Two lower-priced models, the Surge 3000 ($69.95) and the Surge 1000 ($54.95), scheduled for release later this year, lack a few features of the Calamari, such as the audible alarm and lighted outlets, and the cheapest model has a lower joule rating (1,080) and a 6-foot-long power cord.

Of course, the squid isn't the only fish in the sea that can tackle the problem. Type "power strip liberator" into any search engine, and you'll come up with a variety of extender options.

Some are sold as a set of five short cords with plugs at both ends. They get the boxy transformers up off the strip, basically freeing the outlet from the box. Annoyance solved for around $10.

There's certainly no shortage of surge protectors out there with spaced outlets to do away with the waste problem. But I cheaped out and plugged in a five-pack of extenders made by Ziotek and instantly recovered the outlets in the aforementioned power strip. The 14-in., three-prong extenders may be low tech, but they worked like a charm.

Those plugs that fall behind your desk