The Swivel Socket power strip
By Jonathan Hayter 
posted Jan 12th 2006 4:00AM
posted Jan 12th 2006 4:00AM
Many have tried to create a power strip that allows you to use more than the inevitable two of the plugs at once, and many have failed. One notable exception is the PowerSquid, but this Swivel Socket concept seems like it might give that thing a run for its money. Each socket rotates 180 degrees, and each has a swiveling label so you can remember what you plugged into what. Sounds like a plan, no?
Undeniably cool looking, but I would say that it's needlessly complex. It seems to offer most of the functionality of the Powersquid in a highly complicated box, although the swiveling label is a nice touch.
Its a powerbar for an iPod! The iBar!
Well, that is how it looks like...
Other then that it is ingenious and I would love to get one of these when it comes out (I really need it).
I have to admit, this is kinda neat, but at the same time the same solution could be had a dozen different ways...outlets on both sides of the strip....or small, simple extenders for wall warts...or outlets on all sides, for that matter.
Eventually, I would think that all manufacturers will figure out that it makes more sense to place the converter in the middle of the power cable. And as a matter of fact, most have - this just seems to just be a bane of the cheap and quick DC converter crowd; with the exception of Apple, who still believes that as long as the wart is cool looking enough, you won't have any grievances.
If we all would have just lisened to Edison in the beginning, this would have never of become a problem.
crap! Just label the power cables.
Nice gadget. But I couldn't believe that remembering what has been plugged into the socked is a problem. ;) I always can distinguish looking at plugs, they are always different somehow.
"If we all would have just lisened to Edison in the beginning, this would have never of become a problem."
Except that we would all be killed when ever we crossed a socket, and the price of converting (moving) power would be about 300% higher, oh and we would still need to convert to AC every time we wanted to change the voltage efficiantly. But other than that, yeah, Edison had the right idea. I wonder why such a bright guy would give up all that in favour of Tesla's design? Smart people do the strangest things...
the 'legs' look flimsy and easily snappable.
I like it. What a bunch of whiners around here.
" the 'legs' look flimsy and easily snappable." - hey, what if they were metal? Don't prejudge.
"Eventually, I would think that all manufacturers will figure out that it makes more sense to place the converter in the middle of the power cable." and "But I couldn't believe that remembering what has been plugged into the socked is a problem." are contrasting responses. Looking over at one of 3 power strips in my office, the one most chargers are plugged into, I see 7 cords/adapters. 2 or 3 are transformer-in-the-middle design - can't tell them apart.
How about a little kudos for somebody at least thinking about the problem.
you guys whine too much..
anyway, I love the old school space invader icon! love it!
It would be great if each outlet had an on/off switch. I'm too lazy to unplug my DC converters so most of the time they just suck electrons for no reason (I plug my cellphone in once a week). It raises my power bill and contributing to global warming. So put an on/off switch on each outlet and I might consider.
you guys whine too much..
anyway, I love the old school space invader icon! love it!
This is much too complicated.
Also, since this is just a render, I can't imagine you're going to be able to buy one of these uberstrips at your local Rat Shack any time soon.
Hey, I think it's a pretty neat idea. I would like to see more outlets, but I don't mind a manufacturer suggesting that maybe I should cut back on my power usage.
BTW- as far as I know, all of Apple's current power adapters locate the brick in the middle of the cord or at least offer the capability to do so via snappable power plugs. Admittedly, the iPods don't come with the extender cable last time I checked, but I'm sure there is a way to get one.
I think is looks pretty darn cool, and does eliminate the need to follow the trail of a cord to make sur eyou unplug the right thing.
Now the grammar of the post, thats another thing. Whats up with that first sentence?? Brutal!
Label the sockets with tape, sticky note, sharpie.
For the price of this unit, you might be able to go to CyberGuys.com and get their Power Strip Liberators.
http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/SearchAll.asp?s=SA
Now where I could use the labelling aspect of this strip is for my TV/VCR/DVD/etc. combo. My strip for my computer is in an open area, so it's easy to see what plug goes to what device. The TV/VCR/etc. combo is hidden in the back of an entertainment center, so it's harder to follow the wires.
This looks like it was designed by a student on acid.
Currently available solutions for less than $20 have more actual value for something you will chuck under your desk in a dusty tangle such as this one:
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=51512&cat=1,240,41065
If you really feel the need to pimp your powerbar (ie form leads function and price be damned) get this:
http://www.atbatt.com/product/ItemID/7016.asp
Stuart
Kudos for thinking about the problem, but this device is a design study on how not to do design studies; this is the sort of thing that gives I.D. a bad name. I could go on about the problems with such a device, but I'll limit my gripes to:
1. Form over function. Power strips are usually hidden so why is the form so important in this application? The only supposedly functional aspect of this piece are the "swivel labels", but these would be immediately rendered un-functional when all the devices are plugged in; the wires would block a clear view of the "swivel labels".
2. Cost. This device has only 5 sockets and would cost what? $20, $30 each? For $15, one could go out and get two strips with 20 sockets and some post-it flags for about $15. All my devices plugged in, labelled, ready to go.
Tesla forever!!!!!!!!!!
This is a cool idea, but the way its designed is crap. There's a reason traditional power strips lay on the floor and aren't standing up in some easily tipped-over way. I don't care what the feet are made of, the adapters for my PC speakers, printer, and other accessories are way too big to just teeter up in the air like that... they would knock the power strip over.
Personally, I like this one:
http://us.kensington.com/html/1052.html