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TECH
Deb Porterfield

New products: multi-plug adapter and more

Deborah Porterfield, Special for USA TODAY
The Pivot Power Mini from Quirky comes with two grounded outlets and two USB ports.
  • Adapter transforms one outlet into two outlets
  • Disney introduces virtual pen for iPad
  • Newer Technology toolkit helps "tech-tinkerers-on-the-go"

Multi-plug adapter folds up

Many people in the Northeast have a new appreciation for getting access to a place to charge their smartphones and other devices. A serious storm and widespread power outages can have that effect no matter where you live. But once you are able to plug in, it's good to be able to do so efficiently. That's where the Pivot Power Mini from Quirky comes in. The device allows you to transform a single outlet into a source for two grounded outlets and two USB ports. It also provides surge protection. Going somewhere? The adapter can be folded up and tucked into a backpack. It costs about $25.

The Kensington Portafolio Duo Wallet provides a handy place to stash essentials.

Phone case doubles as wallet
You probably reach for your smartphone about as often as you pull out a debit card or your work ID. Why not store them all in one place? That's the idea behind the Kensington Portafolio Duo Wallet. Made to fit either the iPhone 5 or the Samsung Galaxy S III, the Duo Wallet provides a handy place to stash a driver's license, credit cards, cash and other essentials. Plus, the portfolio design provides protection for all sides of your phone, including its screen, and has a built-in stand for watching videos sans any hands. Available in brown, orange, red and black, the Portafolio Duo Wallet for the iPhone 5 can be preordered for $40. The Samsung version, available in red, black and pink, also can be preordered for the same price. The phone case is set to go on sale Nov. 19. The full line will be ready by late November.

Disney connects with iPad

Remember when the Disney experience meant a visit to Cinderella's castle and some souvenir mouse ears? Well, welcome to Tomorrowland: Walt's successors have introduced the Disney Creativity Studio Smart Stylus that lets children draw with a virtual pen, marker or crayon on the iPad. Designed to work with the Disney Creativity Studio App, the stylus gives budding digital artists the tools and tips needed to draw Disney characters and scenes. Available online from the Apple store for $50, the Smart Stylus package includes the stylus, a AA battery, a protective case and free access to the app.

The 11-Piece Portable Toolkit from Newer Technology includes screwdrivers with hardened magnetic blades, scissor clamps, tweezers and two Nylon pry tools.

Tool kit for techies

If you're tech-savvy enough to open your laptop, smartphone or other tech device, the 11-Piece Portable Toolkit from Newer Technology may be for you. Designed for the tech-tinkerer-on-the go, the portable toolkit includes screwdrivers with hardened magnetic blades, scissor clamps, tweezers and two Nylon pry tools designed to open iPods and other "easy-to-scratch" gizmos. Priced at about $18, the tools are stored in a zip-up nylon case.

E-mail new product suggestions to techporterfield@gmail.com.

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