Monday, July 3, 2006
VersaCharger Pro Review
Posted by Jon Westfall in "HARDWARE" @ 08:00 AM
Charge It Up!
For the charging benchmark, I chose a day when I didn't have to go anywhere (thus I could have my device on the charger all day) and let the device run down overnight. I conducted the test with my i-Mate K-JAM, using the recommended MiniSync cable that BoxWave provided. When I looked at the device in the morning, it was at around 50% battery. After 2 hours of charging, the device was fully back up to 100%. While not precisely the same, this is fairly consistent with what I see on my wall charger that came with the unit - Nice!
Perhaps the best charging scenario (where the device can be left unused and to charge for hours at a time) is unrealistic given that this charger can charge both on a wall and in a car. I know there are plenty of times I've been driving and realized that my device was getting pretty low - it appears that the VersaCharger Pro would have really helped me out there.
Overall there really isn't much to say about the VersaCharger's performance. I never did see a red light as it said I would in the promotional material I received, but I really didn't care - that's what a charging indicator on the device is for. The VersaCharger performed as advertised, which is all I could ask for.
Ultimate Combinations
BoxWave advertises that a VersaCharger and a MiniSync cable are the ultimate combination when it comes to mobile charging, and I have to agree - they work out nicely. I personally carry the following and find that it meets 95% of my charging needs:
1. USB A Female to Male Retractable Cable (i.e. a USB Extension cable)
2. VersaCharger Pro
3. Tips for Mini-USB Charging (As posted by Jason Langridge earlier this year, this little import kicks serious butt!)
4. JAVOEdge DC Charging Adapter, which also kicks butt!.
All told those take up a very small amount of space in my bag, and are flexible enough. If I know I'm going on a trip where I need additional adapters, they easily stow as well. If you're still carrying around a dedicated car USB charger, wall USB charger, mini-USB cable, regular USB cable, and special adapters for DC charging (i.e. bluetooth headphones, cameras), then this setup could greatly reduce your load.