September 3rd, 2008
Monster power strips have monster price tags
The makers of famously overpriced audiophile cables (the wallet still pains at the sight of one), Monster has ventured into the power strip arena, and it’s keeping the family reputation alive.
First, the Digital Life Power Center Green Power lineup is intended for connecting your computer gear. When you turn off the computer, all peripheral sockets turn off. There are three versions—the MDP 650, 800 and 900.
The second line is intended for audio systems, with GreenPower versions of the EPIR 2450, EPIR 3650, and HDP 2550 PowerCenter units. The systems are designed to work with “any universal learning remote” — simply program the unit with the right IR codes, and your HDTV and all its support audio and video gear will click off with one button flick.
Clearly, it’s all about doing your part for the environment without ever leaving your couch.
The MDP650, 800 and 900 will set you back $70, $99 and $129, respectively. For the entertainment PowerCenter versions, though, it’s an audiophile pricetag: the EPIR 2450 (with three outlets) is $500, as is the HDIR 2550 (which has only two outlets). The EPIR 3650 tries to justify its $600 price tag by allowing you to switch off four items plugged into it.
Would you pay $600 for a power management device? Tell us in TalkBack.
Andrew J. Nusca is an associate editor for ZDNet and SmartPlanet.
See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
Email Andrew Nusca 
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to The ToyBox via Email alerts or RSS.
