FastMac U-Socket Gets Reviewed

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Posted March 18, 2011 at 1:17am by iClarified

Engadget has published a review of the FastMac U-Socket, a duplex AC receptacle with built-in USB ports.

Last May, FastMac announced a delay in the release of the U-Socket due to a safety redesign required by the UL/Safety Agencies; however, it is now shipping albeit with a bit of wait.

Contrary to outward appearances, the complete unit is actually quite a bit bigger than a standard power outlet, and it requires at least a 16-cubic-inch electrical box to accommodate it. That meant we had to swap out our smaller electrical box for a larger one, which may or may not be an easy thing for you to do (it wasn't for us). Once in place, however, the U-Socket looks unassuming and gets the job done. The two USB 3.0-compliant ports have 12W of total charging power and are rated at 2.4A, which means it will charge a single power-hungry device like an iPad at full speed just fine, but slow things down if you plug two in at the same time (two lower power devices will charge just fine at the same time). You can also obviously have things plugged into the two power outlets while your USB devices are charging.

You can order a U-Socket now for $22.95. Shipping is delayed by 4-6 weeks until FastMac catches up with demand.

Read More [via Engadget]

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E1allen - March 18, 2011 at 5:52pm

can cancel your order, however, the information you read on the internet is false, it does fit a standard wall socket. 14 gauge or larger wiring (the U-Socket includes a 125V-15A Outlet) 16 cubic inch or larger single gang electrical box

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E1allen - March 18, 2011 at 5:56pm

That is the response I received. I read the review here and sent a note to cancel my order. I ordered a few back when they were first announced on Geek Brief. Still not sure i want to chance it.

Chris - March 18, 2011 at 3:45pm

My question is do these outlets use any energy when nothing in plugged into them? Most AC>DC adapters use a small amount of power even when nothing is plugged into them.

Tom - March 18, 2011 at 9:18am

I dunno that it's that stupid. Sure, having to replace the electrical box is stupid, but there's tons of families that would love to have something like this in the kitchen to charge phones but still have plugs available for other things. God knows I'm running low on USB ports with my external HDs, printer, and other gadgets. In the end though, great idea with a really stupid implementation. Should have just gone 1 power plug with 2 USB below to maintain the correct form factor.

? - March 18, 2011 at 7:02am

wooooooooooo hhahahahaa only in America

namedb - March 18, 2011 at 6:12am

unnecessary... waste of money