At CES I got to see so many cool technologies. They feature innovative and exciting products to simplify your life. One of my favorites is was this USB wall outlet.
One of those innovations happens to be this nifty wall outlet with USB ports right along side of the traditional power sockets. The Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet is a safe and ultra-convenient way to charge your gadgets.
While you’re probably not going to need or want to replace every power outlet in your home, this would be a great addition to any home office, kitchen, or bedside outlet.
If you’re nerdy like me, then you likely have multiple devices that charge via USB. Having an outlet like this would keep your power outlets free for other uses. Although the $39.99 price tag seems a bit steep to me, considering you can get a USB wall charger for just a few bucks online. But what you’d be paying for here is the form factor, and let’s face it, coolness.
DIY The USB Wall Outlet
The makers of this product state that this is a simple DIY install. They say it can be installed in less than 20 minutes. The outlet will install on any 15Amp circuit with a 16 cubic inch electrical box. It is fully UL listed and approved to be safe.
Save Money and Energy
It is designed only to output enough power that the devices plugged into it needs. This means you won’t run the risk of over-charging your device. The shutters/covers for the USB port are spring loaded and automatically turn the power off to the USB ports when a cable is removed. This is great if you’re focused on conserving energy.
Device Compatibility:
- Apple iPad (all models)
- Apple iPhone (all models)
- Apple iPod (all USB chargeable models)
- Android™ tablets and phones
- tablet computers, cellphones, gaming systems (Nintendo, Sony PSP, etc.)
- Bluetooth headsets, digital cameras, or GPS devices which charge via standard USB plug
- Pretty much anything that uses USB
I think this is a neat concept and foresee this being an upgrade in new homes in the very near future. In fact, I would imagine that nicer homes and homes marketed as “smart homes” would have this standard in key locations such as bedside outlets and kitchen counters. A few extra bucks can go a long way in wow-factor.
Want your outlets to have USB ports? Find out more information about:
Newer Technologies Power 2u 15-amp In-wall Dual Ac/USB Wall Outlet
What do you think of this USB wall outlet? Where would you like to have a few spare USB ports?
AUTO-PLAY MUSICAL ADS CAN DIE IN A FIRE
Lucky for us, the second outlet we checked worked great! However, it’s right behind the cat tree so if kitty can just resist the urge to gnaw on shiny, pretty, new white cables, we’re set! Thanks again!
Elizabeth,
That is AWESOME!
So glad you are liking it. And I truly am tickled pink that I somehow contributed to innovating your life with new technology.
It’s sort of my thing… 🙂
Oooh! Ordered this within seconds of reading! We got it the other day, but were dismayed to find out that the wires in our existing outlet (the one we use to charge our iPads) was not long enough to attach to the device. We’ll now go through the house and find another spot that will hopefully work. It’s a brilliant little thing! Also: It’s so rare that I find out about a new gadget before my husband does. So points for the wife! (thanks to Nerdy Nurse!)
I’m stoked that I could help you find a gadget before your hubs!
I hate that it didn’t work out where you intended, but hope you find a spot for it. you can always add length to the wires in there by splicing a few more together. Although, I’m not an electrician, so I don’t know if that’s the “right” way to do it.
Let me know how you like it once you get it working.
And thank you so much for commenting to let me know I inspired you to get it. You have no idea how awesome it feels to hear something like that.
I just had my entire house rewired and about 20 new outlets put it. I wish I had seen this and learned about these new awesome outlets two weeks ago!! We have three iphones, a blackberry and an ipad and an ipod in the house and these would be so much better than all of the plugs we have all over the place!
I know. They are the coolest, right?
I think $40 a piece is a little steep, but you can easily replace a few in your home in prime locations.