Smart Power Strips Save Electricity

Sure, they look small.  But the wall wart power adapters we use for many of our electronic peripherals can use a surprising amount of electricity.  This is especially true for tech-oriented lawyers who may have a half-dozen or more wall warts constantly plugged-in at the office, home, or both. 

You could unplug these critters when not in use, but they often reside behind desks or cabinets, or in other hard-to-reach spots.  Some energy-savers connect all of their wall warts to a power strip with an on-off switch.  But then you need to remember to turn the switch off when you don't need to power or charge the gadgets connected to the wall warts. 

Now there are power strips and surge protectors that will automatically power-down wall warts when your computer is turned off.  These devices sense the power load drawn from the "main" outlet.  When that load is off or minimal, such as when your computer is turned-off, it will also cut power the the secondary outlets into which your wall warts or other peripherals are plugged. 

Smart surge protectors don't cost much more than the conventional type.  An affordable version is available for $15 at the tech geek wonderland known as Cyberguys.