AC/USB Wall Outlet Provides Stylish Practical Solution to Countertop Device Charger Chaos

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According to Cisco smartphone usage tripled in 2011 and mobile connected tablets tripled to 34 million devices. Hard to believe but true: by the end of this year it is projected that there will be more mobile-connected devices than there are people on Earth. This doesn't even account for all the billions of other gadgets out there such as iPods and cameras that utilize USB cables for recharging.

Just the tip of the iceberg of my family's wireless collection

For starters my family of six owns at least two smart phones, one cell phone, five tablets, six digital cameras and two iPods.  I'm sure I'm missing many more in that count -- remember I have four teens -- so I've lost track of the exact population of tech gadgets that live at our house. If you're reading this post and you have a family with multiple children I'm guessing that you might even have more wireless devices than we do. 

That's a whole lot of tech gadgets that you and I need to charge often at the same time while cluttering up our bathroom, kitchen and bedroom countertops.  At last, there's a hard wired in-wall solution to this conundrum for charging multiple Apple, Android and other USB compatible devices. It's called the Power2U, a prize-winning UL Listed AC/USB Wall Outlet from Newer Technology, Inc. that you can install yourself at home.

First introduced at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show, this handy tool is essential for every modern well-connected home. No wonder that in the short time since it was unveiled the Power2U has already won multiple awards including the People's Choice Award at the 2012 American Business Awards and the CustomRetailer EXC!TE Award from CustomRetailer Magazine for "Excellence in Custom Installation Technologies and Products."

At first glance you might think that this is just another two socket wall outlet that you could buy at your local hardware store for a few dollars. But look again more closely and you'll see that the Power2U consists of two USB ports for charging devices in addition to two regular electrical outlets. This is truly the merging of today's technology, functionality and design.

Out with the old traditional electrical outlet ...

In with the new Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet ...

As a matter of fact that's the reason this product is accumulating so many accolades -- because it finally provides a stylish practical solution that many of us can't live without. Once and for all helping busy families like ours to get rid of the need for all those pesky charging adaptors that have been multiplying like rabbits while at the same time blending in seamlessly with our continued dependence on standard power outlets.

Keep in mind that this is something that will need to be hard wired and involves taking the old electric outlet out of the wall and replacing it with this. That means it is potentially dangerous and can cause injury or even death -- so if you choose to install this yourself it is a must that you read all the directions carefully first and be sure that you turn the power OFF at your power box. I'd highly suggest watching the product's 20 minute online How to Install video before you start, too. If you're still not comfortable with the do-it-yourself route, you can always call a handy man or electrician to install this for you.

Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet in package

Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet side view

These are so handy that you'll probably want multiple outlets just like them around your home. Remember, though, before installing it consider the length of the USB cables you'll be using so the Power2U outlet is near enough to the counters or other surfaces where you will be resting your devices while charging. For example, I wouldn't replace your floor level outlets with this new outlet, unless you don't mind leaving your devices on the ground while charging them.

Always be cautious when working with DIY electrical projects 

The Power2U does require extreme caution and some patience to install. But once you've hooked this up properly, if you're like me, you'll agree that the benefits of having a product that incorporates both a pair of traditional 3-prong AC wall sockets with two USB ports and that eliminates the on deck mess of cables and power adapters is well worth the effort.

Power2U is available in these 4 colors, Image from Newer Technology

About Power2U
Power2U is one of the newest products from Newer Technology, a company that was an early adopter of technology having formed in 1984. Priced at an affordable $24.95 suggested retail price these are available in the four decorator colors pictured above and may be purchased direct from retailers.  NewerTech develops PC, Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, and iPad performance upgrades and accessories.

FTC Disclosure: I received the Newer Technology Power2U AC/USB wall outlet to facilitate this review but did not receive payment or other compensation for this post. Thoughts are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.