Windows Phone Thoughts: Boxwave VersaCharger Reviewed

Use and Performance
I have been using the VersaCharger in a variety of situations for a number of months now. Having a power source that I can just plug into any handy power socket or use in the car has greatly increased the usefulness of my Pocket PC. In fact, I have also been using the VersaCharger to charge up the Battery Extender that goes pretty much everywhere I take my gadget bag, giving me even more power options.

In all the time I have been using the VersaCharger, it has always performed as expected and shows no sign of wear or tear - which is pretty impressive as it tends to just get thrown into the bottom of my bag with goodness knows what else!

The only option I really wish it came with would be a version to fit my local power plug, but carrying around a plug adaptor to fit the local power sockets is not really a big deal. Besides, it would be neither practical nor economical for there to be a VersaCharger model to fit every type of power socket the world over. In fact, the design just would not work with some socket types I suspect.

So, has my VersaCharger experience given rise to any "grizzles or grumps"?

One issue I did have was not with the VersaCharger itself, but with the Mini-sync cable that was provided with it, which fell apart after about a month of regular use. I have another identical (although differently branded) cable that I purchased off ebay which has held up to the same type of treatment for a good six months or so now. I do know that our esteemed Review Coordinator Doug has two of the BoxWave units which he reports to have been trouble free - so I guess I was just unlucky enough to get a "dud".

The only other possible negative I would add (and this is second hand) is that I have read that some people have had problems charging an iPaq 4700 while also using WiFi. With my Toshiba e755 there were no problems charging while using WiFi either plugged into a power socket or in the car. However, I did ask BoxWave about this issue and was told that they are aware of the problem and are:

"...working to remedy this issue and currently looking into making a new VersaCharger that will support such power hungry devices".

On that note, and for the more technically minded, the power specifications of the VersaCharger are:

• AC Voltage Input: 100V to 240VAC (variable);
  
• DC Voltage Input: 12V to 24V (variable);
  
• Voltage Output: 5.0V ± 0.25V;
  
• Size: Approx. 3.0" H x 1.2" W x 1.4" D;
  
• Weight: 1.8 oz .

Conclusions
Well, what can I say? In all of the configurations I have been able to try the VersaCharger does just what it should - charges my Pocket PC without any fuss or drama. This is one accessory that has found a permanent home in my gearbag!

Stephen Beesley is a legal and public policy researcher. An Australian currently living and working in Dublin, Ireland, he has been using PDAs for work and fun since the days of the Apple Newton!