PowerSquid Surge Protector
The designers of the PowerSquid are really out-of-the-box thinkers. They took an item that usually comes in a confining rectangular shape and transformed it into a more useful, free-flowing device.
The PowerSquid looks like no other surge protector you've ever seen. The main component is a small, flattened oval that plugs into the wall with an 8-foot long cord. One end of the squid has six tentacles of various lengths each with a power outlet at the end. The front has an on-off switch and "protection" and "grounded" lights. The top has connections for both telephone and coax cables.
The best feature of the PowerSquid is that the tentacle-design allows each outlet plenty of room to accommodate those bulky transformer plugs that take up extra outlets in conventional surge protectors. Two of the tentacle ends are neon-illuminated. This makes the unit look cool but also makes it easy to locate when placed behind a desk or some other dark area. Four rubber feet on the bottom keep the Squid firmly in place. An audible alarm warns if a power failure occurs and provides an additional indication that the device is no longer functioning. I especially applaud the fact that the wall plug is flat and swivels allowing for easy placement behind furniture. The PowerSquid even has mounting slots to allow it to be hung on the wall or the back of a desk.
The excellent design continues on the inside of the squid where engineers have stressed performance and quality. The Squid uses Ultra MOVS™, the latest and most sophisticated surge protection technology to enhance heat dissipation and increase capacity. The Squid includes Purestream™ power filtering technology to protect equipment from electromagnetic interference and enhance picture and sound quality. The Tripwire™ Circuit physically handles the electrical circuit to protect equipment in the event of a catastrophic event like a lightning strike. A 15-amp circuit breaker prevents overloads that could cause a fire or electrical damage. The 14-guage wire cords attest to the high-quality construction.
The $79.99 PowerSquid that I reviewed has a Joule rating of 3240 and offers $500,000 worth of insurance for connected equipment as well as a lifetime warranty. Several other models are available from $49.99 with lower Joule ratings and slightly less insurance protection.
With the popularity of computer equipment and the ever increasing number of electrical devices in the average home, we all need to be concerned about the everyday power surges and spikes that can damage our expensive equipment. The PowerSquid is perfect for giving the necessary protection to our personal computers, home theatres, and other important electronic equipment.
Specifications
Product: PowerSquid
Manufacturer: Flexity
Price: $79.99
URL: http://powersquid.net/
AARP does not recommend or endorse any of these products or web sites. Please be advised that there are other similar products and web sites available which were not reviewed and are not listed here.
About the Author
Sandy Berger is a nationally-known author and has written several books on computers.
