From January 2012, a new code of practice will cover those annoying people who come to your door and try and convince you to change your electricity supplier. While that should in theory curtail some of their more irritating habits, our advice remains simple whatever the rulebook says: ignore them. More »
It’s well-known that service providers (like phone and electricity) would rather retain a customer than sign up a new one, and you can use that fact to get a better deal by calling them and threatening to switch providers. You’ll get much better results if you can identify a specific deal and say you’re about to sign up, rather than just generally threatening to switch. More »
newVideoPlayer( {"type":"video","player":"http://www.youtube.com/v/U5lRis2SL3E&hl=en&fs=1&fmt=22","customParams":[] ,"width":500,"height":400,"ratio":0.824,"flashData":"","embedName":null,"objectId":null,"noEmbed":false,"source":"youtube","wrap":true,"agegate":false} );If you find yourself away from home where electricity is scarce but need to keep all your tech charged (you know, for safety reasons), this cheap DIY generator will do the trick. More »
Competition is supposed to have made electricity cheaper for the average consumer, but comparing services can be painful. Web site GoSwitch lets you look at available options and can switch your account automatically if you live in Victoria (site founder Ben Freund explains in an interview with The Australian why the process is fiddlier in other states). The service is free; it works on the same basis as mortgage comparison services, with the company receiving a standard finders’ fee from whichever provider you choose if you change. If you’ve tried out GoSwitch, let us know your experience in the comments. [GoSwitch via The Australian]
The Wired How-To wiki offers a complete guide to staying plugged in while you globe-trot, pointing out this especially bookmark-worthy world electriciy guide, an index to plugs and voltages for dozens of countries around the world.
Gizmodo editor Brian Lam takes his MacBook with him everywhere, but he’s not a big fan of the bulky power cord that accompanies his laptop. Instead, he opts for a slimmer, ungrounded PlayStation power cord. Where the Mac power cord is too thick to easily coil or toss in a bag — and has a ground prong so it’s limited to those types of AC outlets — the PlayStation cord is ostensibly perfect. It fits into the Mac power brick, coils up nice and small and has two prongs. Plus, you can leave your giant Mac cord at your desk back home and don’t have to deal with dust bunnies every time you get ready to go out the door.
You’re not limited to a PlayStation power cord, as any similar cord would fit the bill. Be warned: We’re not electricians, but we generally don’t recommend circumventing the safety of a ground if you can help it. Use this tip at your own risk. Mac Laptop Power Cord Tip [Cool Tools]
