In Use:

Installation is definitely easy, and will take all of a few minutes. While the manual found at the SnapPower website recommends killing the breaker for the outlet to be upgraded before proceeding, their online video shows that they are clearly working on a live outlet during the process. Exercising a bit of caution, and realizing that I am effectively just plugging a charger into the outlet anyway, I did the install on a live outlet, too.



I think it was under a minute for me to go from what you see on the left, to what you see on the right in the images below! Nothing else to do but continue to use my two outlets, while also charging any USB device.



Conclusion:

The SnapPower Charger Duplex Outlet Coverplate is a clever little twist on a very common product that really could come in handy in tons of settings. By your desk, by the bed, in the kitchen, in the garage... Having a USB port for charging could come in handy almost anywhere, and not having to unplug any existing devices makes it even more appealing.

My biggest complaint is with the price of the device. At over $20 each, these are only not the most cost effective way to add a charging port to an existing wall outlet. It may be quick and stylish, but you can do plenty of other things for less money. For example, if you had to buy a new coverplate, we're talking about a dollar for a standard one. And you probably already have on, so that dollar probably doesn't have to be spent. Then, most devices come with a USB charger that is going to block an outlet, but again it is free. If you have to buy one, it is perhaps another few bucks. This route may be the least attractive and the most disruptive, but you may spend nothing. If you really want the charger ports integrated in to the outlet, you can replace the whole outlet with a new one that has USB charging built in. I have recently seen outlets with dual 120V outlets and dual 2.4A USB ports for under $20. You may spend 10 minutes or so going this route (and you'll definitely have to kill the breaker), but you'll have two USB charging ports rated for enough Amperage to actually charge your tablet or fast charging capable devices.

In the end, I like the SnapPower Charger for its convenience, but I am left wanting a bit more - or to have to spend a bit less. Never the less, it earns the Bigbruin.com "Great Idea" award.



Pros:

» Very convenient - no outlets lost / blocked in order to have a device charging
» Easy to install
» Available in common styles (Duplex and Decora) and colors (White, Almond, Ivory)

Cons:

» 1 Amp output will charge devices looking for 2 Amps at a slower rate
» Only available in one physical size, would prefer to see midsize and larger sized cover plates
» Much more expensive than buying a typical outlet cover plus a plugin charger
» Even more expensive than buying a new duplex outlet with dual 2+ Amp USB ports

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