This product is essentially a spring loaded USB cable with adapters. The key to it's usability is determining whether the adapters are appropriate for your proposed uses. I was looking for a cable end to fit an HTC Android phone. Unfortunately the end in question seems to go my names that are not entirely industry standard and did not come with this adapter kit.
The spring loaded cable itself works well and I'm using it with other adapter ends and am pleased with it's function. Philips SWR1249/17 Retractable USB 2.0 Adapter Kit
The Phillips set of USB adapters is exactly what I needed for charging items in my car. The pouch has a space for each part, and is small and sturdy. It should fit easily in my car's glove box. I haven't tried them out yet, as I just received them, and my car has been loaned-out. I can't tell you how durable they are. My only complaint so far is that the material in the kit that holds the parts in place is very smelly, so much so that I may have to throw it out. I'll let you know when I know how durable they are, and if the smell lessens over time.
Bought this for the retractable cable and some of the adapters. Adapters are OK. I thought the cable looked a little light weight, but figured it was needed to keep the retractable small and for its operation (cable is also flat). After using it a few times the retractable quit working. When you would pull out the cable it would not hold in place. Took unit apart and using the cable as is. The cable also does not have any relief going into the USB plugs. With the cable being light weight and flat, the wires will probably not last long from use.
Be warned! This kit does not contain *any* real micro-usb adapters. The box claims that there are two of them, but they are both bizarre proprietary things that will not function as standard micro-usb adapters. I bought this kit so that I could charge my micro-usb phone, but it is not useful for that purpose.
Useful set of USB connectors. I've got my doubts as to the durability of the wound up wires over the long term (this applies to this type of connector in general, not to this specific set). Philips gear, in general, is top notch (I used to work for a subsidiary, in my dim-and-distant past, and I can say from experience that this was the case back-in-the-day, and, as far as I can tell from recent purchases, mostly of electronic gear, it still applies).
The kit is housed in a drawstring bag (not IMHO adequate protection) which could certainly be improved upon (seems a shame to build a good product then house it in inadequate protection - but it does seem to be the way of the world these days; Philips is no exception, but they OUGHT to be).
While the cable and adapters are fine for data transfer on most devices I tested them on, they are wholly inadequate for power/charging. Although this product description is vague on this point, I was really expecting a higher level of product from Philips. As it is, this makes the cable and adapters sub-par as a replacement for fully functional cables and/or adapters. Unless you have very modest needs or have space in your bag for two sets of cables/adapters, I recommend to keep looking and find a more robust solution.
With all the gadgetry we have this is a great little kit. Couple this with a Cigarette Lighter USB adapter in the car and you're good to go with all your portables. I love anything with a retractable cord and that takes up almost no storage space. - Computer - Mini Usb To Micro Usb Adapters - Retractable - Micro Usb'
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