If you use a MacBook Pro as your regular desktop computer, but also frequently take it out and about, you may find yourself getting annoyed at having to repeatedly disconnect and then reconnect all of its peripheral devices. Additionally, because the laptop’s input/output ports are located along its side, all those sideways-protruding cables can end up adding to the clutter on your desk. That’s why Wisconsin-based tech company Veritas Forge is developing W1PPS (pronounced “whips”) – it contains all of your plugs and cords in one MacBook Pro-matched device.
W1PPS’ upper hub, which is the part that plugs into the side of the computer, incorporates built-in plugs for Ethernet, FireWire, an external monitor, USB (that gets split four ways), mic/line in, and headphones/line out. Because the spacing of these plugs matches the spacing of the ports on the MacBook, the whole hub can be plugged in at once.
The upper hub also features readily-accessible USB and media card ports, along with a front-facing headphone jack.
All of the necessary cords are combined into one rear-mounted fat cable, that runs to the bottom hub – this could be located on the floor, or somewhere else where space and clutter aren’t such big issues. That hub contains the ports that correspond to all of the plugs on the upper hub, and is what all of the peripherals are left permanently plugged into. The cable’s rubber sheath also has a molded slot along one side, which the computer’s MagSafe power cord can be pushed into.
A functioning W1PPS prototype has already been created, and the three partners who make up Veritas Forge are now raising funds on Kickstarter, to take the product to commercial production. A pledge of US$98 will get you one, when and if they’re ready to go.
Source: Kickstarter
