Belkin answers the need for USB-on-a-wall charger for gadgets

Posted March 13, 2008 at 12:54 AM by David Gonzales

Section: Gadgets / Other, Household, Miscellaneous, Peripherals

Finally! Someone’s become sober enough to realize that, “Hey, shouldn’t there be USB chargers for wall outlets by now?“, and that pride goes to a company named Belkin. Its new Mini Surge Protector includes three standard wall outlets as well as two built-in USB ports for charging any cellphone, smartphone, or MP3 player, and possibly any other gadget that charges via USB. Say thank you and hallelujah!

Product feature highlights include a “360-degree rotating plug with 4 locking positions, complete surge protection through all outlets, compact, lightweight, efficient design, and a mini-USB cable to charge virtually any USB device—including BlackBerry and Motorola RAZR phones”. There is but one caveat, though, that the product page honestly points out. And that is, “[the] USB outlets cannot be used as a USB hub and does not transmit data. The powered USB outlets on this unit are intended solely for charging devices that can be charged via a USB interface.“ But that’s understandable. I mean, who would want to transfer data to a wall? The Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger will retail for $24.99 but is currently just listed as “coming soon.“

Product [Belkin] Via [Engadget]