This neat toy is a Power Squid. This is the funky one - you can also get it in all black. Depends on whether you want it to stand out or blend in.
This is a surge protector, and the squidy arms allow you to plug in six devices - if you have large, bulky transformer blocks that need to plug in, go ahead - you don't need to worry about blocking other outlets, which happens in surge protector bars. It also has place to hook in coaxial cable from your tv and places to plug in your phone/fax/modem for dial-up and DSL. . This particular model, the super deluxe, has an 8 foot cord, with a flat rotating plug on the end, so it will fit anywhere. It has 2 illuminated plugs and an audible alarm.
This isn't a battery backup, but is designed to sever the connection in the case of a power surge. It responds in less than a nanosecond, and the company guarantees your connected equipment up to $500,000. I'd much rather replace the Squid than a computer!
I also like the lights on this - one color light for when it needs to be reset, and another color light when the unit has served its purpose and needs to be replaced. Kind of like Equipment for Dummies.
