Monday, December 7, 2009

(USB) Power to the People

TruePower UCS Power Outlet w/ Built-in USB Ports

TruePower UCS Power Outlet w/ Built-in USB Ports
From the “It’s About Time Department”:  Fastmac.com has announced their custom-designed TruePower UCS Power Outlet with Built-in USB Ports.  At just $10 a pop, you can pick up a couple of these bad boys and put one next to the couch, one by your nightstand, etc.  Oh, add the cost of shipping, plus permitting fees and electrician’s fees, but if you decide to go renegade and trim those costs with it a simple do-it-yourself weekend project, I’ll take NO responsibility for the consequences.

These outlets are scheduled to begin shipping in early 2010, after final UL approval.  That’s just in time for USB 3.0 to begin coming out later in the year, but hey, what technology isn’t obsolete the moment you drive it off the lot?

One added bonus is that the USB ports only draw power when a device is physically connected to it, unlike the typical “vampire” chargers that continually suck electricity when we leave them plugged in – but we never do that, do we?  [Ahem, excuse me a moment while I crawl under my desk and unplug the 3 unused chargers that I just noticed... Ok, I’m back.]

Belkin In-Desk USB Hub

The Belkin In-Desk USB Hub
Speaking of desks, another useful device is the Belkin In-Desk USB Hub, a 4-port USB 2.0 hub that’s designed to fit into a 3-inch-round opening on your desk and connect to your computer with the included USB cable. It retails for around $40.

And if your desk doesn’t have a 3-inch hole, it’s easy to add with a hole-saw drill attachment, but I’ll let somebody else blog about that.  What’s that?  My desk?  Yup, the hole’s there – I remember seeing it a couple years ago before all the paper got piled on top of it....

Update December 10, 2009: 
Disclaimer: The author received absolutely no compensation whatsoever for mentioning these products.

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