Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Kindle 2 Power Adapter - charger, kindle 2 power adapter
This product is a complete waste of money. The adapter that comes with the Kindle is already for 100 - 240V. You pay an extra $20 for the European style plug on the end. If you already own a voltage adapter kit or a universal plug, you don't need this at all, it's just another thing to carry when you travel. Of course it is my own fault for not realizing that, like all electronics these days, the kindle adapter would be universal. Do not buy this! Amazon Kindle EU (European Union Universal) Power Adapter [Fits Kindle and Kindle DX]
In order to load your Kindle's battery, just attach the cable included to a USB port of any computer nearby. Simple as that.
If you want to use your 220 volt wall socket, you can buy a USB power adapter from every electronics store for about $5. This power adapter / cable -combo from Amazon did cost me $31 (including shipping to Europe).
Also, if You have bought any mobile phone, GPS navigator or such a device lately, chances are that you already have one of these.
To summarize: This gadget is nice, but don't waste your money on it.
Somebody else had written in a review that this item is good but should have been free. That is the basic problem. Assuming you are located in Europe (otherwise you would not be very interested in a "European Union Universal" power adapter), then this thing costs a lot of money with shipping. Might vary depending on where you are, but I had to pay around 35 Euro.
And that is the problem. The product is good. But, it is nothing more than a usb-cable for Kindle (same as already included with the kindle itself) together with a standard 220v to usb converter.
Short and concise; Ok product, but a complete waste of money to pay 35 Euro for it.
For anyone travelling to foreign countries, almost all of which have 220V currents:
I asked Kindle support about this several times and got confusing answers. The TRUE ANSWER is: THE CONNECTOR WHICH COMES WITH KINDLE ACCEPTS 100-220volt. JUST READ THE PLUG. You only need an adapter for the outlet shape for the country(ies) you are going to, which can be obtained in any travel or hardware store. They are cheap. England is different from EU so you need 2 or 3 types, Asia is still different. You don't need the $20 item from Amazon, which still wouldn't work in UK or Asia.
I have to say I think this a waste of money.
The KINDLE comes with a USB cable to charge from my computer and I had to order an EU Universal Power Cable as an extra.
So now I have TWO USB cables when all I really needed was a European mains-power charger!
Why is it not possible to simply order the power charger alone and pay less.
Seems to be just a standard mains to USB adapter - you can get these for 5 Euro or so - (5.99 Euro at my local LIDL this week). The USB to micro USB (Kindle end) cable you already have anyway, and you have half a dozen in a drawer someplace from cameras etc., and they are just cents to buy....
The mains plug end is hardly "Universal" over the European Union - this wobbly 2 pin plug will not fit mains sockets in UK or Ireland (which are still in the E.U. last time I looked) without a further adapter.
No reflection on the Kindle itself - but this accessory (which should be free anyway) is not needed as you can charge the Kindle off any laptop or USB supply. This item is not worth buying. - Kindle 2 Power Adapter - Charger - Kindle - Kindle Accessory'
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