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I’m very happy to see people have starting giving more and more importance to redesigning the old power strip. Creative plugging works to a point, but large adapters will always take up two outlets. I suffered for years until I bought something very similar to the Powramid Surge Protector.
The shape allows bulky power adapters to be plugged in next to each other, without taking up more space than a regular plug (win!). It’s got a power button on top, protected with a plastic cover, just so no one drops something on it and accidentaly powers off every appliance in the room. (Or, like I used to do, force it under a locker only to discover the only thing that didn’t fit was the power button. Good bye, unsaved documents…)
But, despite these great features, can I add something? The name sucks. Powramid?! Come on…
How much under $29.99?
A little: $27.98 in our store, powered by Amazon.com.
Lack of space in a power strip is one of the most common tech-related annoyances. You have 6 outlets, but you can only use 4, because the other 2 are blocked by the bulky power adapters plugged in next to them. Even the most complex permutations can’t completely solve this, so smart power strips are the way to go.
The Socket Sense Expandable Power Strip has outlets that can move, so all you need to do is drag them out when you need to plug in a large adapter. Because their movements are not preset, you can adapt the distance between outlets to the exact size of your adapters. You can power 6 devices from it, which should be enough for most of your office/computer electricity needs.
How much under $29.99?
A little: $24.99 on ThinkGeek.com.
This is so simple and useful it’s amazing you don’t find it in all stores and households: a power strip with an USB port! Who hasn’t wondered what to do with some USB powered gadget while away from any computer? Yes, USB adaptors exist, but that’s one more item to carry around. And, as we all know, you should never forget your power strip at home when going on holiday, because hotels never have enough outlets. Combining the two makes perfect sense.
Belkin’s Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger offers three AC outlets and two USB outlets to ensure you won’t run out of room once you plug in your laptop, cell phone, MP3 player, gaming console or other gadget. But keep this in mind: just because it’s got USB written on it doesn’t mean it can transfer any data; it’s only meant to charge/power your devices.
How much under $29.99?
A little: $24.99 on Belkin.com.
Via Endgadget
Every gadget owner who’s ever travelled has at some time or another run into this problem: too many things that need electricity and not enough outlets. I remember one particularly nasty experience when me and my brother had to charge our mp3 players in turns because we had forgotten to bring a power strip along and, being in a foreign country with little time for shopping, buying one was pretty complicated.
I sure could’ve used a Monster Power Strip. It has 3 outlets, placed on both sides, so it’s smaller than most 3 outlet power strips. Great especially for tourists - you might know how a bag that was full to begin with has to be stuffed with souvenirs.
All in all, sounds like a good deal to me. Too bad I didn’t know about it a while ago.
How much under $29.99?
Some: $14.95 on MonsterCable.com.
Via OhGizmo!
