Review: Belkin Mini Surge Protector -USB Charger
Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger - a perfect gift! (December 2nd, 2008)
The Good
- Small. Light. Compact. Fits well in a gadget bag. Lifetime warranty. Includes warranty on any equipment that the surge protection fails to protect. Charge USB devices and provides AC power. Works great.
The Bad
- Thicker than you would expect. The button to rotate the power plug is hard to push.
If you travel, even just occasionally, you know that hotel rooms usually lack power outlets to charge your growing list of devices. If you're like me, you carry a power strip to augment the hotel’s offerings. I must carry a few different chargers, to charge my cell phone, iPod, digital camera, and computer. All this hardware takes up a lot of space in my suitcase, and with the increasing cost of luggage, space is at a premium. If you are plagued with these same problems, here is a reasonably priced product that is definitely gift-worthy.
The Belkin Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger (Part # BZ103050-TVL) replaces almost all of the required chargers listed above. It has three AC connectors and two USB ports for charging accessories. All of the ports include surge protection. The Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger is not a USB hub; the USB ports do not transmit data; they just charge devices. However, that means that I can charge my phone or iPhone, and iPod from those ports, and need not carry a separate charger each device. I only need to pack two USB cables.
At just 5" x 3" x 1.5", the Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger takes up very little room in your gadget bag or suitcase. It weighs less than one-half pound and works like a charm. Two USB cables certainly weigh less than device chargers, so it’s perfect for carry-on luggage.
The plug on the back of the Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger rotates 360 degrees, so you can plug it in either horizontally or vertically. It actually offers four locking positions. A small button next to the plug allows it to turn; this means that once you set its position, it stays in that orientation and doesn’t droop or fall out. A small green light indicates it is on and working.
The package contains the Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger, a USB to mini-USB cable, and an eight-page user guide. Belkin offers a lifetime warranty and states that they will repair any equipment damaged by a power surge, spike, or lightning strike while connected to the charger, up to a maximum of $75,000. While the Mini Surge Protector lists for $24.99, you can find it for significantly less if you shop around. I’ve not had one problem with this Mini Surge Protector and neither should you.
Edited by Ilene Hoffman, Reviews Editor