Customer Reviews: Read 17 more reviews...
 Perfect for a laptop. November 21, 2008
What a smart device for a laptop! First off, this surge protector fits easily in my laptop case... but what really sold me on this are the two powered USB ports. I have a laptop cooling fan plate (USB) and a laptop LED light (USB). With USB extensions, I can now run these without straining my laptop's power supply!
 Not so MINI, but a good surge product overall. November 16, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I've been searching for a product that can extend the outlet on my bathroom for the electrical products that I use. I finally came across this Belkin mini surge protector and features:
- 3 AC power outlets
- 2 USB outlets ONLY for charging (not data transfer) at 5V / 500mA at each port
- Surge protection on all 5 outlets
- 918 Joules Energy Dissipation
- 125V / 15A / 1,875W Continuous Duty Electrical Rating
- 36,000A Maximum Spike Current
- Lifetime Warranty on product
- USD75,0000.00 connected equipment warranty
- 360 degree rotating plug lockable into 4 possible positions
Simple, elegant design in a smooth plastic casing of white and light grey colour. Once plugged, the green LED light will indicate if the power source is grounded.
The box comes with one USB to mini-USB cable to get you started in charging your USB devices as well.
DO NOT throw the prong cover that initially comes attached to the surge protector prong. As the manual states (for those who still care to read the User Manual these days), you can use this plastic prong cover to help further balance the device against any surface. You do this by inserting the plastic prong cover on the bottom of the surge device via a small notch. Also, the plastic cover is handy to use when traveling. Before dumping the surge protector along with your other devices, cover the prongs to prevent it from scratching other objects.
The prongs can be rotated 360 degrees loosely. However, there are 4 positions that enable you to lock it so it doesn't flail along clumsily in any direction. You do this by pressing into the rear a "release button". It's not a raised button, but a flat plastic portion that you have to press hard in order to release the lock. It's quite difficult (at least with the model I received) at first and feels like I'm going to break the plastic button. But I guess if this is normal then it can be construed as a safety measure so it doesn't easily rotate with a simple touch.
IMPROVEMENTS:
The term "mini" is subjective. It isn't really that compact as I would assume from seeing the photo. It is small, yes. However, as a surge protector that can take 3 AC and 2 USB outlets, I will give Belkin the benefit of naming it a mini device.
I would STRONGLY prefer the re-design of the spacing on the AC outlets by allowing larger plugs connected side-by-side. As it is right now, only normal AC plugs and not block-style plugs are allowed without loosing all three outlets. So my proposal is to delete the middle AC outlet and move it to the end-cap of the device (opposite to the 2 USB outlets). As of now, there is nothing there so rather than cramp the 3 AC plugs, then move the third at the end and thus allowing for block-style plugs to be used and still retaining the 3 AC functionality.
OVERALL:
I would not hesitate to recommend the purchase of this surge protection for compact spaces as well as travel purposes especially with the lifetime warranty and amount of protection is offers.
Take note of the selling price Amazon and the others are selling this at. It's ridiculous to see the selling price of this exact device can range anywhere from USD10 to USD30.
Lastly, BE AWARE of the SPECS so you know if the USB device you are plugging is capable of being charged.
 price is misrepresented October 10, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Amazon is wrong about the suggested retail. Even Belkin sells this thing for 25 bucks on their own website.
My travel buddy September 30, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have a number of different tools to help me when trying to plug things in. When I travel, I always take the Belkin mini surge protector with USB charger. I plug it in by the desk in my hotel room and it gives me all the outlets I need to charge things overnight. I especially like the two USB charging ports, since I can plug in my iPhone and one other device to charge, without having to keep the computer running all night. Having three power connectors lets me connect my computer and anything else I have along, and have some assurance that there is surge protection. For my everyday use, I carry a Power Strip Space Saver from Think Geek (http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/travelpower/9713/). That lets me share an outlet with someone, so I can plug in my computer even if all the outlets at the airport are in use. I just ask if I can share the outlet, plug in the space saver, and then plug in the other person's device in one outlet and mine in the other. So one of those is in the front pocket of my computer bag. But the Belkin mini surge protector with USB chargers is in my traveling bag and I would leave home (on a trip) without it.
Nice idea, works well but bulky September 10, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I travel every week for work and usually have to scout out the few available outlets in the airports. This is handy because it gives you 3 outlets while leaving one of the wall outlets still available for another weary, electricity craving traveler to use. The USB ports are a great idea. I use it for my iPod, GPS and bluetooth headset, and it work just fine for all of those and saves me from carrying extra adapters. The fact that the plug rotates is a great feature, so it can fit many more places and not cover the other outlet. The only drawback is that it's quite chunky, and the prongs stick out even farther to make a big bulge in your computer bag. Foldable prongs would make this perfect. Well worth the twenty or so dollars I paid-but where did the alleged over a hundred dollar list price come from?
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