Mini Power Minder, a new kind of USB power
By Ryan Block 
posted Sep 15th 2004 3:00PM
posted Sep 15th 2004 3:00PM
We can't think of too many examples of times when we need to shut down a bunch of stuff at the same time as our
computers since most anything connected to them needs recharging anyway (excepting monitors, most of which have power
power saving modes anyway), but if you love superfluous
USB devices like we do—and how we do love superfluous USB devices—then the $16 Mini Power Minder might just be
for you.
[Via I4U]
Not sure how useful this would be... my computer keeps the USB ports powered even if the computer shuts down. I think a lot of computers do this now.
There is an editorial in the latest PC Magazine that brings to light the power draw of peripherals that are "off". Long story short, all of them can easily add up to 80watts when they are sleeping. Kinda adds up 24 hours a day...
This USB thing actually is kinda cool
It would be a lot cooler if I could send a command over that USB interface to turn the power on and off.
Bits limited has already created something that performs the same function.
http://www.bitsltd.net/smartstrip/index.htm
But instead of complicating things with a USB cable, their powerstrip simply detects when the device (computer)plugged into the "control outlet" is on or off and sends a signal to the "switched" outlets to turn them on or off.
Retroblast has an excellent review of this product.
http://retroblast.com/reviews/smartstrip2-1.html
This is how you charge BlackBerry's while on the road now. Simply plug into the wall and plug the USB cable into the device. Very slick!
Found online, cheaper than Bits.
http://www.stayonline.com/ac_surge_protectors/3388.asp
http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/searchdetail.asp?T1=112+0120
If you need remote power control, check out iBoot from Dataprobe http://www.dataprobe.com/power/iboot.html
Web controlled power outlet, plus automatic shutdown on failure conditions.