Packing Tips

[coriander]

Try CATCH10 as a code on COTD. ymmv.

 

[MDC]

Belkin also make a travel power board with surge protection but it's only 2 AU power and 2 USB. Mine came with 5 (I think) different international plug ends so the whole kit does take up a bit of room. I'm not convinced it's the best solution but at the time it was the only I could find with decent surge protection.

 

[Denali]

Must admit, I love this 4 USB port charger thingy: https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/4-port-usb-rapid-wall-charger/

Add a 2mtr and/or 5mtr cable (thank you gamers), and Im happy and Ive bought a few of these for some coworkers.

 

[moa999]

Also saw the cubes at officeworks on my last visit, if wanting to save postage.

Agree they are great, particularly for hotels that don't have sockets at desk level

 

[coriander]

Plus it has Australian Certification, so is less likely to spontaneously combust. I bought one of each (ie 5-outlet and 4-outlet+USB). USB Output is 2.1A - I'm unsure if it's each port or combined output: I'm just about to try with a couple of ipad airs and will report.

I've been testing the powercube's charging ability. It will charge one ipad at a time..... plug in two ipads and one will charge, the other will say "not charging" and the charging one will take ~8 hours to charge. On its own in the powercube, an ipad will charge in the normal 3 hours or so (ipads generally need 2A). So powercube's power output appears to be 2.1A total, not per USB port.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

So powercube's power output appears to be 2.1A total, not per USB port.

That's a bit disappointing. Thanks for the info.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Anyone got one of these yet? Looks interesting, think its priced about $70.

 

[MDC]

Anyone got one of these yet? Looks interesting, think its priced about $70.

Yes, that's the one I have that I referenced in my earlier post. The main issue I have with it is the orientation of the plug - it only allows you to plug it in so the power board sits vertical. It will cause problems in places where the powerpoint is close to the floor.

 

[coriander]

The main issue I have with it is the orientation of the plug.

Is the connection socket proprietary? From your image and googling images online, the plugs look as if they have a standard IEC C14 socket outline; in which case you can use a standard IEC C14 cable and put an AU adapter on the end of it. Also looking at online specs, it appears the 2.4A is shared across the two ports (much like the 2.1A of the powercube).

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Anyone got one of these yet? Looks interesting, think its priced about $70.

I must say, it looks kind of coughbersome. As an adapter, I have one that folds and slides. It's bigger than I'd like, but it does work. At least the Powercube looks about as compact as you could get whilst still accommodating the AU standard plug top x 4. The only thing I dislike about the Powercube is the lead. It looks way too long.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

The problem with the power cube is you can end up with 4 leads going in 4 different directions - IMHO PITA for travel - I used mine once and have not taken it again.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Is the connection socket proprietary? From your image and googling images online, the plugs look as if they have a standard IEC C14 socket outline; in which case you can use a standard IEC C14 cable and put an AU adapter on the end of it. Also looking at online specs, it appears the 2.4A is shared across the two ports (much like the 2.1A of the powercube).

Thats interesting, could solve the problem described by MDC above about connecting to outlets near floors and walls.

 

[MDC]

Is the connection socket proprietary? From your image and googling images online, the plugs look as if they have a standard IEC C14 socket outline; in which case you can use a standard IEC C14 cable and put an AU adapter on the end of it. Also looking at online specs, it appears the 2.4A is shared across the two ports (much like the 2.1A of the powercube).

I'll check tonight when I get home and will report back. The older model (Grey colour) that I have is actually 1.6A shared across the two USB ports. The newer model (White colour) seems to have 2.1A.

 

[coriander]

Just a heads-up for anyone interested in obtaining a Powercube as discussed up-thread.

Zazz, one of these one deal per day purveyors of (mostly) things you don't need, has the Powercube available on special for $27 delivered, today, Saturday 24/ Oct only. This is an Aus standard item, not an Ebay "Dodgy Brothers" knock-off.

• Choose from four configurations:
• Either choose Four Power Outlets + Two x 2 Amp USB Ports, or choose Five Power Outlets
• Also choose either 1.5m or 3m length power cords
• Fully SAA approved for the Australian market, beware of imitators!
• Genuine Allocacoc brand with certification

See https://zazz.com.au/daily/thingy/13557 for more info.

 

[get me outta here]

coriander, just looking @ yr link and it comes up to $30.....

 

[coriander]

coriander, just looking @ yr link and it comes up to $30.....

Unless I'm reading it wrong, it's $19.95 plus $6.95 shipping = $26.90. If you purchase more than one, $2 extra per unit; shipping is capped at $10.

 

[moa999]

Cheaper than it normally is on cotd

 

[petunia]

In regard to the earlier packing cubes suggestions, we use clear plastic zip up blanket bags. Work a treat. You can easily see the contents. We also use the wash me/wear me type laundry bags for smaller items such as underwear/socks.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I was in Officeworks today and they had racks of power cubes / boards with USB slots.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I was in Officeworks today and they had racks of power cubes / boards with USB slots.

Do you remember the approx. price?