Tag: USB

Kenu 2 In 1

One of the problems I’ve regularly run into as a Smartphone Exec is that I regularly have the wrong cable for the occasion. I either have a microUSB cable or a lightning cable, but often the wrong one at the most inopportune times. On a flight I ran across an advertisement for Kenu Tripline (pronounced “Canoe”) that offers a pleasantly simple solution.

The nice part about it is that it has both cables in one. If I happen to need one to charge my headphones, I have that, if I need the other to charge my phone, I have that. All in a lightweight package. I also happen to like that they have 3′ and 6′ options. Often times I make the mistake of thinking shorter is better, but keep in mind how often you are using shared plugs in conference rooms and having an extra foot or two of distance is a life-saver.

That’s even more critical when you’re using your mobile phone during a presentation. Often times the plugs are on the floor and 3′ is barely long enough at the best of times. 6′ is just much more comfortable and I find it’s worth the added ounces. And it’s still less weight than two cables that get caught up with one another and misplaced. Reduce and simplify. That’s the mantra, right?

Power Only Adapters

One of the more dangerous aspects of owning a phone is getting power. It may seem relatively innocuous most of the time, but USB connectors aren’t exactly free of issues. There have been a great many number of issues in various aspects of USB over the years.

This would be okay, if people only connected USB to the wall, but they also connect it to potentially infected computers. A great many times I’ve found situations where I’ve needed power and the nearest power is totally unknown PC. Not only is it bad for them, but it’s bad for me too. USB is like an infected needle – you really don’t want to be sharing it.

Therefore one quick solution to the problem is a power-only USB adapter. It’s relatively inexpensive – usually around $10. It’s lightweight. It’s easy to use. And most importantly, it works! Of course nothing is perfect, but this is a very handy solution to an annoying security problem. Dual-use power/data cords are always going to be an issue when one of the sides is infected, so these small devices can be a lifesaver.