Belkin Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger
Obviously there's nothing exactly Mac specific about the Belkin Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger, but at the same time the promo picture (right) and the design cues make it clear that the boys at Belkin had the fairer platform in mind when they dreamed this one up. In any case, this stylish surge protector power strip looks like it would be right at home in any mobile Mac user's bag. It includes two powered USB ports for charging iPhones, iPods, and the like, as well as three AC outlets. Note that the USB ports are only for power, not data. I think I'll definitely be picking one up when it ships.The Belkin Mini Surge Protector is "coming soon" for $24.99.
[via Crave]
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Obviously there's nothing exactly Mac specific about the Belkin Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger, but at the same time the promo...
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"Since this product is designed for mobile users, it's not misleading, since a lot of hotel rooms have sockets at desk height. Unless you are somehow claiming that desk-height outlets don't exist ANYWHERE, I fail to see how you can have the audacity to claim that the photo is misleading.
The comment about it being misleading was playful, not a meaningful critique of the product. Having said that, it does suggest a kind of visibility and convenience that is only true in an extremely rare circumstance. Even for the most mobile of travelers, Hotel rooms account for a fraction of their overall computing time, the majority of it still spent locally, at home, work, or nearby cafe. And only a small fraction of Hotels have outlets anywhere other than down at the floor level, usually under the desk or table--excluding the bathroom, which have outlets for hair dryers and electric shavers--floor level is still the standard location. I was only pointing out that it's an unusual placement, the photo doesn't aim to accurately represent average use. It's more of an idealized view. Does it make the product any less useful, or less cool? Not necessarily. It appears to be a pretty nifty gadget, even used in more realistic circumstances, I actually like it.
Disclosure: my own home has one outlet in the middle of the wall. I plug my Airport Express into that spot. But that's only because I asked my electrician to put it there when we remodeled our house. Like most people, I'm aware of how rare that placement is, in a home, at work, or while traveling. It's a minor observation, not meant as negatively as it may have sounded.
when the whole world is talking about global warming and people are asked not to leave charger connected after use, Belkin come up with this? i know some charger adjust the power consume itself in different condition, no charger can cut the power down to zero when not in use, they still working anything as it is connected.
March 12 2008 at 1:22 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyJust curious since I once had a problem with a car charger that drained my Iphone battery juice instead of charging it.(other users of the Iphone have documented the same issue) Would you be able to charge say a 3rd generation Ipod and an Iphone at the same time?
Things that make you go Hmmm?
Given the product's appearance alone and when plugged in, the plug appears to rotate.
March 12 2008 at 10:57 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThe photograph is misleading! Sheesh. How many people's homes have an electrical socket conveniently in the middle of the wall like that? Most homes, they're right there at floor level. Not the most convenient place for a USB connection.
March 12 2008 at 10:28 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replyjust leave the USB cable plugged in? I mean, most USB cables are long enough that it really is't different then plugging in a regular charger
March 12 2008 at 10:57 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply"The photograph is misleading! Sheesh. How many people's homes have an electrical socket conveniently in the middle of the wall like that? Most homes, they're right there at floor level. Not the most convenient place for a USB connection."
Since this product is designed for mobile users, it's not misleading, since a lot of hotel rooms have sockets at desk height. Unless you are somehow claiming that desk-height outlets don't exist ANYWHERE, I fail to see how you can have the audacity to claim that the photo is misleading.
The whole point of this product is you only have to carry one accessory to charge all your USB peripherals and laptop from one outlet. In the case of USB peripherals, you don't even need your AC adapter!
As a side note, are TUAW readers always so bitchy?
sooo . .you dont really come up with new stories . .
you just reproduce them / gather from the web for this site . .
cool.
Tell me it's safe for 220V and I'm in.
March 12 2008 at 10:18 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHot Apps on TUAW
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