Focal / DLO offer up PowerBug AC-to-USB power adapter
By Darren Murph 
posted Feb 5th 2007 8:17AM
posted Feb 5th 2007 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]
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.
They're already for sale, at least according to this Sunday's Best Buy flyer.
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
"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?
Can I get just the cable? I don't need the wallwart, but the Shuffle dock is a PITA in a laptop bag, and I'm sure I'm going to break off the 3.5mm plug.
Hey Zandr -
You can get this here: This is what I have and it works great - I dont even use the dock anymore.
http://myincipio.com/product/IP-300
It looks like it blocks two outlets, which is pretty stupid.
You could always, you know, plug it into the bottom plug.
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.
Wow.. I love music and ipod ofcourse.. Ipod shuffle is being sold for $100 here in the philippines..
These devices have been out for years (not this brand). What is the big deal?
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.
I've had this gadget for a couple of months now. It does its job for docking and charging my 2G shuffle.
Wow, i work at best buy and these things have been on sale since way before Christmas.
How long until they just replace wall outlets with USB ports?
That would truly be a golden age.
How bout this one for $6.99? Looks exactly like the DLO too. I own one and it works perfectly with my 5g video iPod.
Forgot the link!!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16812250001