'Book Value
Kensington Portable Power Outlet a Great Accessory for the Road Warrior
Charles Moore - 2008.07.22 - Tip Jar
Rating: 
Popularity: 
Power bars have been a virtual necessity and a ubiquitous presence at computer workstations for two decades now, but a new wrinkle on the power bar concept is the Kensington Portable Power Outlet, which packs not only three wall current outlets into a single compact unit, but also adds the convenience of being able to power or charge USB devices directly as well.
Utilizing both sides of the unit for plug outlets maximizes utility while keeping physical dimensions small.
The Portable Power Outlet includes 2 USB power ports in addition to 3 standard AC outlets, allowing you to charge devices like your iPhone, iPod, PDA, or digital camera simultaneously with your laptop without being obliged to pack each device's own power adapter.
The Portable Power Outlet also features built-in surge
protection with a status LED to protect your hardware against power
spikes and a short, flat-wrap extension cord that stores neatly around
the body of the device when not in use, keeping it compact and more
convenient to carry in a computer briefcase or backpack.
This is such a good an logical idea, I'm surprised it didn't
catch on a long time ago, but I guess it took the proliferation of USB
bus-powered and/or charged devices to create a viable market. There is
only one other similar device on the market that I'm aware of and it
has just one USB port and sells for five dollars more than the
Kensington unit.
In summary, I can't think of anything to criticize negatively about this product. It's inexpensive, innovative, convenient, and useful, and appears to be well-made. I suppose that a USB hub function would make it even more desirable, but perhaps that's a bit greedy for $25. Low End Mac rating, 4 out of 4.
Kensington Portable Power Outlet Features:
- Low profile, compact shape travels easily to conference rooms, hotels, airports, anywhere you need to work
- Fits conveniently in a travel bag or notebook carrying case
- Three wall (AC) outlets power your notebook and more
- Two USB power ports charge all of your USB compatible mobile devices (USB Power Tips sold separately)
- Built-in cord management
- Surge protection with status LED defends against power spikes
Specifications
- Weight: 200g (7.1 oz.)
- Unit Dimensions: 112mm x 79mm x 31mm (4.4" x 3.1" x 1.2")
Cable: Wrap Around Grounded Plug w/ 430mm (16.9") Cable- Outlets: 3 Grounded Wall Outlets and 2 USB Power Ports
- Input: 125 VAC, 60 Hz Output: Wall Outlets - 125 VAC, 60 Hz,
- USB Power Ports - 5 VDC, 0.5A Max
Warranty
- The Portable Power Outlet is backed by the Kensington 2-Year warranty.
Price: $28.99 (currently $25.13 with free SuperSaver shipping at Amazon.com, $10 rebate available through 8/21/08)
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Charles Moore has been a freelance journalist since 1987 and began writing for Mac websites in May 1998. His The Road Warrior column was a regular feature on MacOpinion, and he is a news editor and columnist at Applelinks.com. If you find his articles helpful, please consider making a donation to his tip jar.
Other articles by Charles W. Moore
- Don't Kill Caps Lock, Learning to Love the iOS Keyboard, and an Adaptive iPad Keyboard, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 2012.02.06. The Caps Lock key has a useful function, the iPad's keyboard really is useful, and checking out an adaptive keyboard for the iPad.
- MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro, Looking for a Vertical MacBook Stand, and SE/30 Internet Tips, Charles Moore's Mailbag, 2012.01.31. Whether a MacBook Air makes as much sense as a MacBook Pro, finding a vertical stand for a MacBook, and tips for getting an SE/30 on the Internet.
- Moving from Pismo to MacBook Air, Pros and Cons of Cheap PC Laptops, and More, Charles Moore's Mailbag, 2012.01.23. Also which upgrades make sense for an older PowerBook or MacBook.
- More in the 'Book Value index.
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