'Blockhead' Plug Provides Space Saving Solution for Apple Wall Adapters

[AbSoluTc]

So, I am going to be the one to point out a few flaws here.

1- Nobody I know actually uses a wall outlet to plug in their adapter like that. They 9 times out of 10, have the long cord attached.

2- Who uses a wall outlet? Most everyone uses power strips.

3- The weight of that adapter and the fact that most outlets people have are old, it will fall out. If an outlet is old, it won't grip the plug very good.

Cool idea, not worth 20 bucks. It's a solution for a problem that doesn't exist.

 

[slineaudi]

It's neat, but Apple's implementation is far better. There are very few times when you would need your mac's charger in such an orientation. Plus, you can always use the cord, which you would do if your outlet was behind the couch so that you would have enough reach. I can see this being a lot more useful with the old airport express.

 

[Anonymous Freak]

This is cool,

Wonder if there will be a long term impact caused by the additional stress on the adapter from the plug being off centre.

That's also my biggest concern.

The standard Apple plug is made in such a way that the torque of the weight of the block will just pull the plug out of the wall if something is wrong. This new device changes the torque to a rotational force on the plug/socket. I can't see that as being a good thing on the socket.

 

[mossy]

What about the heat that it generates? I suspect thats why Apple had it facing outwards (to dissipate the heat to help it last longer).

 

[ShinySteelRobot]

Surprised that so many people plug their expensive Macs and iDevices directly into the wall. All of mine are plugged into quality surge protectors. I only plug directly if traveling.

I guess it's okay if you have a whole-house surge protector, or if you live in an area without regular power spikes. That's not our family.

Here in the Seattle suburbs we just had a storm last night with up to 70 mph wind gusts and had a brownout, a spike, and a momentary blackout. It doesn't protect against every issue but I'm never giving up my surge protectors.

 

[mazz0]

Apple's design really is crap isn't it?

 

[usarioclave]

I feel like I've seen stuff like this even cheaper at the hardware store.

I was thinking the same thing. That said, I bought 12 of these anyway, because there's no way they'll be less at HD.

 

[You are the One]

I'd like more a solution to make the connection of the thin cord to the adapter more sturdy. It's a weak point.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

This would be a better product if it was priced less than the product it's meant to be used with...

 

[afawcett]

Cool idea, but I can't believe the plug doesn't pivot. And for those complaining about the price, look up how much Apple charges for the official replacement and this becomes a lot more competitive. Pass for now

 

[skellener]

They out Apple'd Apple. Nice job!

 

[Perry Rhodan]

What about the heat that it generates? I suspect thats why Apple had it facing outwards (to dissipate the heat to help it last longer).

When connected with the included power cable the adapter usually lays flat on a surface, I haven't noticed any heat issues with my 85w adapter when used that way.

 

[Cwolk]

Its expensive but worth it. They priced it this high because they knew people couldn't live without it. I cant believe no one thought of this until now

 

[mtbgtr]

Its expensive but worth it. They priced it this high because they knew people couldn't live without it. I cant believe no one thought of this until now

Wow what a game changing paradigm shift. I had no idea I couldn't live without it for the last four years with my MBP. Sheesh

 

[Perry Rhodan]

That might explain why they made it blue. But it doesn't make it a good reason, or change the fact that it's incredibly ugly and should not have been colored blue. I will not be buying one until they make it in white.

Just like twelve south and their Red PlugBug it's all about getting noticed which can lead to increased sales. I like my white adapter just like it is, yet I know many people who find this boring and are happy to add some colours...

 

[Col4bin]

Killer idea! Can't wait to get it on ebay from a Chinese knockoff company for cheaper.

Careful, those are known to catch fire!

 

[jonnysods]

Careful, those are known to catch fire!

Oh yeah I forgot about those. Or blow up your battery!

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

Cool idea, but I can't believe the plug doesn't pivot. And for those complaining about the price, look up how much Apple charges for the official replacement and this becomes a lot more competitive. Pass for now

I thought that myself. A pivoting plug would be worth paying twenty bucks for.

 

[mossy]

When connected with the included power cable the adapter usually lays flat on a surface, I haven't noticed any heat issues with my 85w adapter when used that way.

Thats true . I completely forgot that I used to use one a few years ago. It never gave me any problems coming to think of it. How embarrassing!!

 

[Manderby]

Noone posting the Swains Blockhead? Tongs!

 

[Kissaragi]

I really like this, simple but effective. Maybe a bit overpriced but not too bad.

 

[testcard]

And for any of my fellow Europeans who are thinking "great, but what about us?"
From Ten One's website:
"We are exploring how Blockhead might work in Europe and other regions."

 

[APEuroHis]

Or for $7, you could just throw one of these in your bag to accomplish the same thing, and have a spare outlet to boot.

$3.99 on eBay as of 3/13 9:15Pacific

 

[ignatius345]

1- Nobody I know actually uses a wall outlet to plug in their adapter like that. They 9 times out of 10, have the long cord attached.

I do. I've also seen other people do it! I don't always want to carry around that long-ass cord because at that point, my power adapter situation is practically as heavy as my Macbook Air.

2- Who uses a wall outlet? Most everyone uses power strips.

Come on. Plenty of people use wall outlets. Get real.

3- The weight of that adapter and the fact that most outlets people have are old, it will fall out. If an outlet is old, it won't grip the plug very good.

All the outlets in my old apartment building grip my plug quite good, thanks, and all others I've tried also work.

 

[LCPepper]

What about the UK version of the supplied power cord... That must but about 1cm deep at most!