When this item arrived for review I thought to myself “dump dumb dumb”. I tried it and then thought… “I wish I had thought of that.” Seriously, if you use a Mac this is something that is worth a look past Judie’s initial post announcing that they were being made.
So let’s take one…
From The Company:
Designed by the quirky community and apple enthusiasts worldwide in 24 hours, the quirky PowerCurl is a clip on cord wrap for Apple’s 45W, 60W and 85W MagSafe Power Adapter. PowerCurl wraps both cords (plug end & MagSafe end) around the device and allows for easy and quick cord wrapping. The Curl, as we like to call it, makes it easy to unplug and pack up quickly without having to untangle your extension cords the next time you need to set up shop. The included clip enables the plug end of your cord to clip to itself just like your MagSafe end does. Fear those heated power adapters no more – PowerCurl elevates the power adapter off the ground or desk for improved air circulation and cooling. Oh and we can’t forget to mention – we’ve quirkified this thing – it’s bright orange and dead sexy. You will be able to choose the 60W or 85W model prior to device shipping. The MagSafe Power Adapter that comes with MacBooks is an interesting item.
When the Power Adapter is using the “short form” cable it conveniently wraps around the built-in cord controllers on the back of the adapter.
When the extended cord is used, however, it can quickly become a tangled mess. That’s where this funky gizmo comes in. Do you need it? Nope. Once you start using it will you be thankful for it? Uh Huh!
Place the Power Adapter inside (it comes in two sizes to accommodate different size adapters) and then wrap the thick cable in larger of the two channels running along the outside of it and the smaller cord in the smaller of the two channels.
The result is this…
That’s right, this simple gizmo takes a mess of tangled cords and makes it more than manageable. For $14.99 it is a great way to untangle life just a bit.
The PowerCurl is just $14.99 and is available directly from Quirky.
What I Like:
Solves a problem I didn’t know I had
What Needs Improvement:
Rather bright. I prefer something more subdued.
About the Company:
Everyone has a product idea. Chances are, you do, too. Our 23-year-old entrepreneur-in-chief, Ben, has launched two successful companies based on this premise, with write-ups in Reader’s Digest, Businessweek, Entrepreneur, and other mainstream media – including more than one primetime appearance on CNBC.
Among other things, mophie and kluster made him something of a posterboy for aspiring inventors. Over the past few years, he’s received literally thousands of emails from people all around the world looking for the same answer: I have this idea for a product and saw your article/tv show/website and want your help getting it out of my head and into the marketplace – how do I start?
The truth is, neither mophie nor kluster were created to answer that question directly. They did, however, uncover the solution to bringing virtually any product idea to life and putting it into the hands of consumers. Part process, part platform…we’re pretty sure quirky will change the way people think about product development forever.
Tangled mess with the extended power cord? Seemed natural to me to just wrap the thick cord around the brick first, then secure it in place with the thinner cable.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/karrock/4141776647/
Kitchy and cute it may be, but you’re right — bright orange is one helluva statement. I like the idea of PowerCurl, but it’s a little too pricey for what it really is — a piece of molded plastic.
Waitaminnit… Are they having a sale? Just looked at Quirky’s website and the price has dropped to $11.99 and their shipping rates are actually sensible now! Bought! Wish it would come in a more sedate grey or white, although white would show scuffs and dirt rather quickly…
@karrock – I bought three of these when they were in the pro-order stage; they cost $7ish each, and were shipped for just a few dollars more. 🙂
@judie $14.99 + $5 shipping after the pre-order window closed is more than double what you paid and I just plunked down was $11.99 with free “express” shipping. A much better deal than before.
Popped it on my old “wide” 85W and it makes the footprint of the brick a lot bigger than expected. Plus it rattles around a bit loosely. Though it’s in no danger of falling off, I wish the fit were a bit more snug.
@karrock – I accidentally ordered one of the old-style ones, thinking it was needed for Kev’s MacBook Pro. I can see how it would be huge, but still handy. I’m giving it away on Twitter today. 😆
"Quirky PowerCurl" coming soon… http://fb.me/XfZ2eQqy