Fans Charged Up About USB Power Outlet

[Michael Essany]

It's a simple concept, but one that's left an indelible impression on people coming out of this year's Macworld. Catering to the vast audience of mobile savvy consumers who always have some gadget or gizmo to charge or power up, Fastmac has unveiled its U-Socket with hopes of it becoming just as ubiquitous as the devices that could use it.

Perfect for charging any USB powered device including- mobile, iPod, iPhone, PDA, MP3, PSP, MP4 player & digital camera.

Capable of being installed on any existing wall outlet, the U-Socket is one of those no-brainer "I wish I would have thought of this" kind of devices that, if Fastmac proves fortunate, could turn up in homes, hotels, offices, and virtually any building with electricity in the world.

How is the U-Socket different, let's say, from a do-it-yourself homemade USB wall socket? For starters, it's safer. Billed as the first such product that meets universal electrical safety specs, the U-Socket is almost difficult to distinguish from a regular run-of-the-mill wall socket. But in addition to offering your obligatory three-prong power plugs, the U-Socket also sports two powered USB outlets on each corresponding side.

And in case you're wondering, the outlet is designed to be conservation-minded and environmentally friendly. According to the manufacturer, these USB ports only draw power when a device is connected to the port.

We didn't want a vampire port that continually sucks and wastes power.

One of the breakout showings from Macworld, the U-Socket is currently promoted on Fastmac's website at a discounted pre-order price of $19.95. If all goes as planned, expect the device to begin shipping later this spring.

Will it catch on?

[mudslag]

makes sense, Id buy a couple for my home

[avnyc11]

yes! and second

[rhekt]

wow this is awesome. i can see this becoming the standard in outlets within 5-10 years

^its a sad sad story

[Nehal3m]

That is the MOST creative thing I have ever seen. Now, I don't have to get a wall adapter, since those things are available! (Sort of...)

I really need that. I'm sure a lot of other people need that too.

[niqolas619]

Great idea! Obvious, but great!

[brianlg]

Ehhh.. I don't like it

[cashyy]

Wow this is amazing, I've though about this, but wouldn't thing it would work lol

[n00neimp0rtant]

I have literally had dreams about this.

[The Maestro]

So simple and obvious yet brilliant.
I tip my hat and wonder why this took too long

[ZionSV]

hell yes it will catch on! I've been waiting for one of these for so long.. I was gonna try to make one myself but I figured I'd rather not be injured :P

[Armored]

wow. Love it.

[Cer0]

Saw this on macrumors earlier and was like awesome. And they sale for now. I may have to grab a couple.

[Limegrntaln]

Their better be better options out than this in 5-10 years. Also if its connected to my computer through the wall cat 5 style I could plug it in, in my bedroom and it would sync. Now thats even better.

[sziklassy]

I personally don't foresee this catching on.

[PSYC0TIC ONE]

Saw this on popsci.com about a month ago... Good concept

[ultimatexpka]

Very nice idea, I finally dont have to buy those 50$ micro usb wall chargers =D

[goodluck4287]

This is pretty sweet... some of us like our stuff surge protected, so that is the only real downfall in my opinion. I suppose that I don't really care about my iPhone or anything else charge by USB as I care about my MacBook Pro.

[EddieLeonard]

the pins don't look very happy in the photo :P

its a good idea but when you have your laptop or stereo plugged in that use big plugs there wont be any room for charging with a usb

[Nicholas Knight]

this has been out for awhile. If you go to lowes they have hdmi ones too. Nothing new i already have some haha

HDMI
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=99597

USB
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cables-To-...i_sku=13045764