PROS:Does what you'd expect, and less, with eight AC outlets and two USB outlets
One LED indicates that protection is in place against surges
One LED indicates that the unit is plugged into an improperly grounded circuit
Long, heavy-duty power cord
Built-in cord management device
CONS:
Using the special transformer sockets often blocks the USB sockets
Wrapping cords on the cord management device blocks the USB sockets
Inadequate USB power
The unit is larger than necessary
The unit is difficult to mount on a wall
It is expensive for what it is
The cord management device will not handle eight cords of any practical size
I have been looking forward to a unit like this, and I was excited to get one when I found it, but...
POOR PLACEMENT OF USB SOCKETS
After ordering it, I began wondering why it was arranged the way it was. For starters, what is that odd grey thing at the bottom? Well, that's for managing cords. Unfortunately, if I arrange the cords to wrap around it, they will end up being in the way of the USB sockets, making them hard to access. Similarly, they put two special sockets at that end that have extra space around them for plugging in transformers ("wall warts"), but using them often covers the USB sockets. And yet the USB charging sockets are the unique feature that you're paying the extra money for!
If they had put the USB sockets up near the switch, they would have been away from all the sockets and the cord management device, and never blocked by the larger AC plugs and cords. Too bad they did not make locating the USB sockets the priority in the design.
DIFFICULT WALL MOUNTING AND OTHER DESIGN ISSUES
The unit has a curvy shape instead of rectangular like most others. That might even be attractive if it was not so bulbous, but it makes it difficult to mount on a wall and be level. They provide no drilling template for the holes on the back, so you need reference points, and the curves of the unit make it very difficult to measure. In the end, I was not satisfied that it was solidly mounted, so I drilled a hole right right through the thin plastic just past the cord management device, and put a screw through that. That probably voided the warranty, but at least it is solidly mounted.
If you mount this device on the wall, it appears to be intended to be mounted vertically, at least, it would be natural to have the letters oriented to be read that way, and the switch on top. But why then is the cord on top, when sockets are usually close to the floor? Form over function, I guess.
INADEQUATE USB POWER
Here's the real problem with this device. The box says that each USB socket provides 750mA. That isn't very much power. The USB 2.0 specification call for 500 mA per port, so that's ok, but the USB 3.0 specification requires 900 mA, so it is not up to spec. It is enough for many telephones and mp3 players, but not some Apple products. Example: an iPad requires 2000 mA to charge, so you will NOT be able to charge your iPad from a USB socket with this power strip. There does not seem to be a fuse; unless there is some auto shutoff circuit, there is some risk of damage to the power strip electronics if you try.
CAUTIONS IN USE
You should always plug a power strip directly into a correctly wired and grounded (three-wire) wall outlet, and not another power strip or extension cord, for fire safety reasons.
You should NEVER see the "Not-grounded" light lit up. If you do, it could mean faulty electrical wiring that could lead to a fatal shock (call an electrician and get it fixed), or it could be a faulty unit. Similarly, you should always have the "protected" light on; if you don't, contact the manufacturer and ask why not (probably a faulty unit, or not plugged in/turned on).
One review said their unit buzzed or hummed when they used the USB socket to charge a device. That would indicate a faulty device which should be replaced; mine is totally silent in operation.
BOTTOM LINE
USB charging sockets is a great idea, but this unit has a poor arrangement of only two of them, and they are relatively low power. Yes, it works, but it is inconvenient to use, it is expensive for what it is, and it does not provide enough charging power. Given the price, design, inadequate power, and difficulty to mount, it rates three stars: "It's OK".
Soon there will be imitators, and some that will have much better designs and features. A simple power strip that includes USB outlets placed in a convenient location and can be mounted easily would be better than this.
Until then, if you want to mount things to a wall to tie things down and control clutter, my suggestion is to simply buy a regular power strip and a cheap powered USB 2.0 hub. Even if you don't connect the hub to a computer, it will still charge your devices, and the combination will cost you less than this overpriced and oversized thing.
Buy Belkin 8 Outlet Surge Protector with USB Now
Very lightweight and the USB built-ins are a big plus. Flat plug is a necessity in tight spaces. Not perfect, but not bad.Read Best Reviews of Belkin 8 Outlet Surge Protector with USB Here
Purchased for my daughter who went away to college. This surge protector had every gadget and electronic device for college use plugged into it and held up like a champion! It's still going strong and I expect this Belkin to last another 3 more years until she graduates.Want Belkin 8 Outlet Surge Protector with USB Discount?
Nice looking power strip that does the job well. I especially like the dark gray power cord. I don't use the USB hub feature.Save 13% Off
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