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Power and Electricity — Category

What you need to keep your devices going.

Monster Power Outlets To Go

I had never seen these before so I had to try one. It’s the Monster Outlets To Go mini-power strip with a very short extension cord. It’s got 3-prong outlets on the the front and back (spaced far enough apart for power adaptors) with a resettable circuit breaker. Very nice and compact!

They also make 3, 4 and 6 outlet versions. Colors vary by white, silver and black. I’ve spotted prices from $11-23 on the various sizes on-line (I think retail is $15-$30). The power cord wraps perfectly around it and plus into itself, not messy at all. Seemed very well built and durable.I had to decide between the 3 or the 4 outlets and decided on the 3 outlet version, I’m sure the 4 outlets wouldn’t have been much bigger. That’s the 3 outlet version in the photo, the third outlet is on the back!

My only concern is forgetting it behind a desk in a hotel room.

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March 17, 2008   No Comments

Sharing Power Outlets

When you’re traveling you never know where there might or might not be enough power outlets. Things to have with you:

  • A small extension cord because if you’re going to want to plug in, it might be in an inconvenient spot.
  • If your plug for your equipment has 3 prongs (like in the US), be sure to bring an adaptor to convert to two prongs.
  • If you’re going to bring the above items (and you should) bring a splitter/adaptor (like a mini power strip) to plug in more than one item at a time. If the outlet you need is being used by other people, you’re out of luck, but they’ll probably let you plug in an splitter since you have a way to share. These days, many electronics chargers work in the a range of 110-220 volts, so generally if you are in a foreign country all you need is the little plug adaptor. So you might not need to carry those heavy transformers when traveling, just the tiny little adaptor may be enough (I don’t even own one of those heavy 220/110 converters). Be sure to check your electronics charger to make sure, it should saw right on the adaptor (in really small print).If you’ve got a splitter/adaptor/power-strip, then you may only need one foreign power plug adaptor to plug in to the splitter and then plug the items into the splitter. This way you can plug in multiple items from you.r country with only one foreign adaptor (this may or may not be recommended, be sure to check your user’s manual)If you can get a USB charging cable for your device and you have your laptop, you can leave the charger at home. Just charge your device while the computer is plugged in and it’s a lot less for you to carry.

    • December 10, 2007   No Comments

    Finding Electrical Outlets

    Where can you find electrical outlets to power your gadgets? First of all, make sure they are fully charged before you leave and if you have spare battery, make sure it’s charged too.

    Trains: Many train cars have electrical outlets by all of the seats, but many do not. While they may try to get you to sit in a particular car, sometimes if you just ask (nicely and politely) they’ll put you in a different car with better power. If not, look around the car they must plug in the vacuum somewhere. My experience is that near the center of the car under the seat (you just need to look, it’s relatively in the open) is an outlet with two plugs. You just need to get there fast since there might not be any more in the car (or have a splitter so you can share). In a pinch there is sometimes an outlet in the bathroom if you need a quick charge or want to have your laptop plugged in (so you don’t lose everything that is open) while you change the battery.

    Planes: I’ve never seen an any kind outlet in the open on an airplane, even while walking through first class. I think I’ve seen some for shavers in the bathroom, but you can’t stay very long in there.

    Airports: They’re all over the place but not always in convenient spots. Sometimes on the wall but not always by seats. Lots of times by the building support pillars but seats aren’t always near there. Many times where the staff and/or agents work but there might not be a good place to sit nearby. Look hard enough and you’ll find one in a good spot (in my experience), there is almost always one if you’re willing to sit on the floor.

    December 9, 2007   No Comments