So the USB Ecostrip is a kinda like a smart power strip for office peripherals and gadgets. The surge protector was designed to reduce energy waste. This is how it works:

The USB Ecostrip plugs into the wall and the PC is plugged into the socket marked by the red arrow on the diagram. From there all other devices on the power strip are powered via the USB port connected from the surge protector to the PC.

This way, when the PC is shut down all other devices are also shut down, such as your printer, scanner, modem and speakers.

“We set out to design a product that reduces energy waste, yet, allows distributors and retailers to profit from the new emphasis on this type of product,” said Bjarne Waedeled, President of Centritech Limited, Hong Kong, designer and producer of the Ecostrip. “And, because it functions like any other power strip, there is no education of the consumer required.”

The USB Ecostrip has been around since 2005 but has yet to make it into the US market. However, that’s all going to change fairly soon.

USB Ecostrip Press Release

USB will be the one standard for cell phone connections says the OMTP (Open Mobile Terminal Platform). microUSB that is.

We reported about China making the same decision back in Dec of 06, and as we predicted the same standard would hit the US. Well, it did…so one more feather in our [GetUSBinfo] cap.

China’s press release about the USB standard for cell phone connection was more direct. The recycling costs of different types of cables is too high, to standardize on a single USB charger connection means reduced costs for the manufacturer. In my opinion, a good decision like making USB the single standard benefits the consumer by having a universal plug (rare!) and it betters the environment with less cable crap.

Reference: China sets standard for USB as cell phone charger connection.

PDAs don’t make it into military applications because of glass on the display. PDAs don’t make it into military applications because battery life is too short. This is no longer true.

InHand Electronics introduces a rugged low-power flex PDA (SFPDA) to withstand military environments and extended missions. This rugged PDA includes Ethernet, USB, Bluetooth, and keypad interface connections.

The non-glass flexible display not only reduces possibility of injury but reduces power consumption to display information. In conjunction with InHands power management software these PDAs will run for 6 continuous hours.

6 hours may not seem like a long time, but this spec is continuous hours, so it doesn’t include stand-by time or sleep mode. The new iPod touch barely gets 5 hours of video - and we know that claim doesn’t stand up to government specifications - so cut that in half. 6 hours is impressive.

Some quick bullet points on the BatterySmart technology include:

• Startup CPU Speed Adjustment - Automatically and dynamically adjust CPU clock speed based on the operating bandwidth requirements of your handheld device.
• Advanced Idle Mode - Understand the differences in power consumption at 100MHz versus 400MHz.
• Dynamic CPU Speed Adjustment - Determine the required computational bandwidth of your application software at different CPU clock speeds.
• Performance-Tuned Core Software Drivers - Understand how battery life is affected by plugging in a PCMCIA peripheral?
• Optimized Peripheral Software Drivers - Reduce both computational bandwidth and power consumption while connecting to multiple peripheral devices.

InHand didn’t publish a price tag for the Military PDA - who cares - get our guys what they need when they need it.

Source: InHand via Engadget

Brando yet again steps up with another useful product. The two port USB solar charger from Brando has all the features a road warrior, power hungry gadget guy (or gal) would need. Slick design with durable enclosure and plenty-o-connectors to power up any USB gadget you throw at it.

Some notable specs include output voltage to 4.5v, 5.4v, 6.4v and 9v devices. The battery is lithium with 2000mAH of power.

What GetUSB likes about this solar USB charger is the ability to charge up via three different sources. Solar - of course - as well as wall AC adapter (universal with 90-240v) and car power adapter as well. Put this all together with 7 different connector heads and you are covered. Just make sure the solar charger isn’t.

As a closing note, the USB solar charger can power up two individual devices via the double on-board USB port design.

Source: USB Solar Charger product page.

Proporta is sporting an impressive portable laptop battery with 6000mAh of power. Once more, the extra juice box includes USB ports for charging those invaluable office gadgets like phone, iPod and digital camera.

The portable laptop battery comes with a selection of connectors which cater to most laptop power inputs. Once you get the low battery notification simply connect the portable battery to your laptop and you are worry free again.

The battery pack is, of course, rechargeable and is extremely slim in size at just 8.7in x 5.1in x .6in) and weighs about 21oz.

Proporta reports the portable battery is good for charging 16v and 19v laptops along with 5v USB devices. Retail is $195USD.

USBCell is best known for the AA USB rechargeable battery, but their product line doesn’t stop there (actually it does, but read more). (more…)

Update:  USB Car Adapter Charger Review

We recently did a write up about the Brando 3-in-1 USB car adapter, but they had it all wrong. Three cigarette plugs and only one USB port. Today we found a USB adapter better suited for our needs.

The car adapter is small, light and provides two useful USB ports. Not much to report on specs - you get what you see. LEDs for port activity and power output is DC5.0V / 1000mA +/- 5%.

Roger of USB Fever put together a special deal for GetUSB.info readers, free shipping any where in the world (about 7 day transit time). At just $13.95 and free shipping, it’s an excellent deal.

Roger also has a universal charger that is a cut above the rest. Typically chargers only support three markets, the UK, US and EU. However, Roger’s charger includes support for Australia and China. ($16.99)