The Absolute Power (Adapter)!

The number of power cords and adapters we have stored in various boxes and drawers is a little ridiculous, as is the waste they represent. I applaud any initiative to standardize some universal power cord/charger mechanism.

A technology that could help the environment by eliminating the need to ship a power adapter with every electronics device got a vote of confidence Friday from consumer electronics maker Westinghouse Digital Electronics.

Westinghouse said it had committed to using a smart power technology developed by a start-up company, Green Plug, that aims to let people use a single "universal adapter" to power their laptops, cell phones and other electronics gear.
...
Besides helping the environment, the Green Plug technology will also help Westinghouse to cut its costs, Chang said. Eventually it could stop shipping power adapters with its products because customers will already have a universal adapter at home, he said.

Each adapter will act like a hub that several devices can plug into. The first are expected to go on sale in the first quarter next year for under US$100, Chang said. The adapters also will shut off the power supply when a device has finished charging or is turned off, giving further energy savings. - The Industry Standard

A device which not only reduces the number of cords needed and simplifies our lives, but also helps conserve electricity? Sign me up.



(With a tip-o-the-hat to the ur-blog.)