Every once in a while a product slides across my desk and makes me say, "Wow, what a great idea."
That's the case with JDI Technologies' GoldX PowerCore system, a
why-didn't-they-think-of-it-sooner way of extending and expanding your computer's connections with peripherals,
gadgets and networks.
The heart of the system is the PowerCore base unit, which serves as a power supply and surge suppressor. On
its own, it's a great device. Interchangeable modules plug into docks on the back, making it capable of
protecting your PC, your peripherals, your modem, and your network connections from surges. Think of it as a
power strip on steroids.
But the device's real strength is its expandability. Tucked away in the top of the base unit is a small power
socket. You use the socket to connect other GoldX PowerCore system devices, each similarly equipped with a plug
on the bottom and a socket on top, allowing them to be stacked one upon another: High speed USB hubs, Firewire
hubs, network switches and these soon-to-be-released items: DSL/Cable routers, keyboard-video-mouse switches,
media capture devices and USB-to-broadband conversion hardware.
When you're done, you have a small tower of the key pieces of hardware you need - and not a single wall-wart
styled power adapter in sight. One plug - and one power cord -handles it all. Power is passed directly from
device to device, eliminating at least part of that tangled web behind your PC.
"The ability to integrate high-speed peripherals is an ideal example of leveraging the acquisition of a
single base unit into a connectivity solution for several different kinds of products - one plug yielding
infinite options," said Steve Burman, vice president of marketing for Auburn Hills-based JDI Technologies.
How much do these options cost? That depends on your needs. The base unit runs about $25 to $29, and the
individual hubs, switches and other devices run from $27 to $59 each. But, for the convenience, the price can't
be beat.
Get more information at http://www.goldxproducts.com. And while
you're there, check out some of the company's other Swiss Army Knife devices, like the high speed USB cable with
interchangeable ends (for those hard to match devices), the similarly-equipped FireWire cable (now you only need
one, instead of the four or five you carry to connect your iPod, digital video camera, etc.), and the all-in-one
keyboard-video-mouse extension cable.
Tom Gromak can be reached at tgromak@detnews.com.
