New Product: Safco Onyx Powered Desk Accessories
Safco has introduced a unique new line of powered desk accessories that allow you to charge your USB devices while you work. You can also operate USB peripherals (keyboard, mouse, etc) from it. When I heard about them, I thought they were a fantastic idea and couldn't wait to check them out. There are four products in the line - a monitor stand, an organizer with three drawers, an organizer with three upright sections and three horizontal sections, and an organizer with six upright and two horizontal sections.
SAF 3234BL
SAF 3231BL
SAF 3233BL
It's a little hard to tell in the pictures above, but all the pieces are made of black wire mesh. Safco was kind enough to send me one of the monitor stands to try out - it's a good-looking piece and very well made. It has a pull-out drawer that rolls smoothly on its bearings and in the back of the stand there is a USB port for the included power cable. The power cable comes with a removable AC adapter head so you can power the stand by plugging it into your computer via a USB port or you can plug it into the wall by attaching the AC adapter head to the end of the power cord. There is a second USB port on the front of the stand and that's where you plug in your device. Storage compartments on both sides of the stand allow you to keep sticky notes, pens or other small desk items handy.
I plugged my iPad into it while I was working to test the charging capabilities. It definitely doesn't charge your device as fast as just plugging into the wall, but I don't see that as an issue - it gives a significant charge that will keep you up and running.
At work, my computer is a laptop with an external monitor and I tuck it underneath my current monitor stand. I was hoping that I would be able to slide it underneath this stand because in the picture it looks like there's some space under the drawer, but sadly that is not the case - the stand sits very low to the desk. Then I thought I'd put my laptop inside the drawer, but that didn't work either because my laptop is too big. My last thought was to remove the drawer and sit the laptop on top of the rails, but Safco made this item so well that I couldn't remove the drawer. So unfortunately for me, I can't use this at my desk. I had to just set it on my desk next to my computer to test it.
For the people who have tower PCs under their desk, this will be great. There is one major drawback in my opinion though - the power cord is only 5 feet long and I think that isn't long enough. It wasn't long enough to reach my PC at home and if I had a tower at work, it would be tight - I'd probably need an extension cord and then I'd have a lot more cord under my desk than I like to have (I hate having a jungle of wires). Normally, computer cables are 6 feet or 10 feet - I don't know why Safco made this one so short.
I really like this item, as well as the other 3 products in the line. I give it 4 paperclips! (If they make the power cord longer, I'll give it 5).
Right now, they're only available by special order, so please send us a fax at 877-792-8110 or call us at 877-795-2600 if you'd like to order. Our Customer Service Department will be happy to help you.