Most people know what a power strip is and how they work. We’ve all seen the endless stream of devices plugged into them, from laptops to tablets and more. While this may be convenient for mobile devices, you should not rely on them to provide all of your device’s power source. If this is the case, then you’re leaving your devices in vulnerable positions that could lead to damage or malfunction.
Instead of worrying about whether or not your devices will be affected, you should be focused on the fact that they are at risk of being affected.
This is where a standalone power source comes in.
Unlike a power strip, a standalone power source provides a solid, immovable connection that will not likely become disconnected during use. This makes them a more reliable source of power and ensures your devices will not be damaged due to overloading or malfunctioning. Furthermore, you can keep an eye on the devices connected to it since there’s no chance of them being unintentionally disconnected. Finally, standalone power sources are more practical since they do not require to be connected to a larger power source in order to work.
Though there are numerous benefits to standalone power sources, there is one drawback that may sway you away from them: cost. These devices can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, which can be a considerable investment for some people. Fortunately, there are alternative options that can provide all of these benefits while being more affordable. These options are known as “merge devices” and can be found wherever portable power is commonly purchased.
When comparing prices and benefits, you should understand that standalone power sources are a better solution for very high-end devices that require a substantial amount of power (more than a laptop could provide). However, for smaller devices like tablets and cell phones, a merge device could prove to be the more cost-effective solution. This is why you should research and compare both options before making a decision that will affect you financially in the long run.
What is a Merge Device and How Does It Work?
A merge device is a combination power source that allows for the connection of multiple portable electronics devices to a single cable. This cable can then be plugged into a standard outlet to provide power to all of the connected devices.
The best part of a merge device is how each one of its individual parts work together to create a cohesive and effective whole. Take a laptop for example. With a traditional power strip, you’re dependent on the power outlet to provide any kind of stability. However, with a merge device, each individual part plays an important role in keeping the whole device working effectively. The “jack,” for instance, plugs into the wall to provide an immovable power base, while the magnetic connectors allow for the easy and secure connection of portable devices.
This dependence on separate parts is a good thing in terms of reducing the risk of malfunction. While it’s convenient to have all of your electronic devices plugged into a single power outlet, this could lead to problems if one of them were to malfunction.
Take the case of a laptop battery. If it were to malfunction and drain down to a critical level, you could find yourself in a tight spot since you’d likely need to recharge it before you could use it again. With a traditional power strip, this is very difficult since you’re not likely to have access to a charger everywhere you go. With a merge device, you can carry a spare laptop battery along with you in case of emergencies. This way, you’ll never be caught off guard and will always have the ability to keep your devices powered up and running.
As you can see, separate parts work together to create a cohesive and effective whole, which greatly reduces the risk of malfunction. This also makes them easier to maintain and repair, as you’re less likely to break down a part that is not necessary for the device to operate.
How Do You Transport and Store These Items?
One of the primary reasons why people purchase portable devices in the first place is how much easier it is to transport and store items when they’re not being used. However, that convenience comes with a price: the increased risk of damage due to overuse or malfunction, as mentioned earlier.
This is why it’s best to avoid overloading your devices with too many accessories and instead focus on which ones are necessary for the device to operate correctly. This prevents you from being restricted by space constraints since you can always remove or replace those devices as needed.
The best part of a merge device is how each individual part works together to provide an effective whole. This is made possible by how they’re designed and built. Take a laptop for example. With a traditional power strip, you’re dependent on the power outlet to provide stability. However, with a merge device, each individual part plays an important role in keeping the whole device working effectively. This makes them easier to transport and store since you don’t need to worry about overuse or malfunctioning. This also makes them “future proof” in the event that one of the parts were to break down, you could simply replace it without affecting the functionality of the entire unit.
Think of a time when you were using a laptop and you had to move it to another part of the house to continue using it. With a traditional power strip, this is very difficult since you’re not likely to have access to a charger everywhere you go. However, with a merge device, you can carry a spare laptop battery along with you in case of emergencies. This way, you’ll never be caught off guard and will always have the ability to keep your devices powered up and running.
What Are The Main Differences Between A Traditional Power Strip and A Merge Device?
Though both power strips and merge devices allow for the connection of multiple devices and provide a steady source of power, they work in very different ways. Here’s a comparison of a traditional power strip to a merge device.
The main difference is in how they’re built. A traditional power strip is comprised of three parts: an “amp,” “breaker,” and “socket.” The entire device is designed to fit into a single slot (usually found in the back of a computer or router), with one part occasionally falling out during use. This is why it’s “spontaneous” and “unpredictable.” It’s also important to note that you have to purchase these parts separately.
In contrast, a merge device is built with quality and durability in mind, meaning that it will not likely become damaged during use or storage. This is why it’s “permanent” and “invincible.” The individual parts of a merge device are also designed to fit together seamlessly without any visible gaps or breaks, further enhancing its durability.
Another important difference lies in how the parts work together. A traditional power strip relies on the socket to provide stability while the breaker and amp allow for connection to a power source. In contrast, a merge device has the magnetic connectors that serve as the “breaker” to provide the necessary stability while the “jack” provides for the connection to a power source.
These are just a few of the differences between a traditional power strip and a merge device. You should research and compare both options before making a decision that will affect you financially in the long run.