Full of Style

The entire compact vaping device market is currently in an awkward phase with no obvious technological leap forward. For new products to gain more attention and compete for market share, in addition to improving product quality and after-sales service, they also need to further highlight their own identity through appearance and ergonomic design. The I-MU replaceable pod device featured today is exactly such a highly distinctive product.

As the saying goes, looks matter. The industrial design of various pod-based products is increasingly moving closer to the style of consumer electronics. Fine workmanship and reliable quality alone can no longer fully define a product’s appeal. Pod systems have already become part of how many users “style” themselves before going out, mixing and matching with their outfits. Good looks have become a major factor in how often a product gets used.

Skipping over the unboxing, the images above show this replaceable pod device called I-MU. Its anodized exterior is paired with a dual-curved design. While maintaining an overall businesslike and steady feel, the flowing curves also bring out a sense of style. The official package mainly includes the device, three pods, and a small set of accessories.

The device has a built-in 360 mAh battery, a charging time of 60 minutes, and a body weight of 47 g. Among similar replaceable pod products, I-MU is not especially compact, but the anodized finish and the carefully contoured curved design do provide an excellent grip. One thing worth noting, however, is that if you are someone obsessed with a fully seamless unibody shell, the I-MU’s structure—actually assembled from two parts with a visible seam—may leave you disappointed.

After saying so much about looks at the beginning, it is clear that I-MU offers more than just attractive lines. According to official information, this product supports user customization. Different surface patterns or colors can further highlight individual personality, and the separate bottom “panel” rather than a one-piece shell also seems to stem from this design concept.

Magnetic attachment is the mainstream solution for replaceable pod systems, and the pod fit on the I-MU feels secure. The pod uses a ceramic coil, has a 1.8 ml e-liquid capacity, and is officially rated for 500–600 puffs. Although the nicotine concentration in the pod is 5%, as you can see in the image above, the pod’s airway is quite long. In actual use, this helps soften the throat hit from the high concentration, so the 5% strength does not feel especially harsh in practice.

After finishing all three pods, the I-MU’s performance felt reliable. Aside from the small amount of condensation that all vaping products inevitably require you to clean regularly, the pods showed no leaking or poor wicking issues at all. It is also worth mentioning that during use, the pods produced neither whistling noises nor coil operation noise.

The I-MU performed without any obvious shortcomings throughout the overall user experience. However, the three official included flavors—Watermelon Ice, Pure Mint, and Tobacco—are indeed already quite common in the vaping world. Since pod flavor options are often a decisive factor in a user’s purchase decision, I-MU would clearly take things to the next level if its pod lineup offered more flavor choices…