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Power Strips For The Uber-Geek?

Posted by Cliff on from the heavy-duty-220A-goodness dept.

mattkime asks a question that's faced each and every one of us: "You can argue over which processor is best or which operating system is most 31337, but when it comes down to it, no matter where you stand on the issues, you need a good power strip. Alas, this area of computing seems well equiped for only two ends of the spectrum - the high end power backup and the low end power strip. I have six transformer blocks under my desk in addition to 4 3-prong power cords- which power strip can handle such madness? Belkin #F5H300 seemed like a perfect fit, but I can't find any place that sells them." The ideal power-strip is a strip with wider outlets to accomodate said "transformer blocks" without losing an outlet on the strip. The car commercials said it best: "Wider is Better!". Have any power strip manufacturers learned this lesson yet?

8 of 19 comments (clear)

  1. Kensington is "The One" by Tumbleweed · · Score: 2

    CDW has a Kensington model which I've used for a few years now at home and work.

    Nice product. There's a colour-coded version, and a cheaper, non-colour-coded version.

    I've found them at such places as CompUSA, OfficeMax, and Office Depot, at reasonable prices.

    1. Re:Kensington is "The One" by Diamon · · Score: 2

      *pah* I scoff at your puny 6 plus strip check out the Fellowes model my wife and I use:

      http://www.fellowes.com/Product/main.cfm?groupCo de =A21D&page=3

      available from CDW at:

      http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.asp?EDC =2 51810

      The images dont show it well but there are six plugs for standard connectors (they dont how in the photo of the black model) and four plugs for blocks over top of them (the dark grey in the photo at fellowes), an easy to reach/operate on off switch (you can even get one with a remote foot switch). The mount nicley. Some models have phone and coax, yadda yadda yadda.

  2. pigtails by lythander · · Score: 2

    Cyberguys has relatively cheap pigtails -- 6" extension cords to mate any wall-wart to a power strip.

  3. Right Here by penguinboy · · Score: 2

    CDW has what you're looking for (Belkin F5H300), and at a price that doesn't look too ridiculous.

  4. Memorex... by cr0sh · · Score: 2

    I have a powerstrip that I love - though it has since been replaced (mostly) with two Tripp-Lite UPSs - anyhow...

    I don't have the model number handy, but it was branded by Memorex - 8 outlets, all wall-wart capable (meaning if all you have is wall-warts, 8 will fit!). Surge protection, phone line protection, etc. All outlets are color coded, too (and matching tape strips are included to stick to the other end of the cords, so you know if you want to pull the power on the right cord). But the best feature I believe is...

    Cord Corrals (ok, I made that up - but that is what they do!) - at the "bottom" of each outlet is a "C" shaped "runner", with a little space between each outlet. Plug the cord (or wall wart) in, and slip the cord between the slot and down the channel - all cords exit at one end, no more rats nest at the strip!

    After checking Memorex's site (it seems it was called the "PowerCenter/Pro" or something), it has unfortunately been discontinued. Seems like this is the way with good products! Monster (www.monstercable.com) has a similar device, but it still isn't quite the same (doesn't have the cable corral system, it appears - and all plugs aren't spaced for wall-warts).

    I have to say the only thing I dislike about the strip is its size - larger than most power strips (heh, if they did the APS thing and added a UPS to it, it would be perfect)...

    Worldcom - Generation Duh!

    --
    Reason is the Path to God - Anon
  5. Only trust a UPS by autocracy · · Score: 2
    Read the subject. Power strips don't prevent smaller spikes/surges, and definitely don't help low voltage. Get it? Get it.

    However, if you're really only worried about the whole thing going boom, try out APC (yes, they make UPSes, but they also do strips). Their strips to help out a lot. Enjoy!

    ALL YOUR BASE ARE BELONG TO US!

    --
    SIG: HUP
  6. Exposed Power Switch by waldoj · · Score: 3

    I want a power strip that doesn't have an exposed power switch. You know what I mean -- the switch that points up towards your foot, begging to be stepped on, switching off your entire system.

    Anybody know of a strip that puts the switch under a plastic cover or something?

    -Waldo

  7. Time for a Home Depot/Lowes/etc Trip by InitZero · · Score: 3

    You've got a UPS, right? (If not, why not?) Why not make your own power strips? It's less expensive, more flexiable and you get exactly what you want. The UPS will provide all the surge protection you need.

    In January, I moved out of my apartment and into a house. It always bugged me that my UPS added a bunch of heat and noise to my home office. So, I put it in the garage, gave it its own breaker and wired the computer room the way God intended.

    The UPS has better surge and slump protection than I could ever get from any surge protector. By doing my own wireing, I've got the outlets prefectly spaced and at the right height for both my desk and work bench.

    The parts are very cheap and everything is easy to put together so long as you have a basic understanding of how electricity works and some screwdriver skills.

    InitZero