783381536.jpg" alt="" width="40" height="40" /></a> By Sandra C.
<a href="http://cbxblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Samsung.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1252" title="Samsung" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Samsung.jpg" alt="" width="465" height="337" /></a>

In 2008 Samsung rolled out <a href="http://www.intomobile.com/2008/11/20/samsung-rolls-out-115-mobile-phone-charging-stations-in-us-airports/">115</a> mobile charging stations in three major airports, and since then, launched many more elsewhere. But beacon-like high-tech stationis equipped with only four plugs. In the spirit of <a href="http://www.hulu.com/watch/124874/saturday-night-live-update-snooki-and-the-situation">SNL’s Weekend Update</a> segment, <a href="http://www.hulu.com/watch/56636/saturday-night-live-really-michael-phelps">Really</a>!?! I have to ask. Really!?!

Aren’t these charging stations actually more annoying because they are always, always occupied? I realize it’s not Samsung’s responsibility to provide outlets in airports, but, they could at least make a valiant effort to truly serve a function while fulfilling their desired marketing goals.

Each kiosk boasts only four plugs, and there is usually only one near each gate if you’re lucky. With some laptops and the occasional phone needing over <a href="http://www.apple.com/batteries/">two hours</a> to charge, four plugs for a stream of 200+ passengers hardly seems helpful.

So the lucky few who crowd around these kiosks are like greedy cows at a trough, while the rest of us remain annoyed because it’s usually impossible to plug in your device.

Admittedly, when you do find that vacant outlet, it’s marvelous since most airplanes are just barely starting to provide widespread power outlets in flight.  So maybe <a href="http://www.samsung.com/us/">Samsung</a> just needs to redesign the kiosk to better meet consumer demand, since ultimately, this complaining, travel-weary consumer is actually grateful for any gesture at all.