SurgeProtector
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Motion sensor-equipped HiSAVER power strip cuts power when you leave the room
You probably wouldn't want to use it for all your electronics, but we're guessing that most folks could find a few uses for this new motion-sensor equipped HiSAVER power strip, which can automatically cut off power when you leave the room. To avoid too much powering on and off, the strip only shuts off power if it doesn't detect any motion for ten minutes, and it includes a master outlet and a second selectable outlet that can be kept on all the time if you like. No word on US availability just yet, but Tomauri has just announced that it'll be distributing the strip in Canada, and it promises that it'll save you between $30 and $50 a year on your power bill -- good thing, considering the power strip itself costs $110. Head on past the break for a quick video demonstration.
Ask Engadget: Best 'green' power strip out there?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget question is coming to us from Randall, who isn't ashamed of his unbridled love for Ma Earth."I just moved into a new apartment and have been reading about all of the new power strips out there, especially the green ones. I was wondering if you had any suggestions about which "green "power strips are out there with decent joules ratings. And when I say green, I mean power strips that have the remotes or switches to turn off all electricity flowing to certain plugs and with at least 2 plugs that are always on. I was looking specifically at sub $50 because I will need two, but if that is not possible I could be convinced otherwise. Thanks!"Don't be afraid to wave your green pride around here, folks. If you've got a power strip that nixes vampire drain and fits the bill, spill the details in comments below. It helps everyone to help the planet, ya heard?
Ethereal introduces in-line surge protector for HDMI
Now here's something useful. Ethereal has just introduced the HDM-SP, which is being hailed as the world's first in-line surge protector designed specifically for the protection of the HDMI interface. It's built to withstand up to 8KV of voltage surge, and obviously, to keep your HDMI devices from getting fried in a storm. There's no mention of a price / release date (and we can't find an image to save our lives), but we suspect we'll hear more -- if but a whisper -- at CES.
A Holiday Gift Guide for the frequent traveler
If the favorite people on your holiday gift list spend more time in hotels and airports than they do hanging out with you, then we can help. This guide to gifts for the frequent traveler is sure to put a smile on the face of your friends or loved ones wherever their travels may take them in 2009. Power on the go With rare exceptions, it's almost impossible to find an airport or hotel room with enough power outlets for all of your electronic gadgets. Rather than challenging someone to a duel with presentation laser pointers to see who gets to use the one available airport outlet, I've come up with a more peaceful solution -- carrying a compact multiple outlet with me. Belkin's Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger (at right, above) can handle three AC and two USB devices simultaneously. It's tiny and light, and fits just in just about any laptop case. My personal favorite is the Monster Cable Outlets To Go Power Strip (below), which fits six widely-spaced grounded AC outlets in a very flat 8.5" x 2.25" x 1.8" box. This one works very well with those obnoxious adapters that cover two or three outlets by themselves, and is perfect for sharing a single power outlet with five total strangers. If more people carried these in their laptop cases, there would be world peace...at least in airports. It's also available in even more compact 3 and 4 outlet models. Belkin Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger: $24.99 Monster Cable Outlets To Go Power Strip -- 6 outlet: $29.95 More below...
Belkin's Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger
It's really about time someone released a portable power strip with USB charging. Really, honestly, we don't know what took 'em so long -- it's frigging 2008, everything's been USB-powered for a couple years now. Hat tip to you, Belkin, for the Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger, which goes for $25 or so.[Thanks, Alex]
Gibson goes wild, unveils new consumer electronics lineup
While a company not typically associated with consumer electronics can make the leap at any point, it's usually a relatively modest entrance, but Gibson has apparently had a bit too much fun at NAMM, and has thrown its logo on just about every device it could think of in the process. You won't find much of anything new in Gibson's lineup of consumer electronics, but if you're a Gibson purist and live life one riff at a time, these goods are for you. The company announced its own line of USB 2.0 Gibson Signature Series Les Paul flash drives, which currently come in a 1GB flavor and mimics a 1959 Les Paul Standard, and the firm plans to roll out more collectible drives shaped like other classic instruments in the future. Additionally, a 500GB external HDD was released, boasting USB 2.0 and a glowing Gibson logo on the side, and it seems that the firm is looking to snag a bit of that high-end interconnect market by offering up "premium gold" versions of optical audio, USB, and HDMI cables. Also on tap was a 7.1 AV receiver with a built-in guitar input, XM capability, and HDMI 1.3 video switching, various forms of recordable media, a dual-layer DVD recorder, surge protectors, and a few home theater speakers to boot. Although pricing is still up in the air at this point, it looks like you'll have the opportunity to get your external storage, surround sound gear, and a few spare E-strings all at the same place here soon.[Via Macworld]
Belkin releases Compact, Concealed, and Clamp-On Surge Protectors
Whomever said you can't teach an old dog new tricks obviously never met Belkin's surge protector design team, who whipped out this unusual pair of plug multiplying safety units; the Compact and Concealed Surge Protectors above will set you back a hefty $40 and $50 apiece, but you'll have plenty of places to plug junk in (especially adapters), as well as an enclosing cover in the case of the Concealed. The $35 Belkin Clamp-On pretty much does what it says, and is, of course, more intended for applications one is relegated to performing in the garage. Expect 'em out in October, and don't forget your damn self a UPS.Read - Clamp-On Surge ProtectorRead - Concealed and Compact Surge Protectors
PowerSquid reviewed
This isn't exactly Mac news, but hey we Mac users are known for paying a premium for industrial design, and well need more outlets. The PowerSquid Surge protector seems like the ideal solution, or is it?Gregory Ng, reviewing it for Apple Matters, thinks it is and not just because of its unique looks. This thing will protect your equipment against a variety of surges, and isn't your Mac's safety worth a few bucks extra?
