USB cable chargers, how do they work?

[alriclam]

I own one of those mini sync/charger cables, specifically the Boxwave one. Recently, I was wondering if these are safe for my iQue, because I'm not sure what voltage/current the usb port puts out on my computer, and I don't think there is a voltage regulator in the cable, at least I doubt there is when looking at the cable. Anyone know if these are okay to use?

Thanks

Al

[apersson850]

They work, but the USB port may have trouble supplying the necessary power to really charge your iQue.

Turning display backlight off makes it work better.
Turning the iQue off completely is even better, of course.

[jonasolof]

Specs for USB say 5 v out max 500 mA.

V OK, mA possibly too low unless you dim or turn off. Probably depends on the individual laptop also.

[apersson850]

I tried one such cable. It refused to sync when charging, since the USB voltage dropped too low for that to work. I tried disconnecting the charger wire, and then it synced. No more charging, of course.
Then I put it back and found that if the batteries were well charged, and you turned backlight off, then it would sync. Required a flashlight for me to see what I was doing, though. Ambient light conditions may vary, of course.

[alriclam]

Okay, so it looks like voltages match right out of the usb port, which is good. My Boxwave seems to work in both charging and syncing with my iBook, so I guess it depends on the computer. Thanks guys

al

[TKinNY]

I've been using Palm's USB/charger cable since August, with no problems. In fact it's the only cable I use, other than the auto nav kit. The original Garmin cradle and AC adapter have been put away, which freed up some square footage on my desk. I also use the cable on my laptop when travelling.

One word of advice. Always plug this kind of cable directly into a USB port on the computer and not into a hub.

[Qyd]

I'm using the same Boxwave usb charger, and it works just fine for charging and hotsync.
so while on the road i don't need the charger cable, and sync's are so much faster compared to IR.

[alexcue]

just to add my 2 cents. I've used the boxwave USB cable with no problems charging/syncing problems. I don't really like the fit of the UC connector tho, as it sometimes pops out too easily.

I've been using a APC usb cable that you can get for their charging briefcase and that thing is great. It never pops off and can be used with my TT and the iQue without a hitch.

The other nice thing is that the charger in the TravelPower case has a USB connector on it so charging my phone and the iQue at the same time is not a problem.