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You have the power – 10 amazing mobile chargers
Do you have a hard time finding a free outlet to charge all the mobile devices in your house? When it was just your mobile phone, things weren’t so bad, but now you have to find outlets for your phone, tablet, e-reader, MP3 player, and maybe even a digital camera or two. If you wish you had an extra few USB ports at home or when on the go look no further. I’ve scoured the Internet to find some of the best USB chargers around including ones you can install at home, take with you on the plane, or use to charge up while you’re at the office or waiting in an airport lounge. Check them out.
By Ian Paul (PC World)
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Product Ventures Flipit Plugless USB Charger
The Flipit charger from Ideative Product Ventures helps you turn one wall socket into two. The Flipit uses a small plastic power tab that slips over another device’s plug. The tab then sits between the wall outlet and the plug. The $16 Flipit can then grab up to 1 AMP of power from the outlet to charge, say a USB-powered smartphone. However, that 1 AMP won’t be enough power to top off your iPad. Buy the Flipit from Ideative’s website or Amazon.
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Innergie Magic Cable Trio
The Innergie Magic Cable Trio has one standard USB connector on one end and an interlocking triple connection on the other that includes micro USB, mini USB and a 30-pin Apple connector, which should cover almost any of your gadget-charging needs, including the iPad. The Magic Cable Trio costs $20 and must be paired with an Innergie plug, such as the $25 15W Dual USB Adapter. Buy Magic Cable Trio online from Innergie.
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Newer Technology Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet
Just plug a USB cord directly into the $40 Power2U AC/USB wall outlet from Newer Technology. It features two standard electrical wall sockets and two dual USB 2.0/3.0 ports; the ports deliver enough power required to charge an iPad or other iOS device, an MP3 player, a GPS, a digital camera, or anything else that charges via standard USB. The outlet installs in any standard 15A electrical circuit. Buy the Power2U wall outlet from Other World Computing.
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Emerge Technologies ReTrak Retractable iPad Charger
The $18 ReTrak dual USB charger from Emerge Technologies lets you charge your iPad and other USB devices via either its flip-out wall plug or car charger. There are two USB 2.0 ports on the charger: One works with devices that need up to 1 Amp of power; the other can deliver up to 2.1 Amps–enough to charge an iPad. The ReTrak also has a retractable USB cord with a 30-pin connector for Apple devices. Buy the ReTrak charger from Amazon.
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Macally LP-PTCII
International travelers looking to charge their USB devices no matter where they are should check out Macally’s LP-PTCII. This $30 charger is a single unit that features three retractable plugs for North America, Europe and the U.K, as well as one 5V/1A USB port. Macally says this will charge your iPad as well as iPod and iPhone, but that 1 Amp of power is definitely going to slow down the iPad charging time. Buy the LP-PTCII from Macally.
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Twelve South PlugBug 10W USB Charger
The $35 PlugBug from Twelve South turns your MacBook’s adapter into a dual laptop-USB device charger. PlugBug fits onto your MacBook power adapter. It has a regular plug for your wall outlet on one side and a 5V/2.1A USB port in the back for your iPhone or iPad. PlugBug will add a little more bulk to your MacBook power adapter, but it also means you’ll have one less charger to carry around. Buy the PlugBug on Amazon.
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Innergie mCube Mini 90
Innergie’s mCube Mini 90 is a 90W car and airplane power adapter that is compatible with a wide range of laptops. The $60 device also has two USB ports, including a 5V/2A port for charging the iPad and other devices requiring more power. Innergie says the mCube Mini 90 is the world’s smallest 90W power adapter. Buy the mCube Mini 90 on Amazon.
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Monster Outlets To Go 300
This $19.34 power supply from Monster won’t win any awards for beauty, but it definitely has all the power you need, as it includes three AC outlets and two iPad-friendly 2 Amp USB ports in one compact unit. Buy Monster’s Outlets To Go 300 on Amazon.
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RCA PCHCLIPR
If installing a power outlet with USB ports is too much work, try this wall plate charger from RCA. The $19.26 PCHCLIPR turns any 110V AC home outlet into a USB charging station. The charger features a rotating clip that can hold your device while it charges so it doesn’t have to sit on the floor or a table. Its two USB ports include one that can deliver 2.1 Amps, enough power to charge your iPad. Additionally, the PCHCLIPR can charge two smaller USB devices, such as a smartphone and an MP3 player, at once or use it to charge one tablet at a time.
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Belkin Conserve Valet
Belkin says its Conserve Valet Smart USB Charging Station draws zero power when it’s not charging a USB device. That’s not only a big help for the environment, but it could also help save you some money. The Department of Energy estimates unplugging unused electronics can save you as much as 10 percent annually on your electric bill. The $23 charging station features four USB ports with enough power to charge your iPad or any other USB device. While charging, you can hide unsightly cords underneath the station’s cover. To start powering up your gadgets, you have to hit a start button. Once you unplug your devices from the Conserve Valet, it automatically stops drawing power again. Buy the Belkin Conserve Valet on Amazon.
