On the Web ...
Mike Hagen – Out There Images, Inc. – April 2011 Newsletter ... The third product I tested were the JerkStoppers. These incredibly handy devices secure your cables to your computer and to your camera body. JerkStoppers come in all shapes and sizes for different cable types such as Ethernet, Firewire, and telephone, but the ones I used were for USB connections. Again, the genius of the product lies in its simplicity. JerkStoppers plug into an open USB port on the computer, while the other side has a plastic clamp that grabs the USB cable. If someone accidentally yanks on the cable, then the force is transferred to the frame of your computer, rather than the cable itself.
Laptop Advisor ... I wish I had heard about this product 4 months ago because then would I not have to spend close to $100 replacing my laptops power cord (I don't have a Mac...duh!!). Anyways the idea of JerkStopper is to prevent non-Mac users from accidentally destroying their computer or its cord if they should accidentally step on the power cord or any such accident.
CrunchGear .... Of all the laptops I've owned over the years – at least a dozen or so – I'm proud to say that I've never, ever dropped one of them or violently yanked an AC adapter out of its port. I realize, though, that I'm in a very small minority and that it's also only a matter of time before some sort of laptop catastrophe is brought about by my own human error.
If you've had bad luck with laptop power cords and you don't own a fancy “Mac” with its magical “magnetic” power cord, perhaps you'd be in the market for a $10 device called the JerkStopper that'll work with your current laptop. It doesn't stop human jerks, though, ROFL!
The idea is actually very simple, consisting of a two-part clip that snaps into an open USB port, Ethernet port, or RJ11 modem port on the side of your laptop. Now, granted, if you tug hard enough, you could still rip even the JerkStopper out of whatever port it's clipped into, but it should work well for preventing the cord from being kicked out by your self-absorbed toddler or your oblivious dog. Psssh, toddlers and dogs – no respect for handling laptops carefully.
UberGizmo ..... No ladies - this JerkStopper is not a device that stops the human variety, but is actually a 2-part clip that snaps into an open port (be it USB, Ethernet or even RJ11), preventing your connector from snapping in half just in case you trip into a long wire that is connected to the said port. Considering the package costs $9.95 (comprises of USB, Ethernet and RJ11 clips), it is but a cheap investment compared to purchasing a whole new cable whenever it gets ripped off by accident.
Dragon Steel Mods ..... Have you ever forgotten your laptop was plugged in and started to walk away with it? That's a stupid question really, because everyone who has a laptop has done it at least once. Today I've got the JerkStopper Cable Retention Device for review, it's a very simple and useful product that will protect the AC Adapter on your laptop from possible damage when accidentally pulling or tugging on it.
The JerkStopper works by utilizing a free USB, RJ11 or RJ45 port, it's two pieces that clip together to lock your AC adapter cable in place, so if you do accidentally move your laptop while it's still plugged in the force of the action is taken by the JerkStopper instead of your adapter's plug. What's nice it that you can use it for other cables as well like phone, USB or ethernet
GIZMAG. . . . The weakest link in the hardware chain bringing charge to your laptop is usually the power cord input - anyone who has ever damaged the connection and been left with spontaneous power-downs, or with a cord that only functions on a specific angle, will be familiar with this problem. This simple and affordable Cable Retention Device (CRD) from Jerkstopper is aimed at protecting this weak spot by providing an extra stay and reducing the likelihood of accidental - and expensive - bumps to the power cord.
Photography Gadgets . . . Field Tested: JerkStopper - Macbook users have the MagSafe adapters, PC notebook users have… the Jerkstopper . If you are worried about ripping the power cord violently from your notebook, thus damaging your notebook's power plug and possibly more, the Jerkstopper is the right product for you.
Each order comes with three plugs — one each for USB, modem and network ports. Installation is easy — put the plug into the desired port, slide the end part to the side, align the cable with the plugged in part and push the end part back. Very easy, takes less than a minute.
Once installed, the device does exactly what it's supposed to do — it keeps your power cable in place. We tried to jerk it off, but it was impossible to do.
SMALL BUSINESS TECH . . . The JerkStopper is a simple solution for a problem that should not even exist. The goal of the JerkStopper is to limit the damage to power plugs in notebook computers. I have seen many notebook computers with power plug damage due to someone tripping over a power cord and ripping the outlet from the computer. Most of the time the damage is extensive because manufacturers generally directly solder the plug to the computer main board.
GADGETSPY. . . Laptop users have probably experienced the annoyance of knocking the power cable out once in a while. Who would have thought a small, simple piece of plastic could solve the problem? The JerkStopper is a simple but incredibly well built solution - it feels solid and does the job. What else can you say about a small bit of black plastic?
GETUSB.INFO . . . Have you stumbled across your laptop power cord while it was lying on the floor, jerking your computer off the desk? I have, and although no damage was done to my laptop, it did loosen my power connector inside the computer. If you are one of those unlucky ones who did some damage, chances are you spent between $100 and $200 for getting the power connector fixed. Ouch.
EXPERIENCE MOBILITY . . . . JERKSTOPPER ... It's a good idea. Check out this little item and see if this is something that you might need to save that laptop power connector from being damaged. It's a great idea!
78g's Podculture As I See It ... On the Daily Giz Whiz episode 507, Leo Laporte showcased the JerkStopper. It looks like a great way to keep the AC power connector from getting damaged because of tugging on the power chord. My wife and I had to throw away a laptop a few years ago because the power connector broke. Note: We tried everything!?! At the time the laptop was worth about a thousand dollars. The connector was worth less than fifty cents. We lost the expensive laptop because of a silly fifty cent piece of hardware. Grrr! I am definitely going to buy one of these JerkStoppers gizmos soon for our new laptops. Thanks Leo and Dick for a great suggestion. 78g.
FIXMYJACK.COM's BLOGSPOT . . . This very basic, inexpensive tool, can save you hundreds. FixMyJack.com has tested this item under several conditions, and it has in fact proven itself to be effective at drastically reducing, and stopping potential dc jack damage. Its purpose is simply, added, extra support. Its like a little hand holding onto the ac cable at all times. We give this product a Five Star rating.
ENGADGET . . . Someone knows your darkest fears, your deepest regrets, your most painful memories... and they know they're all related to your power cord being yanked violently out of your laptop.
WIRED BLOG NETWORK . . . . The JerkStopper clamps a notebook power cable to another port (USB, ethernet or modem) in order to stop the power plug from jiggling. It's a nice idea if you have a dodgy connection and find yourself twisting and turning a broken power cord just to let the juice flow through.
BUZZTRACKER. . . . Well thankfully, that someone has taken the law into their own hands, and is attempting to halt further infractions against your personage and / or computers.
ACCESS ON MAIN STREET . . . We can think of several functions we'd like a product called JerkStopper to perform, but we'll happily settle for the real one: preventing laptop power cables from accidentally being yanked out. This nifty solution from Damage Control Products will be great for people who may inadvertantly have problems due to spasticity, running over cords with wheelchairs, or basic klutziness.
Apple Owners ...
Listen to what Leo LaPorte "The Tech Guy" says about using the JerkStopper ™ on his Magsafe equipped Mac.
"They (the Magsafe) fall off, it pops out when your just sitting with the thing, it just kinda falls off. I use it (the JerkStopper) on my laptop all the time."
This is a very clever device...
"It really works!"
Daily Giz Wiz 507: JerkStopper™
Hosts: Dick DeBartolo , Leo Laporte
Chris Pirillo talks about the JerkStopper™
See the Chris Pirillo video at YouTube
See the JerkStopper™ commercial in better Quality at YouTube
Copyright © 2008, JerkStopper is a trademark of Damage Control Products LLC
Good Guy Links
Laptop & Notebook Repair Guides
Almost "In Real Time" ...
June 2011
Shutterbug names the JerkStopper ™ a "must-have accessory"
May 2011
JerkStopper™ Quick Clip added to product line. Pefect for cable organization.
April 2011
Mike Hagen - Out There Images latest newsletter features Tether Tools & JerkStopper ™ Products. Thanks Mike!
Another huge order of JerkStoppers shipped to Tether Tools.
Mar 8, 2011
WOW ... Check out Pages 56 & 58 of the April Issue of Shutterbug magazine ... An excellent product review of the JerkStopper & Tether Tools products. A big "Thanks" to Joe Farace.
March 5, 2011
Canadian Distributor for JerkStopper products announced and Canadian website goes 'live".
November 2010
JerkStopper Kits shipped to Australia for Cummins Business Services - South Pacific
Tether Tools® Introduces JerkStopper®Tethering Kit Press Release
October 2010
Micro-Center Stores & Cummins JerkStopper orders shipped
September 2010
JerkStopper components featured in Tether Tools Video Product Review by Scott Bourne (Photofocus.com)
JerkStopper components featured in excellent Tether Tools Aero product review video from Mark Wallace at Adorama.
Another 1,000 JerkStopper Laptop Safety Kits shipped to Cummins Inc .
August 2010
4,000+ JerkStopper Laptop Safety Kits and components shipped to Cummins Inc .
July 2010
1st PO received from MoreDirect, Boca Raton based industry-leading IT solutions provider of IT hardware, software & services.
June 2010
1st JerkStopper™ Quick Release Photo Lanyard & JerkStopper™ products order shipped to TetherTools .
"JerkStopper Products" page updated to reflect new SKUs available in the JerkStopper™ line retention devices.
May 2010
JerkStopper™ Quick Release Photo Lanyard prototype accepted by TetherTools in Scottsdale, Arizona.
December 2009
Fry's Electronics orders the JerkStopper Laptop Safety kit for all 35 stores.
May 2009
US Patent No. 7,537,477 issued for the JerkStopper™
JerkStopper™ UK Website "goes live".
UK Magazine " Computer Shopper " does a review of the JerkStopper™ Laptop Safety Kit.
Micro Center receives first JerkStopper™ orders.
March 2009
Navarre & Deep-Discount online.com also add 4 SKUs from the JerkStopper™ line.
March 2009 - PCMall.com, Compumusic.com, Onsale.com, PCMallGov.com, MacMall.com add the JerkStopper™ line
January 2009
After extensive field testing, Network Engines Inc starts using JerkStopper™ products.
December 2008
Toronto based Resonant Medical starts using surface mount JerkStopper™ products.
March 2008
SupportLounge.com is appointed UK Distributor for JerkStopper™ Cable Retention kits.
February 2008
Mad Magazine's Dick DeBartolo (The Giz Wiz) & "The Tech Guy" Leo Laporte talk about the JerkStopper™ . (Daily Giz Wiz 507)
January 2008
Chris Pirillo (Lockergnome) does a video show on the JerkStopper™.
Wired Blog Network reviews the JerkStopper™
Tech blog Engadget notices the JerkStopper
JerkStopper™ website goes "live"
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