[Deal Cancelled] Bauhn PowerCube Power Board $7.99 @ ALDI 25/3

Moved to Forum: Original Link

UPDATE: Aldi has stated that it won't be available for sale on Saturday. No idea what happened. Maybe they couldn't secure enough stock? Hopefully they bring it back soon. :(

Please note that the Power Cube, previously advertised for sale with these Assorted TV & Phone Accessories, will not be available for sale.


Cheapest price I've seen for a PowerCube. Previous cheapest price was $10 back during the DSE days.

It's a compact version of a power board. Great for travelling too, and you can plug 5 adaptors in without blocking any sockets.

It is a genuine allocacoc PowerCube - if you zoom in to this photo you'll see the powercube branding.

It doesn't look like the version with the built-in USB charger. The charging circuitry in that version is very basic anyway, it only identifies itself as an Apple charger and only provides 2.1A across the two ports. Plugging in a smart QC multi-port charger like this 5-port one would be a better use of the socket it takes up. You can add a duck head adaptor to make it neat.

Available from this Saturday 25th of March.


$7.99 each: Power Cube, 1m USB Lightning Cable, 2m HDMI Cable. Also available in 2m USB to Micro USB Cable, 5m TV Antenna Cable with 2 adaptors, 1.2m Retractable AUX Cable, Single USB Power Adaptor, 2.1A USB Car Charger, In Ear Earphones or 5m Extension Lead.

full catalogue

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ALDI
ALDI

Comments

  • +16

    Nice. Elbows at the ready for the morning of the 25th.

    • +3

      Might also have to use my daughter's elbow, knee pads & bike helmet

      • Why stop there, bring your hammer and cap some knees to create a obstacle and slow down the crowd.

        • +2

          Nah, I am not a violent person. I'll just use smoke bombs :)

        • @51ngh: Tossing flashbang!

        • +3
        • What is this, a Black Friday deal?

        • @bargainparker: That was me trying to get the $149 Xbox One in Leopold. I thought it was opening yesterday and was a bit bummed went I got there to find out it's not until the 23rd.

        • @thebargainhunter:

          SAS is after you. Quick, grab a bargain before they catch you.

        • Best use of shopping trolleys. TWD!

        • @bargainparker: wish every day i own one think park in CBD no problem Think to drive home at end of working day no slow freeways

        • +1

          @nikey2k27:

          Your parking space would be bigger than the house :)

          Some have succeeded in owning a tank, though I think you better have a petrol station lugging behind you :P

    • +27

      His elbows are ready
      Knees weak arms are heavy
      There's vomit on his sweater already
      Moms spaghetti

      He looks nervous but on the surface he looks calm and ready
      To buy cubes, but he keeps on forgetting so set a reminder to on this deal

      • +2

        Set a reminder onto this baby?

  • +1

    dosthis one have the usb ports? my old one does

  • +1

    1m lightning cable sounds interesting. I wonder if it's iOS certified?

    • +5

      Doubt it. Only heard of MFi not iOS :P

  • +2

    Don't think the description means the thing has 5m lead, rather the 5m extension lead also for sale at that price. This is Aldi's copycat of the powercube, hope that the pin can be plugged in tightly as my experience with Aldi powerboards is that they didn't hold the plug very well or hideously difficult to get it plugged in.
    Also for those looking for integrated USB port version, better make sure it can deliver 2amp otherwise it will charge most devices very slowly, not worth sacrificing 1 power point with the slow USB port.

    • +5

      Oh, ok so it might be 1.5m

      This is not a copy. If you zoom in to the photo you will see the PowerCube branding next to the Bauhn brand.

      • Doesn't look like this Bauhn version has the USB ports so may be a cut down version?

        https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/allocacoc-…

        • +2

          Doesn't look like this Bauhn version has the USB ports so may be a cut down version?

          It has always come in usb/no usb versions. I have two of the allocacoc-branded non-usb versions.

        • @eug:

          Thanks

      • -2

        it is a copy, the original is Allocacoc

        • +2

          Ignore

        • +4

          it is a copy, the original is Allocacoc

          It isn't a copy, you can see the PowerCube branding on it. Allocacoc is the manufacturer, PowerCube is the model. ALDI rebranded it which is what they do, but kept the PowerCube name.

        • +1

          @eug:

          It's strange they didn't change the name. It'd be like having a Ford Commodore.

        • +2

          @Stix: Doesn't look like it. I'd rather get the extra power socket and plug in a multi-port charger that supports QC2.0/3.0 though. If you get a duck head adaptor it'll still be nice and neat.

        • +3

          @eug:
          Exactly - Allocacoc sell these unbranded as promotional items that you can get pad printed with your company name on - http://www.quoz.com.au/c/49 - So I am guessing they arranged a bigger deal with Bahn/Aldifor these, I would be 99% certain that its the same product as eug says.

        • +3

          @eug: I once knew a duckhead who had trouble adapting.

        • +15

          @eug:

          Allocacoc is the manufacturer

          Weird company name. I wonder if it's a coincidence that it's 'CocaColla' backwards.

        • @Stix: Blasphemy!

        • @eug: Actually, it looks like it says powercub0…

  • +3

    Please update the title. It doesn't say or show "5m" powercube

  • -1

    I am surprised Allocacoc didn't patent their design

    • +2

      You'll find them all over AliExpress. Allocacoc have licensed them to other brands.

      • Like ROCK which surprisingly has insulated pins.

  • Damn, didn't know these existed. Nice and compact for camping. Thanks Ozbargain

    • +2

      Bought 4 of them for very cheap when Dick Smith was closing down, love them, very practical, take less space and excellent for travelling.

      • +1
        It's an essential these days especially when you travel with ur phones, iPad, cameras etc.

  • I have never used powercubes before, does it charge from a primary power socket?
    Atm my laptop charger doesn't have a usb port and only charges via a power socket. I want my xiaomi powerbank to be able to charge it. is it possible to charge a powercube via usb charger via powerbank which in turn can charge my laptop?

    If there are usb ports, is it possible for me to get a usb 3.0 to usb 3.0 cable to charge the powercube with a power bank or is it one way only?

    • It's a power board in a cube form, the USB port (if this version comes with it) is meant to power your device, not by it.

    • -2

      This is a power board with no USB port.

      Edit: Beaten!

      Also there is no such thing as a 'USB 3.0 to USB 3.0 cable.'

      • -2

        lol Which of the three facts that I wrote merited a neg???

        • +1

          Also there is no such thing as a 'USB 3.0 to USB 3.0 cable.'

          Such things exist. Just do a quick Google to see. Male to Male, Male to female etc.

        • -2

          @Clear: No they don't exist - for many reasons, and you can't walk into a shop and say "I'd like a USB 3.0 to USB 3.0 cable" and expect to get… well, anything.

        • -2

          @Clear: Yes, that's one of the many possibilities of cable you might get if you asked for such a thing.
          Thanks for the help.

          P.S. There also is no such thing as USB 3.0.

        • @McFly: Officially there is USB 3.0. Same with 1.0, 1.1, 2.0, 3.1.

          http://www.usb.org/developers/docs/

        • -1

          @Clear: Again your link proves my point.
          Anyway, here it is from the horse's mouth: http://www.usb.org/developers/docs/documents_archive/

          Enough said.

        • @McFly: You said there is no such thing as USB 3.0. Clearly there is.

        • +1

          @Clear: I believe there WAS a USB 3.0.
          Then they doubled the speed and called that 3.1
          Then to 'simplify' they renamed 3.0 to 3.1 gen 1, and 3.1 to 3.1 gen 2
          https://www.msi.com/blog/usb-3-1-gen1-gen2-explained

        • +1

          @based: That is correct however USB 3.0 is still considered to be the de facto name by a lot of companies and their products. To deny USB 3.0 exists is ludicrous.

        • +1

          @McFly:

          This link literally says

          "USB 3.0 Specification
          Universal Serial Bus 3.0 Specification (.pdf file format, size 32.4 MB) provides the technical details to understand USB 3.0 requirements and design USB 3.0 compatible products. This specification has been superseded by the Universal Serial Bus 3.1 specification and is provided here for reference only."

          What is wrong with you dude?

        • @McFly:

          there is no such thing as a 'USB 3.0 to USB 3.0 cable.'
          There also is no such thing as USB 3.0.

        • -1

          @atolikan: Yes, I know what I said - nothing's changed, it's still correct and will remain so.

        • +2

          Wow -.-

          McFly, are you aware that while what you are saying is technically somewhat correct (due to the deprecation of the USB 3.0 specification), it is actually misinformation and very unhelpful as a response to the person you replied to as well as anyone else following along?

          Saying there is no such thing as a USB 3.0 to USB 3.0 cable is an ambiguous statement as you have not defined USB type (A, B or C) or male/female. Technically it could be considered a correct statement, but it is misinformation because it falsely implies that there is no such thing as a cable that has USB 3 on both ends regardless of type or gender, which is of course completely incorrect, as you can get usb type c male to male cables https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/comsol-usb… as well as usb 3 type a to type b cables (printer style) http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/like/142060311646?chn=ps and usb 3 extension cables as clear posted above.

          A better statement would be to say "The USB 3.0 specification is no longer officially supported". But this has nothing to do with what the OP was asking so is completely redundant.

          You then try to back up your false claim by saying there is no such thing as usb 3.0, again it may be technically true, but it is misleading, just because the usb specifications have been updated and 3.0 superceded, doesn't mean all the old USB 3.0 products and information cease to exist. The specifications have been updated, not wiped from all living records and existence.

          Personally I think you just couldn't handle being called out on an incorrect statement and so doubled down with related facts to support your position so you didn't look stupid, but now you look even more stupid so I dunno maybe there's a lesson there…

        • -1

          @Riczter: Wow indeed.

          while what you are saying is technically somewhat correct (due to the deprecation of the USB 3.0 specification)

          So you agree. There's no somewhat about it.

          it is actually misinformation and very unhelpful as a response to the person you replied to as well as anyone else following along?

          Possibly, which is why I didn't mention it in my initial reply.

          Saying there is no such thing as a USB 3.0 to USB 3.0 cable is an ambiguous statement as you have not defined USB type (A, B or C) or male/female.

          That's exactly my point! It wasn't me who made the ambiguous statement in the first place.

          Technically it could be considered a correct statement

          Again you agree. There's no technically about it.

          You then try to back up your false claim by saying there is no such thing as usb 3.0

          Now it's false again?!

          so doubled down with related facts to support your position

          Every link given below mine (whether posted by myself or others) supports my position.

          but now you look even more stupid

          I'm the only one (other than based) with the facts and who isn't contradicting himself. I can assure you I don't feel - or look - stupid in the slightest.

  • Does this have USB ports?

    • +1

      Probably not. The version with the built-in USB ports don't have a high-powered charger built-in anyway, I think plugging in a multi-port charger that can do QC2/3 would be better. The built-in charger advertises itself as an Apple charger.

    • The two USB outputs from my Powercube from Officeworks are 2.1A each.

      • How did you test?

        The teardown at lygte shows that the outputs are in parallel, hardcoded for Apple, and are 2.1A (hit 2.5A max) for both outputs together. The output is also relatively noisy.

        • I just used a usb meter and a variable load set to draw 2.1A. Ran over an hour and volt remained just over 5.0V during that period. But while each output can deliver 2.1A the combined total output is limited to 2.1A (the output cuts off if this total is exceeded continously).

          OLED USB 3.0 protection instrument meter USB voltmeter ammeter power capacity voltage current mobile power charger white font
          http://s.aliexpress.com/AB36ryIb

          Industrial and Cilvil Grade Electronic Load resistor USB Interface Discharge battery test capacity fan adjustable current 15w
          http://s.aliexpress.com/63MjIn2I

        • @k0ka2: Oh whoops, I just realised what happened. I was distracted when I typed "don't have a high-powered charger built-in". In my mind I was referring to the total combined output power being low, i.e. 10.2W across both usb sockets. The multi-port charger I use can supply 54W of power over its 5 usb sockets.

  • +15

    Fail to see the appeal of power cubes, rather have a regular power board with plugs neatly arranged in a row, than a cube with plugs protruding from all sides.

    • +3

      Its great for mounting under desks or onto surfaces, it comes with a mounting plate.

      • +2

        Yep just like this - refer to photos

        Great idea!

        • And it looks like this when populated.

          I only use mine when travelling as they are tiny and easy to pack.

        • @m9:

          How is it staying upright with the cord underneath?

        • @Scrooge McDuck:

          It's not on the cable face. You waste a plug face.

        • -1

          @Scrooge McDuck:

          Gravity? It sits on whichever face it pleases ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

          On a more serious note it's quite messy really. Looks like a giant dandelion with cords in all direction. I only use it when travelling or else it will drive me crazy just looking at it.

        • +1

          @CVonC:

          I see 5 plugs into it, so which face is it sitting on?

        • @Scrooge McDuck:

          My apologies thought you were referring to the cotd link.

          But yeah it's obviously resting on the cable face being held upright by the other bricks.

      • +1

        it still spreads everywhere.. not neat like a powerboard. and even if you did mount it, you lose one plug.

    • +6

      You can plug 4 adaptors into it without blocking any sockets.
      It's also a bit more compact to pack when travelling.
      Apart from that.. personal tastes I guess!

      • +1
        Also takes up less space in your luggage and knowing ozbargainers, you'll try to squeeze every possible item into your suitcase

        • For USB devices when travelling, I'd go for a Blitzwolf or TronSmart 5 port USB charger, even more compact and no need for the individual chargers.

        • @shuffle1: Sure, I mentioned that in the description. I have other devices to plug in though, like my laptop and camera chargers.

          edit: the comment about the 4 (actually 5) adaptors not blocking each other was separate to the travelling comment. You'd be more likely to have multiple adaptors at home, e.g. modem, router, cordless phone, random IoT device, etc.

    • +1

      I totally agree. It looks neat tho … unplugged. I got something similar for my usb hub. Star shaped with cables protruding in all directions. Its now sitting in a draw.

    • +1

      I've got several of these from dick smith. They allow you to have four of those power bricks all plugged into it. As each plug faces a different way. Whereas a power board you need space between each plug.

    • Great for travelling, takes up less space in a bag than a powerboard.

  • +7

    Got one from BIGW, had it for a week and it was on product recall. Be careful (check the labelling before buying just to check)

    https://www.productsafety.gov.au/system/files/recall/Recall%…

    Mind you it was just another impulse buy I didn't use.

    • +2

      The Powercube rewirable doesn't meet Australian electrical safety requirements…

      Those are the ones with a IEC cable.

      • +2

        Interesting. Probably because the interchangeable pins aren't insulated.

  • +2

    Interesting

    • +2

      Interesting

      • Interesting

        • +1

          Interesting

        • -1

          Boring.

        • @McFly:
          Boring

        • +1

          @tsimop:
          Interesting

        • +3

          @McFly: c-c-c … interesting.

  • Any power surge protector

  • Does anyone know if these include the direct plug, so that it can be plugged in without the extension cord.

    Like the one on top here:
    http://powercube-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Sfeer-RE…

  • +1

    Does this have Australia Ctick certification? Most product I have seen only got CE but not ctick. Worry about home issurance will be affected.

    • Seeing as it's just a rebrand of an existing product that has been sold here for years, and it being sold by a major retailer, I'm pretty sure it will.

  • Is it as good as a genuine allococa one? (Or whatever the hell they're called!)

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