Best products from r/googlehome

Why are you going with the Lenovo instead of the GH Hub? Are you wanting the camera feature? Third party devices aren't kept up to date as well as original devices but if you want the camera featue, the GH Hub isn't for you.

Google Mini, not Dot. Dot is Alexa :)

I have had 110% flawless, drama free operations with my TP-Link smart lights and TP-Link smart outlets. They require NO hub. They set up in seconds and work. YMMV but they don't just work "most of the time" or "pretty good" and I'm not "for the most part" happy. They work ALL of the time, perfectly and I'm extremely satisfied with their products.

I don't have a Nest thermostat. My goal wasn't to buy the "it" product of the moment and I wanted all my info on the screen without having to dial it in. I have this one and it has been almost flawless. The Honeywell servers have been down a couple of times in the year I've had it. But, as with other smart thermostats, you can still operate them manually if the service goes down temporarily.

Honeywell TH9320WF5003 WiFi 9000 Color Touchscreen Thermostat

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G4CIG7M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Can't offer any advice on the TV except to say I've read that Google's Chromecast is a better product than Roku. Have no idea tho.

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I have a lot of different Smart outlets being used around the home. It really depends on what your use is going to be.

For a cheap outlet where space is not an issues, these from KMC have worked well for me. They are pretty dependable even in areas with weak WiFi signal and the energy monitoring is nice for things like air filters or fans.

KMC also makes a nice multi outlet plug. I personally use this to control the multiple led light strips at my garage workbench.

For anything 15A, I would say TP-Link is the way to go. These have been great for me, but the newer HS105 does have a better form factor. I have used these for my garage fridge, windows AC unit, and tools at my workbench. There is an energy monitoring variant as well, the HS110

You may see that there are a ton of the cheap round shaped smart plugs on Amazon and other sites. I have found all of these to be almost exactly the same, no matter what company they come from. They work well enough for simple devices like lamps, but they have tended to have issues in anywhere, but perfect WiFi signal areas.

Let me know if you have any questions on this or any other devices. After a few years of upgrades, I am at over 110 smart devices, so I can tell you what not to get...

Hey all, Im super happy to launch The Fly’s Eye Mini Mount. Its based off our Echo Dot Built in mount which has been very well received for easy installation. I only launch my stuff on Reddit so here we go. Thanks for all of the great support for the Mini Back Pack and Mini USB cover Plate. I am doing the special for 24 hours on this one rather than just the first 100 since I have more on hand.

Here is the link for the demo: https://youtu.be/b4SOG4Ay_04

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Flys-Eye-Built-Mini-Mount/dp/B078Z214QX/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1518208901&sr=8-11&keywords=google+home+mini+built+in+mount

You can also order on our website which does international: www.mountgenie.com

Please let me know if you have any questions!
Charlie!

If you have the kinect, you could have google say "xbox turn on", but I feel like that's silly.

I'm kidding, sorry, I've got to assume you don't have a kinect. I echo others on here, get a harmony hub. There's a bundle on amazon that often goes for far less than the hub by itself - Logitech Harmony Smart Control with Smartphone App and Simple All In One Remote - Black.

I actually got this as a gift for a friend who lost the remote to her tv. I ended up liking it so much that I got two for myself (although for my living room I found a refurbished Elite that's a wonderful remote).

Smartthings is a great, simple way to do this, but it will require buying the hub. Instead of a light bulb, I'd just buy a light switch like this one from GE.

This will allow an easy setup for "Turn on at Sunset and off at sunrise" and will also integrate with Google Home pretty painlessly. May not be the cheapest way to go about it, but it's certainly easy, and it will allow for adding whatever other smart-switches, security sensors, etc. in the future.

I use one of these with ST. I use a single LED bulb with it, and there is no leakage (where the bulb stays very dim when the device reports that it is off).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JFF4RG4/ref=pd_lpo_60_lp_t_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=B2DSVATDP5S4G02RR64P

I have also used the MonoPrice Z-Wave dimmer, and that works fine with my lamps that have multiple bulbs, but on single bulb fixtures it leaks and leaves a dim glow.

Third option, like /u/breakfastbeerz points out, is to use Smart Bulbs. I have GE Link, and those are pretty good. I also have some Lightify Bulbs, and have had some Hue bulbs. The Lightify are just as good as the Hue, but half the price (and work natively with ST). I really like Lightify color bulbs, but the tuneable whites are nice for areas that you dont want or need color.

/u/DavidAg02 answered all the questions. I'll just add to it.

Lights: The Philips Hue Starter Kit would be great because it supports the Google Assistant which works with the Google Home & Homekit which works with Siri. I got the iHome ISP6X Wi-FI Smart Plug for the same reason.

TV: Make sure you keep the Chromecast plugged into the wall if you want it turn the TV on & off. This feature won't work it's plugged into the TV's USB. Also get the 2nd generation.

Speakers: The Google home & Chromecast audio works great together especially if you want multi room support.

There are no SmartThings branded switches. SmartThings is a central hub that is capable of controlling a vast array of third-party smart home devices. When you link it with Google Home, voice commands to the Home will be sent to the SmartThings hub, which will then trigger the smart home device based on how you set it up in the SmartThings app.

For example, you have a smart light switch installed in your kitchen that is labeled "Kitchen Lights" in the SmartThings app. When you say "Hey Google, turn off Kitchen Lights" the SmartThings hub will trigger the smart light switch to the "off" position. No need for smart bulbs, just swap out your current "dumb" light switch for a smart one and you'll be able to control your light fixture.

I personally have several GE 12722 Z-Wave Switches installed in my apartment, which are controlled by SmartThings and Google Home. The light fixtures have regular, run-of-the-mill LED bulbs in them. I issue voice commands like "Turn on/off Kitchen Lights" or "Turn on/off Bedroom Lights" and the switches activate near-instantly. Delay can be measured in milliseconds. Much better than the laggy IFTTT.

Check out the Works with SmartThings page to see the vast multitude of smart home devices that can be controlled by the hub.

Thanks! I'm using this display: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076M399XX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And a Raspberry Pi 3 B+, there are many bundles, I'm using a 32GB micro SD Card but a 16GB should be fine

To setup your Raspberry Pi I recommend this tutorial https://thisdavej.com/beginners-guide-to-installing-node-js-on-a-raspberry-pi/ (setting it up is really simple, but this link goes through a lot, like remote access and installing Node.js)

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The Magic Mirror is also really simple, their official website is https://magicmirror.builders/, but this tutorial is really great, he shows how to setup your Calendar, Spotify, turn the screen, etc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HO326ptdlco

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I have a Smartthings hub. That talks two home control protocols, called Zigbee and Z-Wave. Many manufacturers make dimmers that use one or the other protocol. There are wall switch-types, and in-line "puck" type fan controllers.

Google finds many...

I'm using TP-Link switched outlets to turn amplifiers on and off. They also have a smaller version, but I got the big ones for $20 each, so went with those. The outlets can be controlled directly by a GH or Amazon Echo, and don't depend on the Smartthings hub.

Search Amazon for wifi switches/fan controllers that say "works with Alexa" for products that don't require a smart home hub. A hub provides some additional flexibility and control methods, but there seems to be a move away from hub-dependent approaches. There are arguments for and against both types of devices. Hubs can offer programmable logic (eg. Turn pitch light on when I arrive home, if the sun has set. If nobody else is home, turn on all amps & play White Stripes really loud,) though using 3rd party tools like IFTTT or Tasker can usually accomplish the same things.

I bought one of these for my mini to use in the backyard but I have brought it in the bathroom while I was in the shower and listening to a podcast. I love it and it works great

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DMDMD15/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have a portable JBL speaker that I bring outside which is nice, but if you don’t want to buy something new, then my suggestions are:

1. Use an extension cord.
   
   
2. Get a portable battery for it; https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-KIWI-design-Accessories-Dark/dp/B07DMDMD15/ref=asc_df_B07DMDMD15/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312129973570&hvpos=1o7&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18151238647700118022&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019741&hvtargid=pla-570827320058&psc=1
   
   
3. Get a wall mount like the other guy said; https://www.amazon.com/Outlet-Holder-Space-Saving-Accessories-Assistant/dp/B07B8B1ZSF/ref=asc_df_B07B8B1ZSF/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309750549985&hvpos=1o10&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13200066057260710994&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019741&hvtargid=pla-523365044107&psc=1
   
   There is an in the wall/ceiling mount, but I don’t think it would be the best for having to move it inside during the winter. (https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Built-Google-Home-Mount/dp/B078Z214QX/ref=asc_df_B078Z214QX/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242074892521&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13200066057260710994&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019741&hvtargid=pla-420564720238&psc=1)

You know what sounds better? A real stereo with Chromecast Audio. Buy some real good bookshelf speakers, one of these and a Chromecast Audio. Buy the Google Home or Google Home Mini separately. Better sound than any of these. The amp draws so little power you can leave it on all the time. The audio out of these amps are amazing.

I bought the hub+remote combo used on Amazon for $69.99 . I wasnt sure what to expect because I've never bought anything used on Amazon before, but it was fulfilled by them so I thought I'd give it a try. The box was beat up but I was so happy to open it and see a brand new remote + hub still in the plastic wrapping. Best day ever. I'd suggest going to the link below if your looking for a remote too.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00BQ5RYI4/ref=dp_olp_all_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=all

This one: https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmony-Control-Smartphone-Simple/dp/B00BQ5RYI4

Looks like it's on sale so I'd jump on it. I could almost convince myself to buy a second for another TV in our house at that price.

It's all you need, I never even use our remote anymore. It was lost for a good week or more and I never missed it.

My wife is probably the bigger user, she's usually got the baby in hand and it's very helpful to just be able to say "turn on ABC" or "turn the TV up."

In the states we're allowed to have plug receptacles at or near the sink/vanity, but they have to be GFCI (ground fault circuit interruptor) protected. Basically it cuts power if there's a short.

I'm using the dot genie backpack: Dot Genie Google Home Mini Backpack: The Simplest and Cleanest Outlet Wall Mount Hanger Stand for Home Mini Voice Assistants by Google - No Cord Wrapping Required - Designed in USA (White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078JNBMDG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2YSuDbHCRWQSY

It's pretty great. Gets rid of the cable mess, and actually makes the mini portable, this one goes between the kitchen and bathroom based on need. And it actually surprisingly sounds better in that mount than sitting on a flat surface.

So, basically you're looking for something like this, but one that works with Google home? So far I haven't found an ir blaster compatible with GH besides the harmony hub, so let me know if you find one :)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FK2SDOC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_YMYgAbFH4HWH5

This looks great and the design is better than their other models because it is more versatile... but this model doesn't come with the little USB cable that you power your google home with... this is the one that comes with the little USB cord:

https://www.amazon.com/Mount-Genie-Smart-Outlet-Shelf/dp/B0791KKKKB

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I really want the USB cord because my outlet has usb ports but I cannot figure out where to get that little usb cable on its own. Anyone have any ideas? Or anyone from Mount Genie around that can help out? You can see the little usb cable in this image:

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https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91RpjVMQy3L._SL1500_.jpg

I would highly recommend the Micca bookshelf speakers

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B009IUIV4A/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483218684&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=bookshelf+speakers&dpPl=1&dpID=515pxM5mGPL&ref=plSrch

Or the Dayton Audio bookshelf speakers

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002RMPHMU/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1483218684&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=bookshelf+speakers&dpPl=1&dpID=41h2GNNeZmL&ref=plSrch

With a small amp

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ULRFQ1A/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1483218848&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=turntable+amplifier&dpPl=1&dpID=41phZQk-zFL&ref=plSrch

I have used all of them with my Chromecast Audio. They sound great.

great thanks, is this the one? https://www.amazon.ca/TP-Link-Required-Anywhere-Assistant-HS105/dp/B01K1JVZOE/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1542196857&sr=8-5&keywords=Tp+link

Yes, it helps. You could just as well plug something like this into an outlet. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JFF4RG4/ref=pd_lpo_60_lp_t_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=785TVZQTG3NA6RMN08QY

And then plug a dumb power strip into the outlet, and all of your lights into the power strip. On/off/dim would be conrolled by the smart outlet and feed to everything else. Note however, the limitations on wattage, 100w for CFL/LED 300w for incandescents. If you have 6 60w incandescent bulbs, it won't work.

That seems like an awesome price for that starter kit. Where did you find that?
https://www.amazon.com/Philips-Starter-Compatible-HomeKit-Assistant/dp/B07354SP1C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1512074459&sr=8-2&keywords=hue+starter+kit

Is that the kit you bought?

You want a bridge, not a repeater - a repeater wouldn't help. You need something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Wireless-Travel-Extender-TL-WR802N/dp/B00TQEX8BO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1480305232&sr=8-4&keywords=wifi+bridge

You create a wifi network with this, and join your Google Home and phone to that. Then have he bridge join your dorm's wifi network. This creates a wifi network that only you and your Home see.

Bought 2 of these. Like them the best:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H5VR672/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So slick, they should have been OEM.

I wanted something like that and settled on a GHome Mini Outlet Mount:

https://www.amazon.com/Dot-Genie-Google-Home-Backpack/dp/B078JNBMDG/

Works great.

TP-Link N300 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router - WiFi Bridge/Range Extender/Access Point/Client Modes, Mobile in Pocket(TL-WR802N) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TQEX8BO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_f1Y3BbX91J5NC

This is what you will want. You can tell it to connect to your apartment's Wi-Fi with it and then set your own hot spot up with your own password. Put the chromecast, home and any other device you want private on there. I have one for a similar situation and it works great! 👍

I really like the Chomecast Audios
I use them with these amps
and these speakers 1 2
All work really well together

AFAIK, the only way that you can "turn on" the PS4 via harmony is by using HDMI-CEC to wake it from a sleep state when its input is selected. That's not the same thing as powering it on from an off state, and while you can also cause the PS4 to sleep if another input is selected, that's not the same thing as powering it off.

There was eventually a $30 hardware accessory that allowed the PS4 to receive IR signals, including power on and off.

If something has changed I'd be very interested to know.

Not who you were responding to, but this is the one I use. I always forget how to set it up but once I get it going it's great.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TQEX8BO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_iLXZBb4PYJ8TC

I have two of these and they work perfectly. You can still use the other outlet with them.

The Mini Back Pack: The First Simplest and Cleanest High-End Outlet Wall Mount Hanger Stand for Home Mini Voice Assistants by Google - Designed in USA (White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078JNBMDG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FsF7AbB9XRG51

Thanks. A y idea what the difference is between this one:

TP-Link Smart Plug Mini (1-Pack) -- No Hub Required, Wi-Fi, Control your Devices from Anywhere, Occupies Only One Socket, Works with Alexa and Google Assistant (HS105) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01K1JVZOE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ArH8BbBSSHS63

And this one:


TP-Link Smart Plug (1-Pack) -- No Hub Required, Wi-Fi, Control your Devices from Anywhere, Works with Alexa and Google Assistant (HS100) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0178IC734/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_4rH8BbM5AM3S2

There are third party wall mount kits that go right into the drywall. They look pretty nice but you’d have to run the power through the wall to an outlet.

I've ordered this PDP IR receiver that's supposed to allow you to turn the PS4 on and use media controls, once it comes in I'm hoping it'll work.

Not true if you get this. Works flawlessly. I love it,

https://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-Receiver-Logitech-Harmony-Control-4/dp/B01K3VMBM0

I use this thing to do that.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FK2SDOC?aaxitk=DXYaNxrtGmCVdvWwqzcjqQ&pd_rd_i=B01FK2SDOC&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=3ff6092e-8451-438b-8278-7e94064b4d42&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_i=ir+controller&hsa_cr_id=5850900170001&sb-ci-n=productDescription&sb-ci-v=BroadLink%20IR%20Control%20Hub%20Works%20with%20Amazon%20Alexa%2C%20RM%20Mini3%20Smart%20Home%20Wi-Fi%20Enabled%20Infrared%20Universal%20Remote%20Control%2C%20One%20for%20All%20Control%20(%20Black%20Bean%20RMMINI3-EN%20)

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The app isn't great but once you get it dialed in its good. You program each remote function and then create a scene where it hits the xbox button, up then ok. I even have the google assistant say "starting xbox self destruct sequence" when I start it.

Check out the "dot genie mini backpack" outlet mount. It's fantastic.

https://www.amazon.com/Dot-Genie-Google-Home-Backpack/dp/B078JZFBBK/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1543515922&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=google%2Bmini%2Bbackpack&dpPl=1&dpID=41moq-ZWFZL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

Totally agree. If I had known the cord was white, I’d wouldn’t have bought it. I ended up buying this...https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078JZFBBK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Lots of public networks don't allow intra-network comms between devices -- so you can't have your phone talk to your Home, your Home talk to a Cast, etc. Makes setup for IoT stuff really hard. One solution is to get yourself a wifi to wifi router like this:

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Wireless-Travel-Extender-TL-WR802N/dp/B00TQEX8BO

which you can have log in once to the network (set it to use your laptop's mac, then log in from the laptop), and then all your devices are NAT'd behind it.

I carry one of these as standard kit in my work bag because it also lets me get around 'only one device for $15/day' crappy wifi in hotels. :)

I've been thinking I may just buy a switch like this GE Z-Wave Wireless Switch and call it a day

Broadlink RM Mini can controller anything that uses infared like the TV or A/C.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FK2SDOC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IOLWDbWRTCWBG

I like this design better.

https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Back-Pack-Simplest-Assistants/dp/B078JNBMDG

I like this guy for my kitchen with white subway tile backsplash.

There are a bunch of mounts/shelves built for google home minis.

Something like this for example.

I’m not aware of any purpose built units or anything thats not kind of hacky though.

Am I able to buy this and the short USB cords like in this listing:

https://www.amazon.com/Mount-Genie-Smart-Outlet-Shelf/dp/B0791KKKKB/

I have three of these and they work great: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01K1JVZOE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I received these last night but haven't had a chance to try them out yet: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B078M9MJ4W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here are some ways to mount a Google home on the wall or celing. There are many more just look on Amazon:

Dock Socket: Light Socket Mount for Google Home Mini https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C687FP9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yxm7CbE7H6G9T

The Simple Built-in Google Home Mini Mount: Custom Built-in Wall or Ceiling Mount Holder for Home Mini Voice Assistants by Google - Designed in The USA by Mount Genie (1-Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078Z214QX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Tvm7CbJYZB4PG

360 Electrical 360579 PowerClip Outlet Mount for Google Home Mini - Google Plug-in Bracket Stand Holder Case, for Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom, Living Room, Office, Charcoal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H5VR672/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fwm7CbBVJTSZA

On sale again, but $70 this time.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BQ5RYI4/

It's also on Amazon for the same price..

Not at that price but... https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B078JNBMDG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The Mini Back Pack: The First Simplest and Cleanest High-End Outlet Wall Mount Hanger Stand for Home Mini Voice Assistants by Google - Designed in USA by Dot Genie (White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078JNBMDG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_D8zVAb90YH6M7

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078JNBMDG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Dot-Genie-Google-Home-Backpack/dp/B078JNBMDG/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1543541911&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=google+mini+backpack&dpPl=1&dpID=51-9ZdmIrJL&ref=plSrch

I picked this up and love it. Full access to the lower plug and with the speaker facing out I have no problems with the speaker hearing my voice from a distance. I use it in my kitchen.

Can you link the mounts your company is using? I mount my mini's directly to the outlet with a Dot Genie mount and it can be swiveled so the mount completely blocks access to the mic button. You could use adhesive between the mount and the speaker to make this permanent.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078JZFBBK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_lG3RCbF2ZNREN

https://www.amazon.com/Dock-Socket-Light-Mount-Google/dp/B07C687FP9

Or you can just use a battery base for the Mini if you got no outlets available for it.

GHM Battery Base

I'd buy it right now. $58 is the lowest I've seen.