Monster Outlets To Go Laptop reviewed

by Scott Carmichael on

Not long ago, we reviewed the Monster Outlets To Go. In that review, we showed how these cheap and compact outlets can be the perfect way to avoid the stupidity of hotels with just one outlet. Just two weeks later, Monster Cable has announced the newest addition to their Outlets To Go lineup, with the Outlets To Go Laptop.

This new power adapter builds off the same principles of the others – a compact power brick that turns one outlet into three. But in this new version, Monster added two USB power ports, folding prongs and international power support. Outlets are on the front and rear, which allows you to plug larger power bricks in, without them interfering with each other.

The new features mean your single outlet can power and charge two USB devices, and offer enough open outlets for all your other gear. Because the product is rated for 100V-240V, you’ll be able to use it anywhere in the world, provided you bring a plug adapter (which is not included) and use it with products that are rated for these voltages.
The USB ports provide a combined 1.5A of power, which makes them compatible with the iPad, and other high power USB devices.

Compared to its corded cousins, the Outlets To Go Laptop does lack the flexibility of using a cord, which makes it harder to plug in behind a dresser, but a separate extension cord can fix that.

All in all, a brilliant little addition to the Outlets To Go assortment. The Outlets To Go Laptop retails for $29.95 and is available directly from Monster or Amazon.com.

Monster Power Outlets To Go – the $13 “must have gadget” for any traveler

by Scott Carmichael on

In my collection of travel gadgets, not many products serve me as well as my Monster Power Outlets To Go. The product isn’t much more than a portable power tap, but since many hotels seem to think that no guest should ever need more than one outlet, having access to something that lets me plug more of my gear in, is if vital importance to me. I’ve also regularly used it at the airport, when four people are in desperate need of a little bit of juice for their laptop. In most cases, fellow travelers ask me where I got such a compact outlet.

The Outlets To Go product lineup features several different versions – starting with a basic three outlet , all the way up to a six outlet and a three outlet with USB charger. Lately, I’ve switched to the USB charger version, simply because a USB port means one less charger to drag along. The USB port is limited to .5 amps, so it won’t be able to charge high power devices (like the iPhone 3GS).

On the Outlets To Go, the cord wraps around the unit, and extends about 11 inches. The plug is lighted when in use, and is very thin, making it perfect for using that one open outlet hidden behind the dresser. Because outlets are on the front and back, large power bricks won’t be a problem.

The outlets are available from retailers like Amazon for as little as $9 (three outlets), and even the most expensive one is a mere $13 (three outlets + one USB port).

Downside to the USB charger version is that it only works on 110V, so if you plan to bring it to Europe or any other country with voltages higher than 110V, you’ll need to find something else, or bring a power converter. That said, Monster also sells a version specifically designed for travelers, so check their website for the complete lineup of travel power products.