I’m a huge fan of universal power supplies. Anything that can replace several different power adapters for my gadgets—and that can lighten my load—earns a place in my suitcase.
One of the latest (and sleekest) entries in the field, the mCube Pro from Innergie, debuted at the recent 2010 International CES. This next-generation adapter fills the bill for powering and charging a wide range of devices on the ground, in the car and in the air.
Innergie gave me a chance to preview the mCube Pro, which can easily replace the power supply of most laptop computers. Tips to fit most laptops, including my Dell 12″ and 15″, are included. If you need a different one, Innergie will send it out for the cost of shipping.
The mCube Pro power supply also includes a USB port that, with the right cable, will power and charge a whole host of other devices, including cell phones, MP3 players, GPS units, e-readers and more. A small part of the mCube Pro detaches for use on airplanes and in cars. Adapters are included for lighter plugs (for cars and in some planes) as well as EmPower connections used by other airlines.
The mCube Pro provides up to 65 watts of continuous power, 90 watts peak, which should power most newer laptops with up to 17″ screens. It will accept 120- or 240-volt inputs, a plus for international travelers. There’s built-in protection for voltage and current fluctuations and short circuits.
All this in a well-built unit that’s light and compact, weighing seven ounces (199 g) and measuring just under four inches (128.8 mm) long.
For those interested in saving the planet, Innergie also has a green side. The all-in-one power supply is very energy efficient, earning the Energy Star certification.
“Innergie’s adapters are more energy efficient than the chargers that come packaged with devices,” says PS Tang, Innergie’s co-founder and vice president. “Ideally, universal adapters will become an industry standard that will help eliminate the millions of obsolete power cords and chargers that end in landfills each year.”
Look for the mCube Pro—the sucessor to the award-winning, $99.99 mCube 90—to be available soon on Innergie’s website. The company is also expanding its distribution through Amazon.com, Futuretronics retail stores and other stores in the next few months.
The Innergie mCube Pro works well and looks just as good as it works. For travelers (like me) who would be lost without power for our gear, it’s well worth packing.
Previous review of Kensington universal power adapter
#1 by xrumer 5.0 cracked - May 24th, 2010 at 15:42
You post great articles. Bookmarked !
#2 by Heather - June 2nd, 2010 at 17:46
I emailed Innergie, and they said this won’t be available until Q3. However, I’m going on vacation at the end of the month, so I’m wondering if it’s worth buying the mCube 90, which is available now, or holding out for the mCube Pro (which won’t help me while I’m on vacation). The mCube 90 weighs 9 ounces, so other than an extra couple ounces and the mCube Pro being the newer model, what are the main differences between the two? Worth waiting for?
#3 by JohnG - June 3rd, 2010 at 13:42
Heather, I know one difference is the mCube Pro supports 15-21 volts output, where the mCube 90 works with devices that need 18-21 volts. So the new Pro model could support more devices with different power requirements.
#4 by Heather - June 3rd, 2010 at 18:19
OK, thanks John! Appreciate the reply. Love this site! :-)
#5 by JohnG - June 3rd, 2010 at 18:31
Thanks for stopping by and come back often, Heather!
#6 by Karen - April 20th, 2011 at 03:29
Came across this post completely by accident. You know I’d never heard of universal power supplies. I will be checking them out some more and feel a purchase coming on.
#7 by AaronTPz - May 1st, 2011 at 17:32
Portable, easy to access power? I might just use that when in the air. My laptop absolutely cannot hold a charge, and this would help me so much in managing my buisiness. Thanks for showing me this product…I just might buy one!