GeekSugar

Wind-Up Cell Phone Charger

GeekSugar — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:30:51 -0800

Whether or not this Wind-Up Charger actually works is beyond me. I don't doubt that it does, I just can't help but wonder if it's anything like the wind-up radios of yesteryear. With the wind-up, cell-phone charger, you can charge up your phone when there isn't an electrical outlet in sight. Just turn the handle vigorously for a few minutes and your phone will get enough power for approximately 25–30 minutes. Featured on Zedomax, it also comes with a built-in flashlight so you have some back-up in power outages. Priced at $12 each.

The APC Mobile Power Pack

GeekSugar — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:00:51 -0700

When FabSugar returned from fashion week, she not only shared runway stories but gadgetry goodies as well! Perfect for traveling and event-filled days, this UPB10 Mobile Power Pack by APC is lightweight, sleek and can charge up all your gadgets when you're on the go. With lithium polymer battery cells, you get a higher power density than traditional lithium ion cells for extra power output. This device can charge up gadgets by standard USB and by mini-USB, which I used for my pearl in the pic below. It's fashionable for Fab and functional for Geek, therefore I can't help but give it two thumbs up. Priced at $60 each.

iGo Juice 70 Notebook Powerbook Adapter

GeekSugar — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 10:00:15 -0700

Whenever I travel, I'm usually on the look-out for Wi-Fi and power outlets. As important as the internet is, I've realized that if you don't have power, Wi-Fi is basically useless! It's ironic that I just happened to spot this laptop power adapter because I was just saying last week that I wish I could get power while in the car. The iGo powerbook adapter will juice up your laptop in any location-even in the car! You can plug it into the lighter socket in your car, the in-flight outlets on planes and standard wall outlets in homes and offices. With the iGo you can also purchase additional tips so you can charge-up your phone, mp3 player, camera, etc. Priced at $120 each.

In the meantime, I think airports should work on installing more electrical outlets. I regularly find myself sharing an outlet with a stranger five gates away from where my flight takes off!

Visually Stimulating Energy Saving Adapters

GeekSugar — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 05:00:07 -0700

Saving energy never looked so good! Discovered on Yanko Design, these sleek white Energy Saving Adapters by designer Giles Belley are said to reduce the energy consumption of electronics left in standby mode in half. Each module corresponds to a device and when energy is being wasted, a layer of light will glow on the surface of the adapter. This light is intended to warn the user that unnecessary energy is being used and that they should turn off the device. If it does not get turned off, the adapter will automatically shut it down after three minutes. An ingenious design, but somewhat worrisome for a person like me who leaves unsaved work open while my laptop is asleep and prays it doesn't shut down!

To check out more images of this beautiful design piece read more

View 4 Photos ›

Eubiq's Unique Power Outlet Track

GeekSugar — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 04:00:32 -0700

In older homes and buildings it can get really tiresome trying to maneuver your workstations near sparse power outlets. I feel like I'm the queen of power outlets and multi power plug dividers, so I was pleased to read Eubiq's has designed a system with moveable power outlets on tracks to help rectify this problem. Featured on coolest gadgets, the tracks devices come with multiple outlets along the maximum 3.6 meter that you can adjust to your liking. Add more outlets as you need them and don't worry about child safety as each socket and track grounds any conductive object it touches. Check out the site for pricing and purchasing info.

View 4 Photos ›

Find Out What Kind of Power Vampire You Are With an App

GeekSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:44:06 -0700

I already showed you ten vampire gadgets and appliances that bleed power when you're not home, and if you haven't taken my tips to heart just yet, you can now find out exactly how much cash you're losing with the Vampire Power Calculator.

Just enter in how many hours a week you use a given gadget, and the app will serve up a rundown on how much energy and money you're wasting each year, what kind of power vampire you are, and tips on how to stop the madness. Plus, there are fun quizzes and games to get you in line so your gadgets and appliances will stop sucking your wallet dry for good. And don't worry, if you're strapped for cash already, this app is totally free.

View 5 Photos ›

Plug Into This Cute Robot Power Strip

GeekSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:44:50 -0800

I love it when someone takes a boring household item that we all need - like a power strip - and turns it into something fun. Case in point: the Electric Man power strip from Urban Outfitters. This cute robot-shaped power strip has four grounded outlets - one on each of the little guy's appendages. The main power switch is on his side, and you can see whether or not he's powered up by checking the red light above his heart. Add it to the list of cute robot goodies on my wish list!

Would you use this power strip? And in case you missed it, check out the equally cute car power station I found the other day.

View 5 Photos ›

Eco-Friendly Outlet Banishes Power Vampires For Good

GeekSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:50:52 -0800

Vampire power month may be over (how appropriate that it was in October, no?), but that doesn't mean I'm going to stop trying to find ways to reduce our electric bills! We are living in a digital world, which means nearly everything needs to be juiced up to work. I've already got my laptop working overtime at the office and at home, so you can imagine that I'm a pretty powerful energy vampire on my own. But I wouldn't be if I had this outlet.

View 4 Photos ›

A concept design I found while cruising Yanko, the Switch outlet allows you to keep your appliances plugged in (no more unplugging your power strip), but with a simple rotation, it cuts off all power to your gadgets, so you aren't draining electricity when it's not needed. Way to be eco-friendly and efficient! Power vampires, be gone.

Charge Gadgets in a Pinch With a Travel-Sized Solio

GeekSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:30:58 -0700

Traveling soon? Don't let powerless gadgets leave you in the dark again! (Get it? Dark? Solar Power?)

Perfect for travel, vacations, camping, or just a day in the park, the Solio Emergency Charger ($60) charges your gadgets using solar power. A travel-sized version of the Solio charger used by the president (and loved by yours truly), this gadget comes equipped with a smaller price tag than the full version, a USB adapter and charging cable, a 12V adapter, and universal tip cable so all of your gadgets will be covered. A full charge takes 2 1/2 hours when plugged into the wall, and 20 hours in direct sunlight.

Elegant Solar Powered Totes From Noon Solar

GeekSugar — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:00:06 -0800

Back in June I introduced you to the Solar Powered Beach Bag, which happened to be one of the few solar bags on the market at that time. Five months later I bring to you the fashionable Noon Solar totes, which teamsugar's boyfriend couldn't help but share with me. The black leather Cortland Tote shown here features a solar panel on one side so you can face it inwards or outwards, two interior zipper pockets, and one exterior zipper pocket. In order for it to work its charging magic, the included battery box needs to be connected to the solar panel cable located inside the bag. The bag will take about six to eight hours of strong sun to completely charge and if full, the battery box will keep its charge for a few days if not used. Noon Solar bags are completely water and weather proof, so you won't get zapped if the panel gets rained on. The Cortland comes in black or chocolate (shown above) and costs $383. If you scroll down you can also see the Willow which is similar to the Cortland except it has a suede exterior, comes in chocolate and steel, and costs $274. Considering the solar beach bag costs $250, I suggest spending the extra money to have one you can actually use away from the beach. And not only are they pretty to look at, but Noon Solar creates bags that are made with materials that can either biodegradable naturally or be reclaimed and re-used for generations to come.

View 5 Photos ›