Is there any end to the innovation going into modern power-strips? (The answer is yes, probably, unlike my absurd enthusiasm for such things). The USB-Controlled Power-Strip continues the inventiveness by adding a second cable to the four-hole adapter.
This USB port isn’t for powering your devices. Rather, it plugs into your PC and lets you control the sockets from there, cutting and supplying power at the click of a mouse. Because you don’t have to get up to plug in the printer, the thinking goes that you won’t just leave it powered up all the time just for the odd once-a-month use.
Having the on-off switch in software has another advantage, too: automation. That same printer can be automatically fired up when you hit the print button, for instance, or you can put your PC to work powering lights on and off. With a little smart scripting, I’m sure you could use your cellphone to switch on the coffee machine. This efficiency comes with a cost, though. In order to save from this automation, you need to leave the PC on 24/7.
The strip itself is a good one. Each outlet has its own fuse, and the sockets are universal, accepting any plugs you might have. Given that most of your gadgets are from your home country, putting the universal part on the other end might make more sense for travelers.
The strip will go on sale in August for an unannounced mystery price.
Power USB [PWRUSB via Oh Gizmo!]
See Also:
- Quirky Jointed Power-Strip Is 'A Creative Outlet'
- Power
- EcoCHARGE Wall-Wart: Slim On Power, Slim On Looks
- Darwin Award Nominee: The Waterproof Power Strip
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