Review ReTrak–Solving the cable conundrum

Ok now as a globe trotter the challenge is always not to end up with a bag that weighs a ton. Yes I have wondered how some very slight girls did not fall over backwards when climbing the steps to a hostel with a giant rucksack on their back.

The reality is I pack smart and I travel relatively light. After 6 months of carrying the bag and you will know why!

Now you are all packed and you have your phone, your Netbook, your mp3 player, mini speakers, your camera, your tablet, your headphone for Skype for work.

So how do you keep the packing light when they all have a different charger attachment

Well get yourself over to a company called ReTrak as they are starting to solve the problem.

Laptop/Netbook leads

Firstly they have a Netbook/ Laptop charger that gets rid of the brick in the middle and rewinds the lead neatly. This was a lot lighter than any of the original leads for my various laptops and netbooks. It comes with a range of tips to attach to various different PCs and a very nifty folding arrangement on the mains plug which makes it smaller to carry.

Now here is my slight criticism… I am a user and not a techie… ” 70 watt” retractable lead. I have no idea if my laptop is 70 watts. So I looked at the brick and quite frankly that was no help either. I looked on the site maybe there was a helpful list of PCs and models that it is compatible with. Again no luck! So I went through every tip to see if one would fit my Samsung N220 and despite the fact the site says Samsung is compatible- clearly not my model….AAGH! So then on I go with the game of Russian roulette I do find a tip that will fit and power an Acer but do I know if it is the right power…not a clue so I plug it in and fortunately it did not damage my PC…but please think about this.

So I want a list of compatible PCs and models on the site- saving weight on cables is just not worth the price of my laptop!

Remember to a user 70 watts has no meaning I am not an electrician I just want to know I it works with my model please!!!!

Now this is a great shame as this lead is a great space and weight saver but I need more tips as the PC I travel with did not have a compatible tip. The slim plug does save space but without the right tip for my travel PC is of limited use so if you could just find the tip for my N220 and send that through not to mention tell me if it is compatible then we are in business!!!!

USB Multi-Adapter Lead

Secondly the next device is a USB lead connecting to a round device which is a multi adapter with a variety of tips. There are mini USB of both 4 and 5 pin varieties so that is my speakers and camera taken care of, micro USB so that’s the phone and a USB B – sorry not really one I’ll use on the road – although it could be useful if you have one of the older portable drives that uses this cable type. What happens is you have a retractable USB cable that plugs into the multi adapter and then off you go. Now as you can see I now have some devices not taken care of…so I’m one for challenging tech as I may only have limited time to charge up. So I get a 3 socket USB charger and I plug in my iPad charger, this multi adapter lead from Retrak and then the charger for my MP3.

Then here I go phone and speakers onto the multi adapter lead, iPad and MP3 connected and all plugged into a single European convertor plug… a bit slower than a UK connection but the whole lot charged!

I like the multi adapter idea but I did debate if it might have been easier if I could actually retract each tip just a little. Yes you’ve got it – I’d be trying to charge everything at once…ever the optimist!!!! It saved me two charging leads but if we changed the USB B to an iPad charging tip then we might just be able to save another lead! I suspect though it is really designed to only connect one thing at once which it does well.

The retractable cable itself seems very good quality and rewound easily – it looks like it will last and is certainly very convenient.

HDMI lead

Thirdly they do a HDMI lead which comes with all the adaptors (DVI, Mini and Micro HDMI) that you are likely to need so when you get to stay in a plush hotel then plug that movie you have on your laptop in and watch it on the big screen. This is a well made cable and the ability to retract at a press of a button rather than a cable tangle is always a pleasure. It is actually a real challenge to get an HDMI cable flexible enough to retract and Retrak have done an excellent job. It is also HDMI 1.4 compatible which means if you are lucky enough to have a 3D TV in your hotel room (hey you never know) it will work with that.

The Range

Retrak do a range of car chargers, iPad/iPhone leads and headphones all using the retractable idea. I have to say that on headphones retraction is a really good idea as anyone will know if they watch me fish in my bag to untangle my cables and plug in the MP3. I don’t think I’m the only one with an expertise at making a tangle of my cables!

So if you are packing for the big trip or even the little one take a tip from an expert…pack light and Retrak is a good place to start.

If you want to know more then take a look at http://www.retrak.co/en-gb/home.aspx

UPDATE

Retrak’s manufacturer has kindly responded to the review:

In response to your questions, if someone buys our product and the correct tip is not included, we do send them the correct tip. 

To address your second question, we feel you brought up a good point and we are doing our best at finding a better way to inform our customers.  Because of the difference between wattage in laptops, netbooks, ultrabooks, and mini laptop batteries, we try our best to distinguish our products based on the original battery manufacturer’s wattage.  Generally, this can be found on the original battery or manual for the device.  We know many people do not hold onto these manuals and if someone is purchasing a replacement battery, they might not always have this available.  In this case, this information can be found on the device’s website.  However, as your review and personal experience has pointed out, this might not be enough.  Because of this, we are in the process of updating the computer and FAQ sections of our website to assist consumers in this purchase decision.

It is really good a manufacturer responding so effectively.