The Smart Strip that you are talking about is still a “power vampire” because your control device is still using power.
Most would use their computer or TV to be the control device.
Powering off the computer would shut down power to all other devices. Thats great but the computer is still using the same power while shut down. the idea behind this device which I really like is nothing is using power when you turn it off. I would however like to see a model that is wired and does not rely on wireless technology because I would like to use them in my office in all of my cubes so when an employee leaves they simply turn off the switch located on their desk without having to climb under the desk. So yes it is dumbed down as you put it but there is a reason and an application for it.

Well almost. Her basement must be metal shielded because the Conserve in the basement seems to need the remote to have a line of sight.

One thing that I do wonder about these devices is how much money they actually save. How much power does the receiver on the power strip use compared to 3-4 “vampire” devices?

Thanks so much for the tip on the “deal”, I was happy to find out that they discount more than one.

MikeyK
North Florida

For instance, picture a monitor plugged into the control outlet, and all the wall warts and connections for printers and other devices that require human interaction to be useful plugged into the slave outlets: turning off the monitor would automatically turn off all the other devices! This could even work for the power-saving mode of a monitor, such that if you walked off to get a snack or go to the bathroom for a while, the monitor would power down to save power and power down all the other connected devices as well. Another sceanario: a component stereo system; connect the receiver/amp to the control outlet, and everything else to the slave outlets; now when the receiver is turned on or off, so too are all the other components.

Guess what? Such a power strip existed over a decade ago, and could be found at Radio Shack, of all places. I have two of them myself.

The fact that Belkin is able to sell this dumbed-down product is purely due to ignorance of better alternatives on the part of consumers.

I just heard back from my contact at Belkin with regards to your question. Unfortunately, the Conserve is not available for European systems…

Thanks

Nice find!!! )