wco81

I have the Monster Cable one, which has a short power cable that wraps into a very compact shape.

However, it has a very bright blue LED which I've started to notice more and more.

So I searched on Amazon and can't find similarly compact products.

However, I notice now that most of them integrate USB ports in addition to 2 or 3 power outlets, such as this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MY7JYCE...=3MES65KGZXELG

Some of them even feature USB-C port to future proof, though I guess the capabilities of USB-C products are not reliable now as they won't charge everything that has a USB-C port.

Certainly more bulky package than the Monster Power strip but presumably I wouldn't need to pack a separate charger with multiple USB ports, as I do currently.

Anyone using one of these integrated power strips for travel overseas?

I guess having plug adaptors like this model wouldn't be absolutely necessary as you can use the plug adaptors you already have.

Presumably, the USB ports are powered from 100-240V sources while the outlets themselves could only be 100-120V so you'd have to make sure to plug in a worldwide power supply for things like laptops and other devices which won't charge only from a USB-A port.

pseudoswede

Duct tape fixes everything.

I have one of these. I left it at my in-laws summer house in Sweden last year (to keep over there), but I couldn't find it this year.

https://www.110220volts.com/3-strip.html

Very compact, has a grounded Schuko plug, but does not include USB ports. Not a big deal for me.

FlyinHawaiian

I have the same Monster power strip as the OP and like it's compact design. I recently switched to the attached: http://www.tripplite.com/protect-it-...~TRAVELER3USB/. It's not as compact, but I love having the extra USB ports so I can charge phones and tablets.

gobluetwo

A little dab of paint works well, also, although it's more permanent. You could even get some translucent paint (or even nail polish, if someone in your house has some) to retain a little of the glow.

Or just hole punch a piece of electrical, duct, or translucent (to keep some of the light) tape and stick it over the light.

Thing I like about the item OP linked is that it's also a surge protector + USB ports, although I've used an international plug adapter + my 3 plug cube in several countries with no issues (Korea, Japan, EU).

wco81

Only thing that makes me pause is that the USB ports are rated only at 20W and a total of 6 Amps.

They say it's intelligent so it will adjust the power to whatever the device can draw.

For comparison, I have a 5-port Aukey with one of the ports being a QC 2.0 port, though I don't have devices to take advantage of it.

That Aukey charger cost almost as much as that power strip and is rated at 53W and 10 amps.

So you don't have quite the same charging capacity as a dedicated USB charger.

Of course I could just plug the USB charger to one of the outlets but that defeats the purpose of going with a less compact, all-in-one strip with integrated USB ports.

CPRich

I was thinking of a hammer, but one of the two will always work.

chx1975

1. Shame on you for supporting Monster with your purchase.
2. The plug shape adapter wiki has some power strips. Do you really need three prongs?

Loren Pechtel

Like the idea but I would like a shorter cord and quick charge capability.

chx1975

So you want to buy a non UL certified surge proector + USB charger with a power cord that even from a crappy render is visibly undersized? Knock yourself out.

If you look at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HRJI8FA this one, while I certainly don't want to endorse it but at least it emphasizes having a decent power cord and an UL cert. And yes, it is visible the power cord is thicker. I rather encourage people to travel with only two prong devices if they can. It makes all the conversion stuff much much easier and lighter weight.

You can't mess with these things. Someone down the line plugs in a laser printer or a vacuum and the cord melts? Catches fire at worst?

bkafrick

Yeah, but the Monster2Go travel power strip is really excellent for very little money. I support the OP's purchase. I have two.

Skywalker505

I agree, it is a very good product, which I have had for years. Unfortunately, I think it has been discontinued.

chx1975

I have been making this point for many years now, the product is irrelevant, the company deserves a boycott. If the consumers don't show what they think of a tax evading patent troll who will?

docbert

Keep in mind that this explicitly lists it as being 120 volts, so likely isn't a good idea for anyone that travels internationally.

For boards that are just dumb powerboards you can probably get away with the wrong voltage, but anything with a surge protector or USB is asking for trouble...

boberonicus

Yeah, they sue a lot of firms for trademark infringement. Apparently that includes Disney for having the audacity to title a movie "Monsters Inc", the "Monster Mini Golf" company who so obviously competes with a consumer electronics company, etc. I love that well designed power strip but I'd never buy another one because Monster isn't a company whose business practices anyone should support.

joshwex90

I wonder if anyone has any recommendations for the opposite - something that accepts EU plugs for traveling globally, including to the USA