poweradapter
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Dell's AC Adapter for "Adamo Thirteen" is 45 Watts of bland
You know what's sexy? Ultraportables. You know what usually isn't? Their power adapters. Dell's keeping things way on the conservative side here with this "Adamo Thirteen" 45W AC Adapter -- in fact, we'd say this is the exact same adapter we've gotten with every Dell laptop in the past few years or so, other than the miniscule wattage. The part popped up on Dell's site just recently, and while Dell seems to have pulled to Adamo reference, Google cache still remembers the good times. What is perhaps interesting here is the seeming confirmation of the product name that the laptop will have a 13-inch screen. Not hugely surprising given the competitive landscape here, but we're content to nibble on Adamo info for the time being.[Thanks, Ryan]
iGo unveils green power supplies, drives stake through vampire power
The cats at iGo are making their first-ever CES appearance next month, and they're bringing a suitcase of new gadgets with them, including three devices -- a laptop charger, a surge protector, and a wall outlet -- they say will reduce the power used when attached devices are in standby or off mode with automatic shut-off and recovery. Additionally, iGo will introduce a not-as-green netbook charger that, like its wallMAX predecessor, lets you simultaneously charge your phone, PMP, camera or other device. Rounding out the showcase are various assorted accessories like a card reader, laptop cleaning kit, and international travel adapter. We know you're simply dying to check out that triumvirate of awesome.
UK warns that fake imported DS handhelds could be hazardous
HM Revenue & Customs has put out an official report warning that "hundreds of imported counterfeit game consoles seized at UK freight depots were found to have been supplied with potentially dangerous power adapters." Most of the wares had been purchased at a deep discount from Asian websites claiming to sell "genuine Nintendo products" for over 50% off. The Big N has already stepped in to confirm that the DS / DS Lites are indeed counterfeit, and the accompanying power adapters were also deemed "potentially dangerous, since they had not been electronically tested and do not meet strict UK safety standards." C'mon parents -- even if the youngin' has been bad, we'd still say coal is more fitting than a stocking full of potential electrocution.[Via Pocket-lint, image courtesy of Infendo]
iGo intros everywhereMAX, wallMAX multi-device chargers
It looks like those in need of a replacement power adapter for their laptop, or those simply looking to streamline their device charging now have a couple of new options to consider from iGo, which has just introduced its everywhereMAX and wallMAX multi-device chargers. Each of those come equipped with iGo's dualpower accessory which, much like Lenovo's similar offering, will let you charge a cellphone, MP3 player, digital camera or other device while your laptop charges, and the everywhereMAX takes things one step further with additional adapters that'll let you plug into an auto outlet or airline seat. From the looks of it, you'll get eight different power tips for some of the most ever-present laptops with each charger, with additional tips available on the company's website. Those will run you ten bucks apiece, while the everywhereMAX and wallMAX adapters themselves will set you back $140 and $100, respectively.
Apple issues a recall for its 'Ultracompact USB Power Adapter'
Hey, remember that tiny power adapter you got with your new iPhone? Well guess what? It could get a little dangerous -- so Apple wants you to swap it for a newer, less dangerous one. Apparently, the adapter's metal prongs can break right off, thus creating a "risk of electrical shock" and general mellow-harshing. The company issued a recall today for any of the "Ultracompact USB Power Adapters" which came with iPhone 3Gs in the US, Japan, Canada, Mexico, and "several Latin American countries" (don't worry, they've got a list). Check the read link to figure out if you've got the bad kind of adapter, and for goodness sake, be careful when unplugging that thing!
Apple replacing frayed MagSafe power cables
According to a Knowledge Base article posted last week, Apple is now replacing (free of charge) frayed, discolored and deformed MagSafe power adapters for MacBook and MacBook Pro. But -- and there's always a but -- they will only replace it if there's no sign of "abuse." So if you've been doing the right thing and holding the hard plastic connector to disconnect the cable, you might not have to pay another $80 for a new power adapter. If your connector looks like the one pictured, and has been babied its entire life, then take it back to an Apple-Authorized Service Provider or an Apple retail store for an evaluation and replacement. It doesn't matter if the warranty has expired. Also -- bonus points for the greeked copy at the bottom of Knowledge Base article page. I'm sure that counts for a shot in some obscure Apple website drinking game. Thanks, Jeff!
Green Plug starts small, signs on Westinghouse
Remember Green Plug? That universal connector we detailed last month which aims to replace wall warts and help Mother Earth out in the process? Turns out, said outfit has just landed its first real believer as Westinghouse committed to using the smart power technology. Even Darwin Chang, Westy's CTO, admitted that his firm "wasn't the largest, but somebody has to be the first." Chang is hoping that utilizing said tech will help it cut costs by eliminating the need to ship power adapters with its wares, but we'd say that's being pretty optimistic. Really, the only way that will go over well is if hordes of other firms jump on the (currently desolate) bandwagon in short order -- any takers?[Via PCWorld]
Universal Travel Adapter keeps jet-setters happy
Sure, setting out for a trek around the globe sounds like fun and games at first, but when you plop down in that Welsh hotel and realize your US power adapter is worthless, terror can quickly ensue. Fret not, fellow argonauts, as the Universal Travel Adapter with USB Port has arrived to clear your mind of worry and ensure that your wares can be juiced up from almost anywhere. For $17, you'll get plugs for the US, UK, Europe and Australia, but it seems you're on your own if heading to another galaxy.
Lenovo's tiny new laptop adapter brick plays nice with others
Lenovo seems to think this whole "brick" terminology for laptop power adapters is some sort of slight on the good name of AC/DC adaptation, and is releasing a slim new combo adapter to fight that negative stereotype perpetrated by a biased media. The new $119 90W brick measures a half-inch thick and is about the size of a deck of playing cards. It can power your ThinkPad, IdeaPad or Lenovo 3000, but is also built to charge most phones and PDAs, and some music players if you buy the optional connector tips. The adapter can charge two devices at once, is 25 percent lighter than Lenovo's previous model, and is bricking up Lenovo's online store as we speak.
Brighton's colorful line of lilliputian USB chargers
In case you haven't noticed, we've got a thing for gizmos that serve their purpose without being unnecessarily large, so it's easy to understand why Brighton's diminutive USB chargers are just so darn irresistible. These things do one thing (and one thing well), and that is to transmit juice from the AC outlet into whatever USB-connected device you choose to plug in. The adapters are available in green, orange, pink and yellow hues, weigh just 30-grams apiece and are set to go on sale next week. Sadly, we've yet to be clued in on pricing details, but we can't imagine these things putting a strain on the budget or anything.
Apple patent for charger DRM
I don't think this is such a great idea. According to the New Scientist, Apple has filed for a patent on a new security measure for mobile devices. Basically, it involves locking a mobile device to a particular charging cable so that if it's stolen, it won't recharge when plugged into another cable. While I appreciate the sentiment of creating a deterrent to theft, this strikes me as more likely to be annoying than helpful. It will eviscerate the after-market supply of charging cables and docks from third party vendors (which are generally more reasonably priced than Apple's offerings). I fear that what has happened with the MagSafe power adapters will basically recur with Dock connectors. When Apple was just using a plug, it was possible to get reasonably priced third-party power adapters (and car/airline chargers), whereas today (since the MagSafe connector is patented) it is not. This just raises the price and annoyance level ($59 for an airline adapter!?). What do you think? Do you like the idea of DRM'ed iPod or iPhone power adapters?[via Oh Gizmo]
Monster 85W MacBook Pro power adapter shrinks
Our blog brothers over at Engadget caught a nice little update to the MacBook Pro 85W MagSafe power adapter. Apparently it's being shrunk down closer to the size of 60W adapter that comes with the MacBook. Considering how huge the older 85W adapter was, this is a welcome change. The Apple Store is listing a shipping time of 3-4 weeks for the new adapter which goes for the same $79 as the old one (and the 60W).
Letterman's head writer faces sparking, smoking PowerBook adapter
Granted, we've seen our fair share of Apple products getting a bit hot under the collar, and while the PowerBook AC adapters never were truly regarded as top-notch pieces of equipment, it seems that this particular one chose the wrong guy to get all sparked up on. Justin Stangel, a head writer / producer for the Late Show with David Letterman, was presumably writing up the night's monologue when he was uncomfortably faced with a sparking AC adapter. As any true professional would do, he actually filmed the volatile device getting its spark (and smoke) on rather than evacuating the area, so be sure and click on through to see what the fuss is all about.
