Travel Technology - How annoying are your cords and wires?

As a consultant, I'm constantly wrapping and unwrapping the same 3-4 power wires (laptop, tablet, phone, ereader, camera) all the time. At the airport, at the client, at the hotel, at the office, at the coffee shop etc. I'd guess i follow this habit at least 20x a week.

I basically want something like my current surge protectors at home, where I can just leave everything plugged in, but carry with me on the road. My searches haven't returned anything. Maybe someone knows of some product?

I was debating doing something about it and dabbling my hands in a personal passion at the same time (product development). But before I go down that route, I figure it best be to ask the FlyerTalk community if cord management is just a perceived nuisance by me, or if it's also frustrating to you? If so, respond or PM.

For those seeking organizational solutions, I found another cord management thread which game some great tips http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-products/1104990-cable-management-when-traveling.html

Thanks to suggestions here, I love the charge pod

http://callpod.com/products/chargepod

It's made traveling so much better, I usually go with the laptop adapter and the charge pod for everything else.

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/5476/chargpodbanner.jpg

As a consultant, I'm constantly wrapping and unwrapping the same 3-4 power wires (laptop, tablet, phone, ereader, camera) all the time. At the airport, at the client, at the hotel, at the office, at the coffee shop etc. I'd guess i follow this habit at least 20x a week.

Well right off the bat, it seems like there are some redundancies. I'm not claiming to know anything about your situation or needs, but why carry a tablet and an eReader, and also a phone and a camera? Tablets can be eReaders and cell phone cameras are getting better. So there are two chargers you can eliminate right there. Yes, there might be some sacrifices in qualities or features, but it's the convenience that outweighs this for me. Maybe your phone doesn't have a great camera, and your tablet isn't a good eReader, so I understand that. My cell phone camera doesn't compare to my dSLR. But then again, I'm not constantly charging it on on the go.

Also, can you not charge anything via USB? All of the mobile devices I carry regularly charge via USB, therefore I don't bring their individual chargers. I bought a very short USB cable, about two and half inches, and it's one of the most convient things I bring with me. So basically, I'm only bringing one charger, for the laptop. Everything else charges via USB. It works even better because if I need to charge something and there's no outlet, I can use the laptop. The whole power supply for my gear fits easily in the palm of my hand.

Hell, even my toothbrush charges via USB (but I've never had to charge it).

Right, there's a good opportunity for efficiency improvement, and the camera was definitely just a throw in, while iPad is work only, so I'm hesitant to put any personal use items.

My current "configuration." is the laptop charger and USB with 2100 mA adapter for iPhone, iPad, and Kindle. I guess the real reason for the post is just watching everyone else in the airport constantly digging for wires and wrapping them back up so frequently.

I've also taken to bringing along the CyberPower travel surge protector. (http://www.cyberpowersystems.com/products/surge-protectors/mobile-surge/TRVL918.html?selectedTabId=specifications&imageI=#tab-box). Its no different than the other USB+120V surges out there in that it charges USB at 500 mA (so its terrible for tablets).

I just think there has to be a cleaner solution, hence the post.

Well right off the bat, it seems like there are some redundancies. I'm not claiming to know anything about your situation or needs, but why carry a tablet and an eReader, and also a phone and a camera? Tablets can be eReaders and cell phone cameras are getting better. So there are two chargers you can eliminate right there. Yes, there might be some sacrifices in qualities or features, but it's the convenience that outweighs this for me. Maybe your phone doesn't have a great camera, and your tablet isn't a good eReader, so I understand that. My cell phone camera doesn't compare to my dSLR. But then again, I'm not constantly charging it on on the go.

Also, can you not charge anything via USB? All of the mobile devices I carry regularly charge via USB, therefore I don't bring their individual chargers. I bought a very short USB cable, about two and half inches, and it's one of the most convient things I bring with me. So basically, I'm only bringing one charger, for the laptop. Everything else charges via USB. It works even better because if I need to charge something and there's no outlet, I can use the laptop. The whole power supply for my gear fits easily in the palm of my hand.

Hell, even my toothbrush charges via USB (but I've never had to charge it).

I agree with Trauma 1 here. The idea is to a) take as few devices as you can, b) make as many of them USB-chargeable as you can.

For the camera I'd like to add that you can easily add a second battery. One battery in a digital camera nowadays last between 200 and 400 shots. So two batteries will get you 400-800 shots. Do you have time to take that many pictures while on a business trip? Or do you take pictures as part of the assignment?

Till

I wish I could buy something like -
http://www.i4u.com/10053/moenegallet-nifty-ac-power-splitter
or http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/B003INEYOE/ in the US. :/

Thanks to suggestions here, I love the charge pod

http://callpod.com/products/chargepod

It's made traveling so much better, I usually go with the laptop adapter and the charge pod for everything else.

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/5476/chargpodbanner.jpg

I was impressed of this item and thinking for ordering one from amazon. If you have some extra pocket then go for extra utility. Chargerpod does its job well and leave more counter space at the same time.

I was impressed of this item and thinking for ordering one from amazon. If you have some extra pocket then go for extra utility. Chargerpod does its job well and leave more counter space at the same time.

The downside I have is chargepod seems to charge at 500ma a port. I'd love something similar with a 1a charger per port.

I wish I could buy something like -
http://www.i4u.com/10053/moenegallet-nifty-ac-power-splitter
or http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/ASIN/B003INEYOE/ in the US. :/

How badly you wish that :) ? While Brando sports a Temporarily Out of Stock for the Moenegallet, I have my doubts about the Temporarily given http://web.archive.org/web/20100728091735/http://shop.brando.com/ac-adapter-splitter_p562c8d1.html they were already out of stock in 2010 :)

However, it is in stock in Japan (http://kakaku.com/item/K0000072804/?lid=ksearch_kakakuitem_title) under the name TAP-B26M. I am willing to import (I am in Canada) say 10-20 of them so the package forwarder (http://www.easyauctionjapan.com/) cost is spread out. One Moenegallet would be, my guess, about $20-25 + shipping (it quotes me 16470 for ten which per Google is 214 USD today) . Are you interested? Are others interested?

Edit: if we are ok with white http://direct.sanwa.co.jp/ItemPage/TAP-B26W the price might go even lower :)

I use a very low tech solution around a Tom Bihn Snake Charmer mesh bag, that has two compartments.

Side 1:
- Laptop charger
- Tablet charger
- miniUSB to cig. lighter charger

Side 2:
2. Four of the plastic cases from Eclipse Gum 60-packs ($11 for four at Costco). Nice flip open top that also unscrews. In those, I can fit:
Power:
- two ReTrack mini-USB to USB cords
- two USB to wall adapters
- a tiny USB to cig. lighter adapter
- a microUSB to miniUSB adapter
Other:
- Two flash drives - one for work/client sites, one for personal
- Bluetooth headset (uses microusb to charge)
- A cheap ($10) MP3 player the size of a flash drive, to use in rental cars, preprogrammed with 100 songs, with a male-to-male headphone cord to plug into a car's AUX port. If I lose it, oh well... I have the songs on a flash drive at home and can load up a new $10 player pretty quickly.

- Two flash drives - one for work/client sites, one for personal
- Bluetooth headset (uses microusb to charge)
- A cheap ($10) MP3 player the size of a flash drive, to use in rental cars, preprogrammed with 100 songs, with a male-to-male headphone cord to plug into a car's AUX port. If I lose it, oh well... I have the songs on a flash drive at home and can load up a new $10 player pretty quickly.

Hey why not get a longish string with a carabiner on the end and attach to the keys so you can't lose the USB player?

This thing is my new best friend:

http://www.aviiq.com/pages/portable-charging-station/

I added an assortment of short cables, and now have a place to charge all my gadgets. Combined with a PowerTrip battery pack, I'm close to a perfect solution.

Oh how I wish I could get rid of my headphone cords. I usually end up wrenching them out of my ears while running or lifting. On occasion, while walking.

And I still say this android phone with 6 hours battery life is a design flaw, but HTC doesn't seem to agree.

Oh how I wish I could get rid of my headphone cords. I usually end up wrenching them out of my ears while running or lifting. On occasion, while walking.

And I still say this android phone with 6 hours battery life is a design flaw, but HTC doesn't seem to agree.

Root your phone, install a ROM without Sense, put on a new kernel, download SetCPU, mix together, enjoy.

At first glance, a cursory one, my brain registered the title as:
How annoying are your codes and wives?
:D

Root your phone, install a ROM without Sense, put on a new kernel, download SetCPU, mix together, enjoy.

Well, that sounds simple.

I'll just stick with the power outlet during the day.

Well, that sounds simple.

I'll just stick with the power outlet during the day.

Quite simple, there are one click root applications, and Cyanogenmod make solid ROMs. Takes maybe 30-45 minutes to do.

Quite simple, there are one click root applications, and Cyanogenmod make solid ROMs. Takes maybe 30-45 minutes to do.

You have a reputable weblink or two? Thanks in advance.

I carry two of these dual head retractable cables (http://www.seidioonline.com/product-p/cbuymcr2.htm), and one of these power adapters (http://www.scosche.com/consumer-tech/product/2387). The Scosche power adapter puts out 2.1A (ie, 10W) of power via BOTH ports, so you can simultaneously fully charge TWO iPad3s if you wanted. Plus, unlike all other dual 2.1A travel adapters that I'm aware of, this adapter has foldable prongs, instead of fixed prongs. MUCH better for travel. Scosche is rumored to have a 4 port power adapter similar to the one above coming soon.

By carrying nothing more than the above - which takes up almost no room in my bag - I can charge 4 devices at once if need be.

I also throw in this adapter (http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Micro-Mini-Adapter-UUSBMUSBFM/dp/B002O1S8IE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1340987294&sr=8-3&keywords=micro+mini+usb+adapter) in case I need to charge an older mini-USB device (as opposed to the more standard micro-USB), and a couple of these adapters (http://www.amazon.com/neXplug-Ultra-Small-Micro-Adapter/dp/B0055PCVDO/ref=pd_sim_e_3) for any Apple devices (I'm fully droid at this point, but I'm prepared for family or friends if necessary). Again, takes up virtually no room in my bag.

You have a reputable weblink or two? Thanks in advance.

What type of phone do you have? If you like you can PM with the details and I can lead you in the direction you need to go.

How badly you wish that :) ? While Brando sports a Temporarily Out of Stock for the Moenegallet, I have my doubts about the Temporarily given http://web.archive.org/web/20100728091735/http://shop.brando.com/ac-adapter-splitter_p562c8d1.html they were already out of stock in 2010 :)

However, it is in stock in Japan (http://kakaku.com/item/K0000072804/?lid=ksearch_kakakuitem_title) under the name TAP-B26M. I am willing to import (I am in Canada) say 10-20 of them so the package forwarder (http://www.easyauctionjapan.com/) cost is spread out. One Moenegallet would be, my guess, about $20-25 + shipping (it quotes me 16470 for ten which per Google is 214 USD today) . Are you interested? Are others interested?

Edit: if we are ok with white http://direct.sanwa.co.jp/ItemPage/TAP-B26W the price might go even lower :)

Yep, I'd be interested.

There are tons of similar devices available in japan...just can't find any to buy in the US. Not sure why that is :/
For example - http://www.amazon.co.jp/iBUFFALO-AC%E3%82%A2%E3%83%80%E3%83%97%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC%E7 %94%A8%E3%82%BF%E3%83%83%E3%83%97-PC%E7%94%A82%E3%83%94%E3%83%B3%E3%83%A1%E3%82%AC%E 3%83%8D%E3%83%97%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B0-%E9%9B%BB%E6%BA%902%E3%83%94%E3%83%B33%E5%80%8B%E5 %8F%A3-BSACT01BK/dp/B003LVYGGO/ref=pd_cp_computers_3

How badly you wish that :) ? While Brando sports a Temporarily Out of Stock for the Moenegallet, I have my doubts about the Temporarily given http://web.archive.org/web/20100728091735/http://shop.brando.com/ac-adapter-splitter_p562c8d1.html they were already out of stock in 2010 :)

However, it is in stock in Japan (http://kakaku.com/item/K0000072804/?lid=ksearch_kakakuitem_title) under the name TAP-B26M. I am willing to import (I am in Canada) say 10-20 of them so the package forwarder (http://www.easyauctionjapan.com/) cost is spread out. One Moenegallet would be, my guess, about $20-25 + shipping (it quotes me 16470 for ten which per Google is 214 USD today) . Are you interested? Are others interested?

Edit: if we are ok with white http://direct.sanwa.co.jp/ItemPage/TAP-B26W the price might go even lower :)

Those things look awesome. There has to be a reason we can't find them in the US...

I'm guessing they are not UL listed? I'm willing to take the risk though :)

I'm guessing they are not UL listed? I'm willing to take the risk though :)

UL Schmoo-El :D

Sorry I got distracted, so how do we organize a group buy like this on this forum?

Yep, I'd be interested.

There are tons of similar devices available in japan...just can't find any to buy in the US. Not sure why that is :/
For example - http://www.amazon.co.jp/iBUFFALO-AC%E3%82%A2%E3%83%80%E3%83%97%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC%E7 %94%A8%E3%82%BF%E3%83%83%E3%83%97-PC%E7%94%A82%E3%83%94%E3%83%B3%E3%83%A1%E3%82%AC%E 3%83%8D%E3%83%97%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B0-%E9%9B%BB%E6%BA%902%E3%83%94%E3%83%B33%E5%80%8B%E5 %8F%A3-BSACT01BK/dp/B003LVYGGO/ref=pd_cp_computers_3
This is what I use, and I also carry a tiny 3-way splitter:

http://www.cyberguys.com/images/prod_main/P8235A.jpg

Link: http://www.cyberguys.com/product-details/?productid=8235#page=page-1

It is a dongle that splits your power just before it gets to the brick on your laptop, allowing two people to use the one outlet. Incredibly simple and ingenious. It is showing out of stock now, not sure why, but they've been selling this for years!

When it comes back in stock, it will probably be listed here: http://www.cyberguys.com/product-listings/?categoryid=588

.

That is fantastic! Now if only it was in stock :/

I found a seller that has some in stock - but shipping is exorbitant. Anyone interested in a group buy?

http://polymicroshop.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1070

http://www.skoobadesign.com/shop-by-category/new-laptop-bag-products/cable-stable-rollup-kit

http://www.skoobadesign.com/cable-stable-mini

http://www.amazon.com/SlimTalk-External-Embedded-Micro-USB-Flashlight/dp/B0054VNHSW/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1349891739&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=ankler+slim+talk

This is what I use, and I also carry a tiny 3-way splitter:

http://www.cyberguys.com/images/prod_main/P8235A.jpg

Link: http://www.cyberguys.com/product-details/?productid=8235#page=page-1

It is a dongle that splits your power just before it gets to the brick on your laptop, allowing two people to use the one outlet. Incredibly simple and ingenious. It is showing out of stock now, not sure why, but they've been selling this for years!

When it comes back in stock, it will probably be listed here: http://www.cyberguys.com/product-listings/?categoryid=588

.

This is kinda cool, but why not just split power at the AC wall plug? Just carry an extension cord! :)

This is kinda cool, but why not just split power at the AC wall plug? Just carry an extension cord! :)
So you don't have to carry an extension cord. :)

So you don't have to carry an extension cord. :)

At least the extension cord is useful for more than just sharing power, you can use it for other plugs. Your cord isn't useful for anything other than splitting the laptop power. :) I just started traveling with an extension cord and I kinda wonder how I lived without it. Three USA style plugs off just one plug converter? Genius! :)

i absolutely cannot stand the fact that there are different terminations for my:
-android tablet
-android phone
-ipod
-external harddrive (micro usb)
-external harddrive 2 (micro-usb type b)
-external harddrive 3 (mini usb)


ive gotten rid of 1 of the hard drives... but still have to carry 5 cords around. tried the cord adapters and they do not work.

really defeats the purpose of universitality (of USB) if there are so many connectors.

not to mention BOTH of my digital cameras (fuji x100 && olympus om-d) have 2 more connectors unique to all of the above. and then printers use another kind of usb????????????????????????

I ordered four Moenegallets. One is for me. Contact me if interested. I think the price might be as low as $18 + shipping from Vancouver,BC but I can't promise that yet. It won't be a lot more, though.

Edit: keep the PMs coming although this batch is sold but already it is at the package forwarder and hopefully will be here this week or early next week and so if there is enough interest I might do another batch soon.

I do not like this but as I have not heard from some of you for a week despite you were logged in, I am going to establish a "who sends address first, gets the device first" policy.

Yep, I'd be interested.

There are tons of similar devices available in japan...just can't find any to buy in the US. Not sure why that is :/
For example - http://www.amazon.co.jp/iBUFFALO-AC%E3%82%A2%E3%83%80%E3%83%97%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC%E7 %94%A8%E3%82%BF%E3%83%83%E3%83%97-PC%E7%94%A82%E3%83%94%E3%83%B3%E3%83%A1%E3%82%AC%E 3%83%8D%E3%83%97%E3%83%A9%E3%82%B0-%E9%9B%BB%E6%BA%902%E3%83%94%E3%83%B33%E5%80%8B%E5 %8F%A3-BSACT01BK/dp/B003LVYGGO/ref=pd_cp_computers_3
This is what I use, and I also carry a tiny 3-way splitter:

http://www.cyberguys.com/images/prod_main/P8235A.jpg

Link: http://www.cyberguys.com/product-details/?productid=8235#page=page-1

It is a dongle that splits your power just before it gets to the brick on your laptop, allowing two people to use the one outlet. Incredibly simple and ingenious. It is showing out of stock now, not sure why, but they've been selling this for years!

When it comes back in stock, it will probably be listed here: http://www.cyberguys.com/product-listings/?categoryid=588

.

Try this plugged into a regular 3 outlet extension cord

http://www.cyberguys.com/product-details/?productid=47158

Try this plugged into a regular 3 outlet extension cord

http://www.cyberguys.com/product-details/?productid=47158

I love those - always carry a couple to use with laptop chargers.

I love those - always carry a couple to use with laptop chargers.
Would this plug fit into your "ultimate charger solution"? I know it would be a little awkward, but it would be more compact than a cable.

Well, that was not bad! The first batch of Moenegallets have arrived to me, then to their owners and then payment found me -- all in 1.5 months which given all the hoops and holidays is impressive. I have someone interested, it is really cheaper to order four, so ... if we have three others, I am ready to do a second round.

Bump to see if anyone else is interested in a Moenegallet.

late post, but I got my moenegallet thanks to chx1975, I love it. :D