Hotsync/Charging Cable

[mhamann]

My understanding is that you cannot use a Tungsten E with any type of Cradle? Assuming this is true, does the handheld charge and sync through one cable or are there two cables?

Also, does someone know NEAR exact battery life? I know it's been discussed a little.

Thanks.

[chris-cogan]

There is a separate adapter for charging the E. Both it and the USB cord plug into the bottom. Let's hope and pray they develop a cradle that combines the mini-USB port and the charger, because the last thing I need by my computer is 2 more loose wires always laying around. As for battery life, there have been a few posts from people with defective batteries and horrible battery life. I didn't have that experience. I didn't use my palm much over the last 3 days, didn't plug it in at all, and today the battery was at 87%. So it looks like the life is similar to many cellphones. The thing I found that runs the batteries down the most is reading e-books, because of the screen lighting. Using the MP3 feature with RealPlayer doesn't use much because after a set amount of time, the player runs with the screen turned off. Other than the plug configuration (minor inconvenience), it's too bad they didn't stay with the form factor for the 500 series, not because there's anything wrong with this format, but most stores just don't carry accessores for the E yet. I couldn't find a hard cover locally, and the cheesy fake leather slide-in flap cover is really poor. The PDA itself is very solid, they just really looked to save money on the little extras. Then again, for the difference in price between this and the T3, I can learn to live with them. ; )

[Javoedge]

If you have a moment please check out ********'s Retractable sync-charge cable for TE, JavoSync (http://www.********.com/simtrix/productMtce/productDetail.do?state=init&productId=84&productRef=PSYN-11128-01&category=SYNC_CABLE)

It's a new released item that allows you to sync and charge at the same time.

Thanks for your time and consideration.

- ******** | www.********.com

[chris-cogan]

Good idea, but I have to ask, if you were going to combine the cables, why not make a single plastic boot for the two cable ends, so you could plug them both in at the same time? It seems to me that this would be the same approach you'd need to take if you were to make a cradle.

[silli valley]

When using the USB cable, the T|E (trickle) charges, seeming to max out at about 50mA by my measurements, and dropping very low when the T|E is fully charged (and turned off).

I've built an adapter to trickle charge the T|E from a 9-volt battery, which works when I'm away from other power sources. (Consisting of a chopped-up usb cable, a LM2931 5-volt regulator, a tantalum cap, and a 9-volt battery clip. Add hot glue and heat shrink tubing to taste.)

A good source of cables -- Cyberguys.com has the 5 pin USB mini-B cable for around $3. They also have a cigarette-lighter adapter that provides 5 volts so you can (trickle) charge using the USB cable.

I took a look at the retractable cable and it raises questions -- the AC adapter supplied by Palm (and I agree it's a BIG MISTAKE not having those available) puts out 5.5 volts. USB is 5 volts. That's a fairly hefty difference. I haven't made current/voltage measurements on the output of the AC adapter yet.

cheers-