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

[deeddawg]

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.

Hate to break it to you, but there's a big wide world out there filled with people who don't actually do things just the same way you do.

Yes, my primary power adapter sits attached to a surge protecting power strip down behind my desk.

Then there's the 2nd power adapter that goes in my bag when I'm travelling or will be gone all day and may need to charge up. I don't carry a power strip or the big long cord in that case.
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Ten One Design today announced the "Blockhead," a side-facing plug for Apple chargers that will allow users to place the large wall adapters flush and parallel with a wall to save space... Users will be able to choose between one plug for $19.95 or a "Blockhead Stack" of two plugs for $34.94.

Or you can just buy something like this for $4 today:

 

[GenesisST]

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.

1- I don't use the long cord. Especially when I travel. I have rarely wished I had it.

2. At home or the office, always a power strip. When I travel, never a power strip.


Don't assume your use case (or your friend's) is the only one...

 

[theluggage]

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

Well, yes, all UK plugs have the lead exiting downwards - which is why you never see UK wall outlets with two sockets arranged vertically, so Blockhead needn't rush to produce the UK version.

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

No, it's perfect... for the UK.

In a UK wall socket or strip strip, with the bulk of the adapter facing downwards, it means the whole adapter is only as wide as a standard plug and you can actually fit it side by side with other plugs and adaptors (unlike the typical wall warts which often won't fit in adjacent sockets).

It's only just hit me, but Jony Ive must have been fresh of the aeroplane from Blightey with the taste of Earl Grey and Marmite still lingering in his mouth when he thought that one up.

I do. I've also seen other people do it!

Sure - I leave the extension lead on my desk and take the direct plug adaptor on the road... but see above about Apple adaptors actually fitting side-by-side in UK power strips.

 

[MacGizmo]

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.

For $3 more, you can even find a power tree that offers 8 outlets, turned on their side like the Hug-A-Plug. It's a much larger, uglier solution for "permanent" plug-in use behind a desk, etc. I got mine at Walmart years ago, I'm sure they're better/cheaper now.

That Hug-A-Plug looks awesome to keep in the laptop bag for on-the-go times when it's needed.


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Or you can just buy something like this for $4 today:

...Which will work with virtually nothing beyond 25 year old lamps and kids toys. Not only that, but it doesn't change much of anything with regard to the Apple adapter sticking out of the wall too far because it's still going the wrong direction.

 

[deeddawg]

...Which will work with virtually nothing beyond 25 year old lamps and kids toys.

Completely and utterly false statement. Walk down the aisles of any electronics store today in the US and the vast majority of items only use polarized two-blade plugs rather than grounded plugs.

If you do need grounded outlets, those are also easily available in the same format.

Not only that, but it doesn't change much of anything with regard to the Apple adapter sticking out of the wall too far because it's still going the wrong direction.

Have you just not thought this through, or are you being intentionally ignorant?

The Apple adapter would be in the exact same physical orientation as the Blockhead. You can also plug in up to two other devices since it has three outlets (2 on the pictured side, one on the reverse side) and still costs 1/4 of the price.


Oh and the best part about having a three-outlet tap like this? When I'm travelling and need power but another person is using the outlet, nobody's ever had an issue letting me share the outlet.

 

[mazz0]

No, it's perfect... for the UK.

In a UK wall socket or strip strip, with the bulk of the adapter facing downwards, it means the whole adapter is only as wide as a standard plug and you can actually fit it side by side with other plugs and adaptors (unlike the typical wall warts which often won't fit in adjacent sockets).

It's only just hit me, but Jony Ive must have been fresh of the aeroplane from Blightey with the taste of Earl Grey and Marmite still lingering in his mouth when he thought that one up.

Fair point, fitting between other plugs is a plus. Not fitting behind furniture, for example, because it's sticks out 20cm from the wall, is a big negative. Why not just move the brick along the cable?

 

[theluggage]

Not fitting behind furniture, for example, because it's sticks out 20cm from the wall, is a big negative. Why not just move the brick along the cable?

That's where the optional extension lead comes in. I have my adaptor sitting on the desk, so when I want to hit the road there's no grubbing around behind furniture - just leave the extension cable in place and grab the direct socket dongle.

Bottom line: adaptor with built-in plug = good for on the road; adaptor with extension lead: good for home base; adapter with interchangeable plug and extension lead = best of both worlds;

 

[lowendlinux]

That's a good idea!

 

[mazz0]

That's where the optional extension lead comes in. I have my adaptor sitting on the desk, so when I want to hit the road there's no grubbing around behind furniture - just leave the extension cable in place and grab the direct socket dongle.

Bottom line: adaptor with built-in plug = good for on the road; adaptor with extension lead: good for home base; adapter with interchangeable plug and extension lead = best of both worlds;

Why is the built-in plug better for travel than one where it's down a cable? Why not simply make that the default design?

 

[theluggage]

Why is the built-in plug better for travel than one where it's down a cable?

(a) because you can leave the cable plugged in under your desk at home and just grab the adaptor.
(b) The "built-in" plug is less bulky than a cable, esp. the US version with folding prongs, and boxes with two cables are particularly prone to tangles.
(c) Generally, "on the road" I find I'm more likely to be plugging in to a desk-level socket (e.g. in hotels) or a strip in the middle of a meeting table.
(d) There's no downside - carry a cable if you prefer, the Apple design makes it as "neat" as a captive cable and, if you forsake the neatness, you can just use a standard cable with a figure-of-8 plug.

 

[mazz0]

(a) because you can leave the cable plugged in under your desk at home and just grab the adaptor.
(b) The "built-in" plug is less bulky than a cable, esp. the US version with folding prongs, and boxes with two cables are particularly prone to tangles.
(c) Generally, "on the road" I find I'm more likely to be plugging in to a desk-level socket (e.g. in hotels) or a strip in the middle of a meeting table.
(d) There's no downside - carry a cable if you prefer, the Apple design makes it as "neat" as a captive cable and, if you forsake the neatness, you can just use a standard cable with a figure-of-8 plug.

Sorry, I'm struggling to understand a few of these points

a) In this scenario I don't get what you're leaving plugged in. How can you leave the plug behind?
b) Why's it less bulky, or rather why does it have to be? I get the tangling part, but []----[]---- is no more bulky than [ ]--------. Well, OK, a tiny bit, but only the thickness of the shell.
d) Oh, it took me ages to figure out what you meant here - you're talking literally just about the plug part, not the whole package? I was muddled for ages, thinking "You're not using a cable? Huh? Your laptop is plugged directly into the socket?". Doh! Anyway, the downside is it's a huuuuuge plug, basically, and if that's a problem you have to buy something else. Perhaps I'm in the minority thinking that huge plug would be a problem (and it is a case of "would be" - I don't know because I have never owned one).

 

[deeddawg]

a) In this scenario I don't get what you're leaving plugged in. How can you leave the plug behind?

Here in the States we buy this and plug one end into a power strip or the outlet behind the desk. The other end attaches to the power adapter itself in place of the plug. Leave the adapter atop your desk when in use. When it's time to go, unhook the cord from the adapter, reattach the prongs bit and toss it in your bag. No fishing around behind the desk. I'd imagine there's a UK equivalent as well.

b) Why's it less bulky, or rather why does it have to be? I get the tangling part, but []----[]---- is no more bulky than [ ]--------. Well, OK, a tiny bit, but only the thickness of the shell.

The cable he's referencing is the one pictured above.

The US version of the non-cable prongs attachment is substantially less impactful than the UK version. With the prongs folded in it is the same profile as the other corners of the adapter.

 

[Doc C]

But, but... you just explained why! and it's not dumb, it's marketing.

Product that does everything it can to draw attention to itself--> Donald Trump
Product that tries to blend in--> George Pataki

Who is George Pataki?
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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.

I actually travel with the surge-suppressing outlet extension brick things - I can't be 100% sure that they are working, but I'm pretty sure that they aren't doing harm...

 

[radardude]

Ten One Design today announced the "Blockhead," a side-facing plug for Apple chargers that will allow users to place the large wall adapters flush and parallel with a wall to save space, and open up more possibilities for charging behind large furniture. The accessory replaces the detachable prongs that ship with Apple products, and Ten One Design promises Blockhead will fit "every MacBook" and "every iPad" adapter, with one caveat regarding older model iPad minis.

Specifically sculpted to be a companion for Apple's chargers, the company promises that Blockhead will provide a "strong" grip and electrical connection in lieu of using Apple's first party prongs. Thanks to the geometry of the plug's design, Blockhead also points the Apple adapter's plug downwards instead of straight out from a wall, which Ten One Design says "protects against cord stress." In comparison to Apple's chargers, the Blockhead plug is 1.2 inches thick, noticeably slashing the thickness of the MacBook wall adapter's required 3.8 inches of space. Thanks to the Blockhead's design, the new plug can also house two adapters on one outlet, or even adjacent plugs on a traditional two-prong extensions cord.

The accessory will work on any Apple charger rated for 10 watts or higher, so it is compatible with all MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and MacBook models, as well as all iPad models aside from the original iPad mini. Those interested in the Blockhead plug can pre-order the accessory on Ten One Design's website starting today, with shipping estimated to be in "late April." Users will be able to choose between one plug for $19.95 or a "Blockhead Stack" of two plugs for $34.94.

Article Link: 'Blockhead' Plug Provides Space Saving Solution for Apple Wall Adapters

[doublepost=1458856174][/doublepost]I travel 75% of the time. Never needed to plug my portable devices behind a couch where a couple of inches mattered. Most hotels have outlets all over the place. Just charge them overnight and your good to go all day, unless you've got a droid device.

 

[theluggage]

Just charge them overnight and your good to go all day, unless you've got a droid device.

...true, because my Galaxy Note 2 can go 2-3 days on a charge (and that's without resorting to a second battery)

 

[mazz0]

Here in the States we buy this and plug one end into a power strip or the outlet behind the desk. The other end attaches to the power adapter itself in place of the plug. Leave the adapter atop your desk when in use. When it's time to go, unhook the cord from the adapter, reattach the prongs bit and toss it in your bag. No fishing around behind the desk. I'd imagine there's a UK equivalent as well.

The cable he's referencing is the one pictured above.

The US version of the non-cable prongs attachment is substantially less impactful than the UK version. With the prongs folded in it is the same profile as the other corners of the adapter.

Ah, I see. That's all talking about existing products though, not ones that /could/ exist. There's no reason the plug on the end of that cable can't be just as petit as the one on that removable adaptor, and there's no reason the total cable length, split in two with the brick in the middle, need be any longer than the on going from the current brick to the laptop.

 

[deeddawg]

Ah, I see. That's all talking about existing products though, not ones that /could/ exist. There's no reason the plug on the end of that cable can't be just as petit as the one on that removable adaptor, and there's no reason the total cable length, split in two with the brick in the middle, need be any longer than the on going from the current brick to the laptop.

That's just the cord Apple sells, it is pretty bulky and is usually left home. However, any C7 style cord will work if you wish, although it won't look as pretty. They're readily available as it's a standard C8 connector on the adapter end. Here's one from Amazon, I imagine very similar are available for EU and UK and other other mains plugs.

I've traveled plenty with the conventional adapter-in-the-middle setups and the extra cord between the adapter and the wall plug is just cumbersome and annoying. Both grounded and ungrounded sorts. Enough so that I've bought very short C5, C7, or C13 cords to reduce the bulk. (I've had a multitude of laptops over the past couple decades)

I really like the mechanism Apple chose for their setup as it provides simple flexibility. You can use a cord between the wall and the adapter if you wish, or you can just use prongs directly on the adapter, or use the wall cord while at home/office and prongs while away -- both with the same adapter.

While I applaud the idea behind Blockhead product, it's a solution for a problem that doesn't seem to afflict many people. Further, as I noted above, there's an existing solution (at least in the US) that's cheaper and provides additional outlets.

 

[ohboy...]

Ten One Design today announced the "Blockhead," a side-facing plug for Apple chargers that will allow users to place the large wall adapters flush and parallel with a wall to save space, and open up more possibilities for charging behind large furniture. The accessory replaces the detachable prongs that ship with Apple products, and Ten One Design promises Blockhead will fit "every MacBook" and "every iPad" adapter, with one caveat regarding older model iPad minis.

Specifically sculpted to be a companion for Apple's chargers, the company promises that Blockhead will provide a "strong" grip and electrical connection in lieu of using Apple's first party prongs. Thanks to the geometry of the plug's design, Blockhead also points the Apple adapter's plug downwards instead of straight out from a wall, which Ten One Design says "protects against cord stress." In comparison to Apple's chargers, the Blockhead plug is 1.2 inches thick, noticeably slashing the thickness of the MacBook wall adapter's required 3.8 inches of space. Thanks to the Blockhead's design, the new plug can also house two adapters on one outlet, or even adjacent plugs on a traditional two-prong extensions cord.

The accessory will work on any Apple charger rated for 10 watts or higher, so it is compatible with all MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and MacBook models, as well as all iPad models aside from the original iPad mini. Those interested in the Blockhead plug can pre-order the accessory on Ten One Design's website starting today, with shipping estimated to be in "late April." Users will be able to choose between one plug for $19.95 or a "Blockhead Stack" of two plugs for $34.94.

Article Link: 'Blockhead' Plug Provides Space Saving Solution for Apple Wall Adapters

[doublepost=1458935687][/doublepost]No ground pin?

- I use the cable with its three prongs cause with the two prong stubby , unrounded plug I get an electric buzz from the aluminum case if I'm barefoot.
- A ground pin would have made the mechanical connection to the socket much more stable and secure.

 

[mazz0]

Slightly off topic, but something I've always wondered - isn't it annoying having the cable point straight out from the plug, as opposed to going downwards at a ninety degree angle (that's what UK ones do)? Just seems like it will make it stick out miles from the socket, taking up extra space and causing a tripping hazard if it's floor level. I think a lot of European ones are the same, though I've used some on the continent that point down like the UK ones. That and Apple's big adapted make me wonder if hiding sockets away behind furniture is a quirk of UK housekeeping.

 

[deeddawg]

Slightly off topic, but something I've always wondered - isn't it annoying having the cable point straight out from the plug, as opposed to going downwards at a ninety degree angle (that's what UK ones do)? Just seems like it will make it stick out miles from the socket, taking up extra space and causing a tripping hazard if it's floor level. I think a lot of European ones are the same, though I've used some on the continent that point down like the UK ones. That and Apple's big adapted make me wonder if hiding sockets away behind furniture is a quirk of UK housekeeping.

I can't speak to the EU, but in the US sometimes you do have furniture blocking an outlet, but the baseboards typically limit how close the furniture can be, and the 2-3cm the plug projects out is usually of no consequence. Newer homes usually have more outlets available as well, which tends to leave outlets available.

When it is an issue, short 1-2m extension cords with flat plugs are available: http://www.amazon.com/GE-50360-feet..._60_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=04CBH08P5JK1WJV5C8EW