Traveling with bulky power adaptors and chargers is a complete nightmare. Each company wants to use it’s own connection, Micro USB, Mini USB, Lighting Adaptor etc etc. The only thing that seems to follow any form is the fact they all require a USB plug.
In the UK the 3-pin plug or as its technically know, the BS 1363, is one of the largest plugs in the world. With the legislation with regards to safety, this form was introduced in 1947 as a way to standardised the different 2 and 3 pin power amps installed across homes in the UK. And since 1947, not a lot has changed in its design. Until now.
OneAdaptr is a science and design company immersed in the business and leisure travel lifestyle and have produced an attentive to the bulky plug whilst still confirming to the required legislation.
The FlipDuo has two USB ports available, but when folded flat is only 18mm thin. The USB ports can charge two devices simultaneously up to 5v 3.4A.
Once your devices have been charged, the pins on the FlipDuo fold back in to the charger protected by a cover preventing damage to other devices. To unfold the charger ready for use, you simply press the blue buttons on the side of the plug. The spring is a little fierce when you unfold the plug and you’ll need to lock the top pin in place and remember to unclip it before folding the plug down.
The FlipDuo only weighs 56g and currently costs £19.99. 99p more than a single USB plug from Apple.
Over the past week I have been carrying the FlipDuo around with me in my bag and on occasions rushing between meetings in my trouser pocket, something you could never do with a standard plug.
I’ve mentioned before how hard it is to keep devices charged when out and about. OneAdaptr have produced the FlipPower. Following the same idea as the FlipDuo but with the added benefit of including an inbuilt 2000mAH battery powerbank. The FlipPower still includes two USB ports enabling you to simultaneously charge two devices when you are nowhere near a power supply. The USB ports on the FlipPower output 5v 3.4A from the mains and 5v 2A from the battery powerbank. Slightly heavier than the FlipDuo, the FlipPower weighs 111g.
The FlipPower will allow you to charge your devices whilst at the same time charge the inbuilt battery.
On the top of the FlipPower is a small yellow button, that when presses lights up 4 blue LEDs indicating the inbuilt batteries charge. At £34.99, its a little more expensive than other powerbanks, but with the added advantage of not needing to carry around another plug to charge it the extra money is worth it.
Personally, I would have preferred the USB ports to be on the bottom of the adaptors rather than the back as they do protrude from the mains plugs more than a standard USB plug. You’ll also need to supply your own USB cables. I would imagine this form could at some point be developed to include a retractable cable as well, making it the only charger you’ll need to carry.
For those that travel a lot, these are ideal and take up much less space in your luggage.