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Alvaro Dominguez En español Not long ago, power strips were mostly simple things: beige, about a foot long with four to six outlets and — if “fancy” — with an on-off switch. Times certainly

have changed. Shopping for a new power strip today takes almost as much research as for a new appliance. And with ever more electronics in our homes, including an increasing number that

require frequent recharging, outlets are at a premium. What to consider: 1. SURGE PROTECTION IS A MUST This feature keeps your electronics from getting damaged in a power surge, usually

storm related, by redirecting unexpected increases in voltage away from delicate equipment. Even without a storm, smaller, less noticeable power spikes can shorten the life of your devices.

Protection is rated by joules, a measurement of energy. “For computers, home theaters and audio equipment, you should have nothing less than 2,000 joules,” says Michael Richard, director of

the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers’ construction and maintenance department. 2. USB OUTLETS ARE HANDY In addition to the typical three-pronged grounded outlets, many power

strips now include USB slots. Instead of plugging your phone's charging cable into an outlet adapter, just plug it into one of the USB ports, a real space saver. 3. FLEXIBILITY FOR BIG

PLUGS IS IMPORTANT Oversized plugs, which are common these days, can cover the adjoining outlets on a traditional power strip, preventing you from using it at full capacity. New strips deal

with this by spacing outlets farther apart or allowing them to pivot up to 90 degrees. 4. NEW MODELS ARE DESIGNED TO SIT OFF THE FLOOR Manufacturers know that we have numerous devices to

plug in on tables and nightstands, often with cables of varying lengths that may not reach the floor. Easy access is key. So they have developed tower-style and disc-shaped strips that can

sit on a table and not look like an eyesore. Some even have a built-in wireless charging pad for smartphones. ------------------------- AARP MEMBERSHIP -JOIN AARP FOR JUST $15 FOR YOUR FIRST

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every area of your life.  ------------------------- 5. SMALL ONES ARE PERFECT FOR TRAVEL Hotels may not have all the outlets you need. Pack a small, lightweight, three-outlet power strip in

your suitcase for extra juice. 6. A PREMIUM PURCHASE CAN GUARD HIGH-END DEVICES Whether it’s a home theater setup or an expensive computer, sometimes you want additional security. Some

power strips come with top-grade surge protection, extra safeguards and warranties for damages to your equipment. “Don’t go cheap,” Richard says. “And also consider something that lets you

know when the surge protection is no longer effective. The real nice ones will just shut down when that happens, so you know it’s time for a new one.” * LIST * | * SLIDESHOW * Photos * * * 1

of * PHOTO BY: Courtesy Accell CHARGER IN THE ROUND MANUFACTURER: Accell PRICE: As low as $37.99 ABOUT: The Accell Power Air/Surge Protector and USB Charging Station has six AC adapters and

two USB charging ports. It has a 6-foot power cord and an energy rating of 1,080 joules. * * * 2 of * PHOTO BY: Belkin/Getty Images UTILITY PLAYER​  MANUFACTURER: Belkin PRICE: As low as

$17.99 ABOUT: Small enough to travel with, it can also be mounted on the wall. Has six rotating AC plugs. Energy rating of 1,080 joules. Lifetime warranty and $50,000 connected equipment

warranty. * * * 3 of * PHOTO BY: Belkin/Getty Images MAGIC WAND MANUFACTURER: Belkin PRICE: As low as $32.93 ABOUT: Has eight pivoting AC outlets and a 6-foot heavy-duty extension cord,

with a cord management system that helps keep cables organized. Energy rating of 2,160 joules. Lifetime warranty and $150,000 connected equipment warranty. * * * 4 of * PHOTO BY:

Belkin/Getty Images BIG BOY MANUFACTURER: Belkin PRICE: As low as $36.99 ABOUT: Has eight pivoting and four fixed AC outlets. Has 8-foot heavy-duty extension cord, with cord management

system. Energy rating of 4,320 joules. Lifetime warranty and $300,00 connected equipment warranty. * * * 5 of * PHOTO BY: Tripp-Lite/Getty Images HAVE PORT, WILL TRAVEL MANUFACTURER:

Tripp-Lite PRICE: As low as $21.25 ABOUT: Great for travel. Plugs into wall and has two USB ports and three fixed AC outlets. Energy rating of 540 joules. Lifetime warranty and $5,000

connected equipment insurance. _Chris Morris is a contributing writer who covers technology and video gaming. He previously was an editor at CNN Money and Yahoo! Finance. His work also

appears in _Fortune_, on Nasdaq.com and on CNBC._ MORE ON PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY * How to automatically back up your computer, tablet or phone * 9 ways to maximize the life of your phone

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