PROS: Cheap, convenient, includes USB charging port (which can charge my iPad)
CONS: USB power output rating on package doesn't match rating on device
I got this power strip for under $10 and the price keeps dropping. This is an extremely convenient device for so little money--just about everyone lugs around multiple electronic devices these days and has a portable media player, phone, tablet, etc. that can charge over USB. This strip takes care of all of that, and although it's a little long (roughly 7") the cord wraps neatly over the device so it doesn't take up much extra room. And since it's quite thin (less than 2"), it's easy to slip into a backpack or carry-on and take it with you whenever you travel.
When I first received the power strip, I was pleasantly surprised to read on the package that the USB port is capable of putting out 1.5A, which is TRIPLE the current a standard USB port on a computer or devices like the
Belkin Mini Surge Protector Dual USB Charger can produce. However, upon inspecting the device itself, I noticed that the USB output is rated at 500mA. This inconsistency bugged me enough to email Monster and ask them which spec was correct, and I was told 500mA. When I emailed back to ask why the package had the rating incorrect, I received no response. If anybody has any inkling, please leave a comment!
Contrary to several other reviewers, I can charge my iPad through the USB port with the sync cable. It doesn't charge as quickly as the stock wall charger, but the iPad shows that it's charging. It's definitely faster than using a computer USB port--I'd say it takes about five to six hours. Since the iPad has a 25 watt-hour battery, this equals about 4W, which means the USB port is actually putting out about 800mA.
In summary, this is a very handy device for travel or to have on hand anytime you need more plugs than the nearest wall has to offer.
UPDATE: I charged my iPad today through the USB port and used my Kill-a-Watt to monitor the power consumption. It reported a charging power of 6W throughout the process, which would indicate a charging current of about 1.2A (6W / 5V). However, since the iPad itself charged at about 15% per hour, the USB port itself couldn't have been putting out more than 4W. I assume this means that the power strip is not very efficient, especially compared to the stock iPad charger, which draws 10W from the wall and is capable of charging the iPad in about 2 1/2 hours.