If you are remodeling your home and wish to spend ten times the price of a regular power socket on each and every wall wart, you can opt for one of many USB-enabled faceplates which let you charge your gadgets right from the wall. But for a more practical and portable option, you might take a look at the RCA USB Wall Plate Charger, a gadget which does exactly what it says on the label.
The charger is simple, and all the better for it. Round back is a standard 3-prong plug, which mates with any grounded socket in your or anybody else’s home. On the front of the rather utilitarian-looking box is a pass-through three-pin socket and a pair of USB ports. One of these ports will supply 2.1 amps of juice to charge the thirsty iPad, or you can hook up two of any other USB-powered device.
Not only is this little box cheaper than many built-in USB-equipped power outlets, it is way more sensible. As Instapaper developer Marco Arment points out, USB might be obsolete in a few years, whereas AC plugs will likely be around for another 100 years. What will you do when all of your Apple gear charges over Thunderbolt?
When I travel, I usually take along just my iPad power brick along with Griffin’s USB Mini Cable Kit, a pack of three stubby USB cables. But for a home charging station, the RCA box looks ideal.
Via Lifehacker