Two problems keep me from rating this very inexpensive car USB charger higher:
1. The charger that I received doesn't appear to be the same charger pictured on the product description. (eg., completely different molded body, glass tube fuse instead of plastic-encased fuse.)
2. It won't charge my iPhone properly. After some testing with a multimeter, it seems the output is close to 6 VDC, despite being labeled as 5 VDC +/- 5%, which would be a max. voltage of 5.25 VDC.
Overall, it's not worthless. Other less sensitive USB-powered products may be able to be charged by this. Eforcity's Universal USB Car Charger Adapter
I bought two of these, both fell apart (literally) within several weeks of infrequent use. Even when they worked, they never worked reliably and required connstant twisting and turning and pushing to get a connection. The whole thing looked like they were put together by a child (no, I'm just talking figuratively and not implying what you think I'm implying about Chinese labor, which is a whole different issue). A gentle squeeze, the thing goes squeaky and shaky. Unlike most other car adapters, this one doesn't have a snugly fit into the cigarette lighter. It is just so wobbly everywhere. Avoid such low quality products to keep your life sane.
An update: I subsequently purchased a few Universal Mini USB Car Charger Adapters offered by Eforcity (search Amazon or eBay). What a difference. The Universal Mini USB Car Charger Adapters is exactly what this product should be made alike. Solid, compact, and reliable. Both are inexpensive Chinese made products, but one is total junk and other a gem.
This device works as expected - no issues at all.
I do think the body is bigger than it should be, and can be reduced by 50% or more, with essentially a "stub" containing the USB port.
Still this is priced right and works.
Pro:
-Works well with many devices
-Snugly fits in the cigarette lighter
-Light tells you if you have power
-GREAT PRICE!!!
-Although slightly bulky, it's great that it has no cord of it's own. When traveling I would be bringing my spare 3715WW Tungsten 5 cable (see my other review) anyway, so there's less tangly mess to deal with
Con:
-Slightly bulky... for it's size I think that it could have 2 connections so that 2 devices could be powered/recharged at one time
Bottom line: Highly recommended.
This thing works fine for charging my zune, but if I'm playing music while getting power from this, it puts a lot of noise into the signal. Enough noise to make me throw this thing away. If all you need it for is USB power without playing music, it'll work fine.
Pros: Inexpensive and eforcity is quick to ship. Fuse, easy to disassemble(easy to modify to work with new iPhone 3G/Samsung Moment/Rant). Works to charge a lot of USB connected devices(Phones,PDA,older iPods,Bluetooth wireless adapters, etc...).
Cons: Not compatible with all Phones or newer iPods. BUT there is a solution that requires soldering and two 100k Radio$hack resistors.
Overall impression: Good deal, decent build quality, easy to take apart to "fix/modify it" to get it working with newer iPods/iphones/cell phones.
Use this search term in google to find out how to modify this charger to work with a iPhone 3G/Nano 5th G
"iphone 3g USB Cigarette Lighter Socket Charger"
I got this device mainly so I can charge my iPhone with it. first time it worked great but then other time a message would appear on the iPhone saying that this device is not meant to work with the iPhone. It takes a few tries for it to charge. As this is mainly Apple's fault for creating more problems than solutions when working with products they do not sell them selves, I feel the manufacture of this charger should have placed a comment saying "May not work with apple products". In any case, with the rest of the products it works. fairly simple to use and does not weight much.
I should have read the reviews ! I SPECIFICALLY ordered this model (actually 3 of them!) BECAUSE the picture showed it had an easily accessed External fuse (mini-automotive style) - JUST like the model I bought from Harbor Freight for $3 (and then lost). I did try (for only a minute) to charge my LG EnV Touch using this - and the ORIGINAL USB cable that came with the phone, and it worked OK. I have not yet measured the output voltage, or checked the regulation. IF voltage is within 5%, and regulation is smooth, I will be happy, in spite of the lack of fuse. IF NOT, then I should have spent the $10 (3 units, including shipping) at Harbor Freight, or another Amazon vendor ... (update 8 Oct 2009) (1) I finally put a voltmeter on the output of this (not under load, just cut an old spare USB cable in half to get at the power wires), and measured the output to be 5.25 volts (within 5% of rated output). So, that is a GOOD thing, since other reviewers said some of the units they received output 6 volts (which could overheat or damage some devices). SO ... IF you get the same exact model I did, then hopefully they have the same voltage regulator chip inside, and it will work well for you. - Pda Car Charger - Ipod Charger - Cell Phone Car Charger - Car Electronics'
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