I live in a small old house, so there are never enough walls. The builders of the 1980s could never have predicted that someday working from home with a desk would look like something out of NASA's mission control. So anything that can increase my plugin power is welcome. For example, this mini surge protector with extra USB power, Under ten bucks today on Amazon.

It's not the kind of thing that can power my main desk by itself, but it's great for adding some extra power to a small space like behind my TV. In addition to the six standard AC outlets, you get two USB-A ports and one USB-C port, though at 2.1 amps from all three they won't power a large laptop.

Note that this isn't just a cheap outlet extender, it's rated for 1800 joules of protection. This should be enough to protect your laptop and a bunch of mobile gear from a direct lightning strike at your home. It also has extra-wide spacing on the outlets, perfect for odd-shaped plugs and “wall warts.”

Normally $15.99, the gadget is on sale for a generous 38 percent off in a “limited-time deal,” bringing the sticker price down to just $9.99. You can click the checkmark coupon on Amazon for an additional 5 percent off, bringing the final checkout price to $9.49. Grab a few of these if you want…just don't use Amazon's 2-pack in the original listing, which is more expensive.

Get a 6 outlet surge protector with USB ports for under $10.