Focal / DLO offer up PowerBug AC-to-USB power adapter

by Darren Murph, posted Feb 5th 2007 at 8:17AM

Okay, so Focal's latest charging gizmo comes bundled with a cable that plays nice with your shiny (and colorful) new vivid Shuffle (or your "old" silver edition), but realistically, the PowerBug isn't much more than a snazzy AC-to-USB power adapter. Weighing in at around 40 grams, this device reportedly handles 100 to 240-volt plugs and works well with worldwide adapter prongs, and essentially turns any AC outlet you may run across into a charging station for anything that utilizes USB to suck down power. Namely, just about every iPod that relies on your trusty USB port for energy can befriend this here gadget, along with NAV systems and USB battery chargers. The plug itself sports a green LED that gives you an indication of how the whole charging process is going, and while Focal doesn't seem to give mention to a little company dubbed DLO, the blatant branding leads us to believe that it'll be sold under that accessory maker's product line. Nevertheless, if you're finding yourself closer to power outlets than electrified USB connectors during your travels, you can pick up your own PowerBug now for $22.99.

[Via NewLaunches]

Filed under: Portable Audio

Tags: ac adapter, AcAdapter, charger, charging, dlo, focal, ipod, japan, powerbug, shuffle

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Neutral

Evan @ Feb 5th 2007 8:38AM

Great, so now you can run your USB-powered Hello Kitty feet warmers
http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/29/hello-kitty-usb-foot-warmers-we-dont-know-what-to-say/
and USB-powered Hello Kitty vacuum cleaner
http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/05/hello-kitty-usb-powered-keyboard-cleaner-sweeps-and-creeps/
without a computer.

Neutral

mike @ Feb 5th 2007 9:31AM

They're already for sale, at least according to this Sunday's Best Buy flyer.

Neutral

Steve @ Feb 5th 2007 10:29AM

True, and they have one (in black) with an adapter for the Zune, I picked it up yesterday...it came in a package with a car adapter and the USB-to-Zune connector cable for $34

Neutral

BobbyW @ Feb 5th 2007 11:23AM

"Namely, just about every iPod that relies on your trusty USB port for energy can befriend this here gadget,"

Every USB ipod or not? Why did you write it like that?

Neutral

Mr. B @ Feb 5th 2007 11:59AM

It looks like it blocks two outlets, which is pretty stupid.

Neutral

Edward @ Feb 5th 2007 8:58PM

You could always, you know, plug it into the bottom plug.

Neutral

afathollahi @ Feb 5th 2007 12:07PM

Why pay $23? When you can get this for $10 and it comes with a car charger -

http://myincipio.com/product/TK-100

Works with the shuffle - I bought their shuffle adapter too and it works great in the car and at home.

Neutral

richvalla.com @ Feb 5th 2007 12:21PM

Wow.. I love music and ipod ofcourse.. Ipod shuffle is being sold for $100 here in the philippines..

Neutral

Mike @ Feb 5th 2007 4:07PM

We've been selling this thing at Best Buy for a month or two now. What I find funny is that Apple's USB AC charger costs $40, but this is only $23. Any device that recharges by USB works with this (as long as you use the USB cable that came with the device).

And here's a hint: it won't block two outlets if you plug it into the bottom one. Heh heh.

Neutral