Kensington 33347 Travel Cable Winder for Kensington Power Adapters

List Price: $19.99 Discount Price: $15.00

Features:

• Kensington 33347 Travel Cable Winder for Kensington Power Adapters
• Works exclusively with the Kensington Power Adapter
• Convenient crank mechanism reduces mess and saves space
• Lightweight plastic case protects the cable from kinks and tangles
• Extend as much or as little cable as you need to make the connection

Customer Reviews:

Compact, but a little heavy [Posted on 2007-12-23]
It looks like Kensington put a lot of thought into this product, which is good to see. The cable itself is a flat ribbon cable (to facilitate winding), and of the 5 conductors in the cable, the two that carry the most current are wider than the others (lower resistance, less wasted power, and less likely to fail). The winder folds over so that the knob doesn't protrude and get snagged on things. The winder also has a ratcheting mechanism (don't worry, it doesn't click) so that you can't accidentally "unwind". I'm sure this is done to save the cable from getting loose inside the winder and causing problems. I'm sure most of you have experienced this problem with long, hand wound tape measures.

The cable with the winder is a few feet shorter than the standard cable that comes with the Kensington system, but the winder is very nice. It is much easier to wind up the cable than to have to fold up and wrap the standard cable. I'm glad Kensington went with a shorter cable length on this product. I've never had to use all 10' of the standard cable.

The winder looks and feels well-built, but I wouldn't abuse it. The winder also adds a little weight. As a result, this winding cable is heavier than the longer cable included with the charger. If weight is your primary concern, stick with the cable your system came with. I bought this because it's more compact and easier to manage, so I'm happy with my purchase. I don't mind hauling another ounce or two, given that I'm already saving so much weight by carrying one charger instead of 4.

Be sure of what you have... [Posted on 2007-12-29]
I'm really really upset at this purchase. The unit itself is fine, I like the design, weight and feel. BUT not with all Kensington tips. I have a Dell laptop that uses an N19 tip. Guess what? It doesn't fit. There is an extra grove in that tip that prevents it from attaching properly.

Kensington should notify customers about this.

I followed up with Kensington directly. Their response is, "Thank you for contacting Kensington Technical Support. I understand your concern.
I am sorry for the inconvenience caused. However, we will forward your case to our porduct Design Team. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused.

In the meantime, I've trashed the packinging and ditched the receipt, can't even send it back to Amazon... Wait, I know, I'll buy a new laptop with a power supply that fits! :/

Kensington Travel Cable Winder [Posted on 2008-01-20]
Terrific item overall. Very easy to use and nicely compact. Highly recommend to the business traveler. I travel over 95% and am constantly looking for ways to streamline the various tools I use. The only complaint I have is that the 6 foot cable length isn't always sufficient depending upon the location of power when in an airport and some hotel rooms.

Not compatible with 'B' tips?!?!?!?!? [Posted on 2008-03-04]
This is rediculous!!! I purchased the travel winder along with the Power Adapter (K33197). So far, the power adapter works as advertised and it's very convenient. It included 11 various tips, all labeled "N2B", "N30B", etc. Well, apparently NONE of the 'B' tips work with the travel winder!!! There's a top and bottom groove on the tips but the travel winder only has grooves on one side.

I called Kensington (and trust me, believe what you've read about their support) and they told me only the "non-B" labeled tips work with the winder. Not what you'd expect, especially since their documentation and website say the "...N30B and N30 tips are identical...." Obviously not true.

So, I can either buy additional "non-B" tips or simply not use the travel winder. I'll say it again - REDICULOUS!!!

Another comment - contrary to a previous review - the cable does NOT lock in place. You can move the handle around to try to engage the locking mechanism but it becomes "unlocked" with the slightest movement. Not a huge deal but an obvious design flaw. Not a huge deal though - I'd still use it.... IF IT WORKED!

Does Not Work with 120W Ultra Portable Power Adapter  [Posted on 2008-03-16]
Key Point: This retractable cable does NOT work with K33197 120W Auto/Air Ultra Portable Notebook PC Power Adapter with which it is featured on Amazon.

Reason: The tips have small tabs on top and bottom that fit into groves on the cable ends. On the retractable cable, the ends lack this grove on the bottom, preventing connection.

Pros: Compact size and light weight. I recommend it to anyone that travels with size and weight constraints. Just be ready to return it if the the tips don't work with your Kennsington power adaptor model.

Major disappointment with Amazon for combining incompatable products.

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