Technabob » electric outlet

Creative Outlets

Technabob — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 13:00:40 +0000

The household outlet. It’s about the most mundane looking thing in your home. But it doesn’t have to be. Thanks to these fun stickers, your outlets can finally have some personality.

The Creative Outlets sticker set includes everything you need to turn common (U.S. 110V) outlets into tiny expressive faces. You know, I always thought the 3rd prong hole (ground) looked like a surprised mouth, so these are perfect. Each set comes with various glasses, facial hair, a hat and even a dog, in case you’d rather turn your outlets into animals instead of anthropomorphize yours.

While you might be tempted, you probably don’t want to put them on outlets where toddlers are playing, though, lest the decide to play kissy-face with their newfound friends. That said, if you live in a child-free house, or your kids are old enough not to want to stick forks in your outlets, you can grab a set of Creative Outlets from Perpetual Kid for $3.49 (USD).

Flipit! USB Charger Doesn’t Require an Outlet All to Itself

Chris B. — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 15:07:22 +0000

There are never enough outlets in the world. One of the things I hate about checking into most hotels is that there are never available outlets by the bed. Sure, they’ve got free ones on the other side of the room near the desk. However, that doesn’t help me when I want to plug in my phone, which is also my trusty alarm clock. No, I have to dig around and unplug either their crappy alarm clock or the lamp. Naturally, the alarm clock usually gets the boot. It would be nice if I just didn’t have to choose at all.

The Flipit! USB Charger is the perfect solution for the above situation. Instead of taking up an entire outlet all to itself, it rests between the socket and another plug, with the prongs of the other plug passing through it. Pretty cool, right? The only two things I would change would be to have a set of prongs that could flip out, in the event that you don’t actually have anything plugged into the outlet. Also, having a power rating of more than 750ma would be great. Otherwise, this little $16 gadget is perfect for anyone on the road that needs to charge a USB gadget.

[via EverythingUSB]

U-Socket Adds USB Ports to Your Wall Outlets

Chris B. — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:08:46 +0000

How many USB ports does one really need? I’m of the opinion that one can never have too many USB ports. I mean, just think of all of the gadgets you have that utilize the technology. Heck, some devices even need to recharge using it. Of course, you don’t always want to be tied to your computer to recharge your phone or other gadget. Yes, there are those little wall adapters that give you USB ports, but what about something a little more permanent?

These U-Sockets are the perfect addition to any geeky household. Think about it, the standard wall outlets haven’t really changed since they decided to start grounding them years ago. Adding a pair of USB ports for charging seems like the next logical step. With a price tag of $20 each, you might not replace all of the outlets in your house, but a few well-placed ones could be very beneficial.

[via RedFerret]

Cubic Switchplate Cover Turns on the Style

Lambert Varias — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:59:43 +0000

Electrical outlets are just one of those things that we don’t really notice or think about, partly because we see them everywhere and we use them all the time, and partly because, well, there’s really nothing to look at. Just two (to four) holes with a plastic cover. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t want to his or her eyes to be contaminated by such a dull (albeit useful) fixture, try slapping on a Cubic Switchplate over your outlets.

What the- is that a box?! What’s up with that outlet?! Actually the cover is just 3 mm thick:

The lines and the position of the holes make it look like the outlet is jutting out of the wall:

You can order the Cubic Switchplate at Design Glut for only $8 (USD). It comes in black and white. Me? I’d rather have mustaches or Ultimate Warrior masks on my outlets.

[via Cool Material]

Monster Outlets to Go Power Strip With USB Port: Monstrously Useful

Lambert Varias — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:30:06 +0000

Monster hasn’t had a great year, what with their fake performance tests and their un-endorsements. But that doesn’t mean that the company is 100% crap. Take their Outlets To Go power strip with USB port for example. It’s a well-thought out product that’s geared primarily for travelers – packing 3 outlets in a slim and light form – but it’s USB charging port makes it a very handy gadget for almost anyone who owns gadgets.

The outlets are widely spaced so that even the bulkiest of adapters won’t block the other outlets (the 3rd outlet is on the other side. I think.), and it plugs it into itself when not in use, eliminating cable clutter. Measuring only 1.8″ x 2.25″ x 4.75″ and weighing a scant 6 oz., it’s a nice accessory for the traveling techie. You can buy the Outlets To Go power strip with USB port at Radio Shack for only $25 USD.