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Home » Gadgets » Beauty Geekery! Sharp IG-CM1 Portable Plasmacluster Air Ionizer Delivers Cleaner Fresher Air On The Go

Beauty Geekery! Sharp IG-CM1 Portable Plasmacluster Air Ionizer Delivers Cleaner Fresher Air On The Go

October 12, 2011 Paris B 24 Comments

Hands up who remembers when I told you I was taking this for a 1 month test run? Not bad right? I actually managed to (almost) keep to my promise 😀

sharp portable ion generator review

I’ve always been a bit of a gadget junkie. Not necessarily beauty gadgets though but there was a time when I was at the forefront of gadgetry be it mobile phones, netbooks and the like. But I soon fell off that bandwagon. Too pricey a hobby to upkeep if you ask me and gadgets get obsolete so quickly! But being presented with a beauty gadget on a silver platter was too hard to pass up 🙂

This is the Sharp IG-CM1 or the Sharp Portable Plasmacluster Ion Generator. A portable gadget that generates lots of ions and throws them into the air around you to create a space of cleaner fresher air to breathe in. They also claim beauty benefits in that of adding moisture to the skin and helping skin retain its elasticity (!!).

To know the technology behind Sharp’s trademarked Plasmacluster ion generation, I suggest you read my earlier introductory post. This one will be strictly to tell you what I think of this gadget after a month, and if it has any beauty benefits as it claims. Tough standards to measure up to, Sharp!

Let’s first take a look at size. The Sharp IG-CM1 (I love techie names like this!) is about the size of an iPod Touch or iPhone but thicker.

sharp portable ion generator review

It in fact looks just like a flip out mobile phone. In Japan, their mobile phones do look something like this. When I visited Japan, I noticed that they could watch videos on their large flip out screens, take pretty good photos, surf, text and chat right on their mobile. I need 3 different gadgets to do that 😛 So in Japan, this shape and design would not be unlike that of a mobile phone. Over here, less so.

sharp portable air ionizer review

You can see it fits right in my hand (almost) and always puts me in mind of the remote control for my air conditioner (Sharp!) Its light and fits nicely into your handbag because really, this little gadget was designed for women 😉

Operation is very very simple. You just have to flip out the stand at the back of the Portable Ion Generator and it stands on the table making a very small footprint. Smaller than that of my mobile in fact. You can keep the flippy flap closed, but I wouldn’t advise it, because a) you can’t stand it up and b) there are holes at the back for air to circulate. The more air circulates through, the more it purifies and the more ions get thrown out = good!

sharp portable ion generator

Pop open the plastic that covers the top before you switch it on. It can be a little stiff the first time, but give it a little jerk. The holes there are for the clean ionized air to exit so you don’t want to block them. Keeping it closed when unused will prevent too much dust from getting in there. You should direct the gadget towards you, so the air blows at you.

Then, turn it on. The switch is by the side, and when switched on, a blue light appears telling you ions are being generated. Yay! There is a rechargeable battery that can last about 8 hours on a full charge. A charger cable is included, as well as a USB cable charger.

sharp portable air purifier

You see, the Japanese think of everything. They realize that the people who might want to use this gadget are working women in offices, who don’t want to catch cooties from their sick colleagues. Office air is notoriously dirty and germs circulate around – that’s why people say the flu bug is going around the office, because it quite literally is! 😛

So, a good way to neutralize those bugs is to stick ions on them, and that’s where this portable air ionizer comes in handy. The USB cable allows you to plug it into your computer or laptop and use it while it charges up. I asked initially if it was long enough to connect to my CPU which sits on the floor only to be laughed at for not using a laptop 🙁 I don’t – I don’t like laptops. They cramp my style 😛 So I use desktops and I’m happy to report that yes, the cable IS long enough to connect to a desktop CPU that sits on the floor next to you.

To be honest, I wasn’t too convinced by this the first few times I used it. I’d pop it up in front of me at work, and direct the air flow at me, and on hot hot days when the air conditioning doesn’t feel like its doing anything, it blew a stream of cool air at me. I didn’t think too much of it and wasn’t sure if it was doing anything.

But then the annual haze hit, if the Malaysians amongst you might remember. We have an annual haze problem when forest fires from neighbouring countries (or even locally) cause a haze to hang over the country. Air quality is bad, there is a burnt smell in the air and for those who have breathing problems, its a horrible time of year. The air also feels very dry and smoky. This was when I noticed the improvement in air quality most, when using this portable air purifier/ionizer gadget thingy.

sharp portable ionizer

The air around me at the office was cleaner and fresher, without that dry burnt smoky smell. My throat did not feel as dry from breathing in all that air. It actually helped me get through those 2 weeks a lot easier. My colleague spotted this on my desk and nicked it one day, and when I went to collect it, almost did not want to give it back. He told me that he felt the difference in the air quality using this and when he didn’t. He had absolutely no benefit to tell me this, so I had to believe him. Perhaps for those used to using an air purifier at home, you might notice a difference but it isn’t something that will smack you in the face immediately.

When I last told you about this, reader Peach_ left a comment saying that she had this gadget and uses it when she paints her nails because it helps clear the air of the smell of polish. I think that’s a great idea and tip on when or how to use this, as the plasmacluster ion technology also neutralizes smells quite quickly.

In terms of beauty benefits, I will have to confess that I didn’t notice much improvement in the quality of my skin nor in my skin elasticity during the time I was using this. I tried leaving it on at night, on my bedside table but it doesn’t quite work very well for that. I think its too small and a bigger room air purifier will probably work better.

I can see myself carrying it on board planes for long trips though. We all know how dry and stale plane air is and can be, so if this works on the personal space around me, and if it does add moisture as Sharp will have us believe, I think this would be a right winner! Also, maybe … just maybe if someone on board has Ebola, the ions will help to take care of the nasty germs and viruses and I won’t die. Maybe 😛

In a nutshell

A handy portable air ionizer/purifier/ion generator that you can easily tote around to have fresh purified air wherever you go. I felt the difference in air quality during the haze. Air around me felt cleaner and fresher. The area it covers is quite small – its a personal gadget meant to be used for just you and should not be placed too far away. There is a USB cable that allows you to charge your device on your laptop or desktop. I did not see any noticeable skin benefits but I most certainly felt the difference in air quality.

Pros: Portable and handy size, Air does feel fresher and cleaner around me

Cons: Pricey

I don’t normally use an air purifier at home. I had been meaning to get one for a while for my bedroom but didn’t. I don’t have breathing problems or asthma so that might be why an air purifier isn’t too high on my list of priorities. But I might still get one one day – fresh clean air does really make a difference!

Do you use an air purifier or ionizier at home? Are you intrigued enough to try this Sharp Plasmacluster Portable Ion Generator or do you perhaps already have it? Would love to know what you think or if you have any other ideas on how you can use this 🙂

Paris B

The Sharp Portable Plasmacluster Ion Generator comes in 3 colours (pink, white and black) and retails at RM499 each.

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Disclosure: Featured product was a press sample for consideration. For posting guidelines please read my disclaimer.
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About Paris B

Paris B is a 40-something beauty and skincare enthusiast with a practical and very critical view of beauty products and the world of beauty. Her mission on My Women Stuff is to deliver clear, honest reviews and facilitate discussions about beauty trends and life, tempered with a healthy dose of humour. Let the buyer's remorse be ours not yours! When not testing the newest skincare creams and lotions, or playing with makeup, find her testing her culinary skills in the kitchen at Chez PB. Read more about us here or leave a comment below or connect with us on social media at Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

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24 comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

  1. LeGeeque says

    October 12, 2011 at 8:48 am

    PINK! I know mum and dad have a few floating around at home and they’re great during the hazy season. But, I’m lucky that air here is relatively fresh 🙂 If all else fails, I shove my nose into my lavender patch 😛

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      October 12, 2011 at 2:18 pm

      Yes, PINK! And its really awesome here where the air quality can sometimes be really suspect (darned neighbours) 😛

      Reply
  2. xin says

    October 12, 2011 at 9:10 am

    i have been wanting to buy an air purifier from medklinn, heard it does wonders for sinus. the only thing that puts me off is also the price, and judging from my recovering sinus, not sure if i still wanna get it 😛 maybe should ask for 1 for my birthday. LOL #foreveraunties

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      October 12, 2011 at 2:20 pm

      All electrical items are pricey and especially purifiers! I don’t know the price of the Medklinn one but I know the larger room air purifiers by Sharp are about RM699 upwards. And if nothing else, that makes a practical gift (it helps you breathe better!)

      Reply
  3. peach_ says

    October 12, 2011 at 9:20 am

    Haha you’re hysterical! When it prevents Ebola, I shall buy Sharp stock. 😀 That’s awesome that even your coworker noticed a difference during haze season. Thanks for mentioning how I use mine! And it never occurred to me to bring it on an airplane, but that’s a really good idea!

    Speaking of beauty gadgets, have you seen these nano steamers to improve skin? They’ve been the best-selling gadgets here. http://panasonic.jp/beauty/style/beautytopics/steamer_sp11/lineup/index.html

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      October 12, 2011 at 10:34 am

      Ooh I may have seen some similar gadgets here! The Japanese will think of everything! Have you tried them? And I noticed you travel a bit, so maybe try the portable plasmacluster gadget on board and see how it feels? I do think it might work to at least make the air feel fresher 🙂

      Reply
  4. Lily says

    October 12, 2011 at 9:30 am

    I have a very allergic nose and it’s a dust detector. If I end up with swollen eyes and sneezy nose, that place is definitely dusty! I do have an ionizer in my room coz I have a bad feeling my girls take after me. I have to say, these ionizers work really well. When my husband does a very smelly fart, the ionizer detects it and goes full swing automatically until the smell goes away. LOL!

    This little gadget looks really nifty! Might just go check it out one day =)

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      October 12, 2011 at 2:22 pm

      I’m sort of glad I don’t get affected by sinus problems, or even dust, unless there’s just too much dust 🙂 But the removal of smell by the ionizers are quite impressive. My friend took this ionizer to rid the car of durian smells! It works 🙂

      Reply
  5. beetrice says

    October 12, 2011 at 10:59 am

    Been contemplating getting one for work, since I have an air purifier in my room already. RM499 is pricey though! Hmm…like Xin, mebbe I should start hinting for one since my birthday’s less than a month away… 😛

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      October 12, 2011 at 2:23 pm

      I think in the long run, RM499 isn’t terribly pricey. Cheaper than erm… ipod? 😉 But of course, if can get one for your birthday why not? 😀

      Reply
  6. AnT says

    October 12, 2011 at 1:06 pm

    Wow. Pricey indeed! Err.. it’s not made in the PRC, right? Must be Made in Japan then since it’s pricey 😛

    I wonder in future, the iPhone will have air ionizer function or not. Perhaps the iphone 6, 7 or 8 LOL 😛 *evil grin* Perhaps would be good if it could purify the air when it’s on sleeping mode..

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      October 12, 2011 at 2:25 pm

      Haha its made in PRC 😛 Almost everything is these days. But you know the deal right? Portable gadgets always cost more than big bulky ones. The room air purifier is only something like RM699 and its at least 10 times the size of this gadget LOL! Maybe if the iPhone partners with Sharp? Hmm… 😛

      Reply
      • AnT says

        October 13, 2011 at 9:50 am

        Yes indeed, it’s a norm that almost everything is made in PRC.
        LOL iSharp 😛

        Reply
  7. Jamilla says

    October 12, 2011 at 1:06 pm

    I have an ionizer with a HEPA filter, which is great during allergy season. But mine is HUGE compared to yours!!

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      October 12, 2011 at 2:25 pm

      Purified air does make a difference especially when you’ve got a sensitive nose – I’m sort of glad I don’t LOL!

      Reply
  8. tee says

    October 12, 2011 at 5:11 pm

    hye there, this portable plasmacluster is functioning as an aircond? tq tq ^^

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      October 12, 2011 at 5:15 pm

      Hi there. No it isn’t an air conditioner but an air ionizer. There is a slight gentle cool wind but nothing that can cool you like an air conditioner or fan can.

      Reply
  9. lyn says

    October 13, 2011 at 7:40 am

    I have a huge air purifier in my room and it definitely helps keep the air cleaner. I have rhinitis and suffer from terrible sneezing fits sometimes. My husband and I have been able to sleep better since getting the purifier. So yeah, I’m a believer in this technology. This portable one is pretty cute and being a geek myself, I am definitely intrigued 🙂

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      October 13, 2011 at 4:51 pm

      You can keep this dinky gadget on your office table and have people look strangely at you as they walk by 😉

      Reply
  10. Heather Kelly says

    April 8, 2013 at 12:57 am

    I need abd want to get one of these ASAP. Where can I buy it?

    Reply
  11. reese says

    June 21, 2013 at 11:27 am

    I got anal when I was pregnant, my nesting instinct kicked in, so I told hub first thing to get is an air purifier, not baby clothes or crib etc lol

    Reply
  12. Dee says

    October 15, 2013 at 3:51 pm

    Useful review! Does it work quietly? I have another
    colleague sharing the same cubic.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      October 18, 2013 at 5:33 pm

      Yep, it’s pretty quiet. You will barely notice it.

      Reply
  13. Robert says

    November 8, 2013 at 12:08 pm

    Hi I just got the pink one. Don’t laugh didn’t gave a choice. It seems to work well. I was wondering however, is there a green light that comes on besides the blue one for ionizer and the red one for charging?
    It is very quiet. How often do you clean the unit?

    Reply

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My Women Stuff by Paris B

Welcome to My Women Stuff, a beauty blog based in Malaysia, written by veteran blogger, Paris B. What you can expect is honesty, critical views & a healthy dose of shared life lessons sprinkled amongst beauty product reviews. What you shouldn't expect is a page filled with unnecessary narcissistic photos. MWS is a blog for those who love to read, because we love to write! Read More about MWS and Paris B

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