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The best portable power strips and surge protectors with USB charging
By Mark Smirniotis This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commission. Read the full guide to portable power strips and surge protectors with USB charging. After researching dozens of models and extensively testing the eight best-specified and -designed, we think the best power strip for travel in North America is sold under two different brands, as either the Accell Home or Away Surge Protector or Tripp Lite Protect It 3-Outlet Surge Protector—they're functionally identical, so just pick the one that's cheaper when it's time to order. Both sell for about $20, have three outlets and two USB-charging ports, and are smaller and lighter than any other travel model we tested, but still fit bulky power adapters without blocking other outlets. This model has been our pick every year since 2015. Although other companies use the same design, we found that the Accell Home or Away Surge Protector and the Tripp Lite Protect It 3-Outlet Surge Protector offer the best capabilities at a price that's usually lower than the competition's. Owners give both versions high ratings, and Wirecutter staffers have used the Accell model since 2015 without issue. If you want surge protection on the go, or prefer a power strip with a cord, the Protect It 3-Outlet Travel-Size Surge Protector is the best choice. It's the only portable model we tested whose ability to clamp down surges is on a par with that of full-size surge protectors—other portable models we tested let more than twice as much surge voltage through, potentially damaging anything plugged into them. The third AC outlet on the back of the unit helps to keep power bricks out of the way, and the right-angle plug easily fits in tight spots, like behind hotel furniture. Our other picks aren't designed for international use. If you're going to be traveling outside of North America, we recommend PowerCube's ReWirable USB. It has two USB ports like our other picks, but provides four AC outlets instead of three. And it has two features that make it ideal for international travel: It's rated for 100 to 250 volts, so it doesn't need an additional voltage converter, and it includes four interchangeable plugs to fit a wide variety of international wall outlets.
Powermat accompanies MyTouch 4G Slide at retail launch, or so the manufacturer says
If you've already misplaced the charging cable for your MyTouch 4G Slide, then it's time to hustle back to your local T-Mobile retailer, where the new QWERTY handset is joined at its in-store launch by Powercube's inductive charging cover. Sure, your bank account just received $200 worth of hurt, but if you've got a $90 buffer on your credit card, what's an extra $30 for the shell and $60 for the Powermat, especially if it means keeping your phone alive? Sadly, both stores we called didn't have the cover, so you might want to give Magenta a buzz beforehand, although T-Mo's website is ready to take your money. No matter how you get it, you'll still need to keep the base station from getting buried under pizza boxes and laundry, but we know you're up to the task. Follow after the break for a slice of the PR.
PowerCube 600: the 2000-pound solar-powered generator
Curious designs and solar-powered wares seem to go hand in hand, but honestly, the PowerCube 600 is going to be hard to top. In what appears to be a ginormous (and inexplicably uncomfortable) recliner, the creators have managed to shove enough solar panels in this foldable, "portable" generator to crank out 600-watts of power. You'll also find 3,500-watts of continuous inverter output, 2,400 amp hours of battery storage and a rugged / watertight case. Even when closed up, this beast measures 72- x 124- x 50-inches, and while it technically is a mobile solution, 2,000-pounds isn't exactly what you want to lug around each time you feel like hosting a LAN party in Zzyzx, California. Forget the fact that you'll need to phone up Reluminati in order to acquire a price -- just think of the shipping![Via MAKE]
