Showing posts with label car charger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label car charger. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

GSI Super Quality Desktop 3-In-1 Rapid Charger/Cradle/Data-Sync Docking Station For HTC Mozart Droi

GSI Super Quality Desktop 3-In-1 Rapid Charger/Cradle/Data-Sync Docking Station For HTC Mozart Droid Cell Phone - Plus Slot For Extra Battery Charge - Powered By USB Or By Included AC Wall Adapterfeels right at home in this charger..have to remove my case to dock but not the end of the world..as far as the charger,fine, ac wall adapter/data sync as well..it will connect and charge in car/FM transmitter/USB..good also as mobile.

I appreciate the thought behind the charger design.

They obviously made an effort to put the consumer first other than their bank account.

It's so inexpensive and among all things...practical.

I will recommend the charger...personally, it's more correctly designed and in turn, more beneficial.

Buy GSI Super Quality Desktop 3-In-1 Rapid Charger/Cradle/Data-Sync Docking Station For HTC Mozart Droi Now

I use the rapid charger basically to charge my phone.

The stock battery in my droid still holds charge well, so I have not found the need for the extra charging slot yet, but I guess it is a nice feature to have in case.

The price was right on this charger. Works like it should, charges well.

Read Best Reviews of GSI Super Quality Desktop 3-In-1 Rapid Charger/Cradle/Data-Sync Docking Station For HTC Mozart Droi Here

I have one of these and I love it. You can dock it, still have it is use and it charges at the same time. The extra spot for another battery is good too.

It charges just as quickly as my old one that came with my phone, seems to work just as well. Good charger.

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Sunday, September 14, 2014

Bluetooth USB Sync & Charge Multimedia Swivel Cradle OEM for T-Mobile MyTouch 4G (Black)

Bluetooth USB Sync & Charge Multimedia Swivel Cradle OEM for T-Mobile MyTouch 4GI bought this dock at an official T-Mobile corporate store.

This official dock is useless and entirely too expensive for what it is. There. Stop right there, and abandon all thoughts of buying this thing. Use a card holder, or make your own dock from parts at home. Trust me, this thing is not worth it. Stop reading, and go enjoy your life.

No? Want to know more? Okay...

First of all, it is nearly impossibly to seat your phone. That defeats the purpose of even having a dock. In trying to seat the phone, you will damage the area of the phone, surrounding the USB jack. What's that? "USB jack!?" you ask? Yes. Instead of using the docking pins (!?) this thing jams a hardly-visible USB port into the side of your phone. Brilliant job, T-Mobile and HTC.

Apparently, this decision was made, because T-Mo's stupid Insurance company (Asurion) would not insure the phone, if the dock did not securely hold the phone (even though Asurion covers 'everything' like accidentally running over your phone with your car). In early press shots for this dock, you can see that it did not have a USB port. And here we are: no docking pins and a crappy USB connector that scratches and digs into the side of your phone.

This. Is. Stupid.

So, besides the fact that you will damage your expensive phone, the dock (as it does not have pin connectors) does not automatically throw your phone into any 'desk mode' like you might see on a Nexus One. Nope. It simply charges and mounts via USB, and pairs via BT to stream audio from the dock's 3.5mm audio jack. It is pretty useless.

Bluetooth audio is horribly compressed, and there's no reason they couldn't have just streamed the audio stream out from the USB connector.

The swivel works decently, and the stand is nicely weighted with a rubberized bottom. But what's the point? It's going to chew into the side of your phone every time you dock, and damage your USB port.

Utterly useless. Do not buy, and pray that some third party invents a better dock (unlikely, and depressing).

Well I do not know what the other reviewers issues are but it works great for me, I realy like having the cradle as a blue tooth device so I can stream music out of the back of the cradle through the audio jack. Yes it does fit tight but is this not the point of a cradle ? I use my phone for navigation and I want it tight in the cradle while I am driving. When you take your phone in and out just take your time so it can be lined up correctly ..

Buy Bluetooth USB Sync & Charge Multimedia Swivel Cradle OEM for T-Mobile MyTouch 4G (Black) Now

I must say that I was slightly disappointed when I first received my dock.

It fit so snug that it took more effort than I would have like to use to just dock it.

While difficult to break in the beginning, my phone slips in effortlessly now and I am very pleased with my purchase.

I bought 2. One for my home and the other for the office.

Read Best Reviews of Bluetooth USB Sync & Charge Multimedia Swivel Cradle OEM for T-Mobile MyTouch 4G (Black) Here

I also had problems seating the phone in this cradle. I eventually got it figured out and have no problems now. Love the rotation. I don't stream music from it while it's charging. If I did, I could understand why another reviewer's frustrated by the inability to do that through the USB port. Not having the 3.5mm jack in a place to make it available was shortsighted.

Overall, the cradle works for me though. But like I said, it took some practice...

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I bought this from a T-Mobile Store thinking it had built in speakers and woul utilize the pins found on the side of the phone. The one time i didn't do product research first.

The cradle doesn't use the pins but instead connects through the micro USB jack. Once plugged in you can't change the volume unless you go through the settings. Sucks especially when watching a video. There are no speakers so, if you don't use headphones the sounds from the phone will be almost muffled because the back speaker is covered. If you do use headphones you have to have the dock charging and the Bluetooth connected. Why HTC didn't simply leave space for the headphone jack is beyond me.

The only pros are that the swiveling action is great as is the weight. However, you can't change the angle of your phone when it's in the dock.

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Thursday, August 7, 2014

OTC 3181 130 Amp Heavy-Duty Battery Load Tester

OTC 3181 130 Amp Heavy-Duty Battery Load TesterI wanted a 130-amp load tester because--at least per the manufacturers' claims--these units are more accurate than 100-amp models. The OTC 3181 looks exactly like the Actron CP7614 (except for brand markings on the front), but is far less expensive.

The OTC 3182 is a digital 130-amp load tester for just a bit more money than this OTC 3181, and it has a couple more features (an alternator test lead and a ripple detection light), but I tend to have better luck with analog products over digital products, in terms of reliability. Also, when you use the OTC 3182, it shows you just a number (the voltage reading), and you're on your own to interpret it. The OTC 3181, on the other hand, has "replace/weak/good" markings (in red/yellow/green), which make it very easy to interpret the results, without having to remember or think about what voltage range is acceptable during testing.

I was a little surprised at the size of the unit when I opened the box. It's a bit large! The clamps are large and strong. The overall feel is quality.

When testing a battery (unless it's a totally dead battery), the unit will heat up very significantly. Through the vent holes in the unit, you can actually see metal coils getting red hot, like little heater elements. That's how the load is applied--in the form of heat.

Testing is easy: With the vehicle and the key both off, attach the negative clamp to the negative post of the battery, then attach the positive clamp to the positive post of the battery. (People with mechanical experience may think this is backwards, since you normally attach the positive clamp first. I assure you, I am quoting the manufacturer here on the order advised.) Press and hold the rocker switch for 10 seconds, and then quickly look at the needle while still holding the switch down. (They advise against holding the rocker switch for more than 15 seconds.) To test the charging system, begin with the clamps attached as described above, then start the car and run it at 1,200 1,500 RPM, and read the needle. Remove the positive clamp, and then the negative.

When I was choosing a load tester, I kept reading about "zero adjust" features. I didn't know what that meant. Now that I have a unit in hand, I can see that it refers to a little screw in the face of the unit; turning this screw one way or the other (with the clamps not connected to anything!) allows you to adjust the needle so that it is accurately zeroed. That's all.

Easy to use and seems to work well. It appears to be a very well made tool. Seems heavy duty as the title says. If stored in a dry/safe place, see no reason why this wouldn't last for many years to come. The results it said, was verified with my multi-meter and my bosses "LED only" battery testing multi-meter.

Only negative thing is it don't give you the approximate CCA of a battery. (as the ones at the Walmart garage do). It basically takes off the surface charge of the battery (by running a built in heater), then you measure the output of the battery. Then you start the car/truck, and see if the charger is adding the correct amount of charge to the battery.

But since it don't say it gives you the CCA in the description, not taking off any stars. It does what it says it will do, and seems very well made.

Buy OTC 3181 130 Amp Heavy-Duty Battery Load Tester Now

My first battery load tester and I like it so far. It's clear and precise with the voltage, load and charging readings.

The only problem is that I feel that the cables are far too short as you have to bend downwards with the tester when it's connected to the car battery for testing.

One last thing, do not touch the back part of this testing when you're doing a load test. It get's freaking hot! It get's so hard that one might get 2nd degree burns if you aren't too careful.

Read Best Reviews of OTC 3181 130 Amp Heavy-Duty Battery Load Tester Here

I have used this tester twice now and it seems to function well. I agree with some reviewers that perhaps the cable length could be slightly longer, but I had no problem attaching them to the battery terminals. Be aware that the unit gets hot at the back, where it is vented, as it draws current during the test. I only drive my car every other week or so and only for a few miles, so I am constantly having to trickle charge my battery. This at least gives me an idea of its state of charge. I note that it can also be used to test the charging system but I have not tried that feature as yet.

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Excellent load tester. Easy to read and use. You can't go wrong with this one. Will last a long time.

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Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Excel 1500W 12 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC Power Inverter with 5-Volt USB Output 3000W Peak

Excel 1500W 12 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC Power Inverter with 5-Volt USB Output 3000W Peak
  • 1500 watts max continuous power with 2 USA Plug outputs and 1 USB 5V Output
  • 3000 watts peak power - Input DC voltage Range:10-15V - Low Voltage Alarm Level:10.5v+/-0.5v - Max Outer Temperature: 65 deg C
  • Black anodized aluminum case provides durability
  • Built-in Cooling Fan - 2 sets of 12V Input terminals that can be used to chain link additional units together if needed
  • Includes: Battery Cable, Fuses and basic user manual

I am using this to have my food and drinks the way I want them on my truck. I have connected a mini refrigerator and a microwave too and It's working excellent. I recommend this.

Buy Excel 1500W 12 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC Power Inverter with 5-Volt USB Output 3000W Peak Now

I am a truck driver. This is a great item. working out good. Great price and it arrived quickly at my door. Thanks

Sunday, June 15, 2014

For Jawbone Jambox Bluetooth Speaker HPF(TM) 2-Port Dual USB Car Charger Adapter with USB Charging

For Jawbone Jambox Bluetooth Speaker HPF(TM) 2-Port Dual USB Car Charger Adapter with USB Charging Data CableThis cheap charger completely destroyed by Jambox. I plugged the charger into my car outlet and immediately smelled like something was burning. The charger got so hot and now my Jambox will not charge.

Spend the extra money on a real charger that will not ruin your expensive Jambox or anything else that you plug in.

The ability to charge 2 devices at the same time is a great feature. The device is very handy when traveling.

Buy For Jawbone Jambox Bluetooth Speaker HPF(TM) 2-Port Dual USB Car Charger Adapter with USB Charging Now

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Craftsman 56 Piece Universal Tool Set Wrench and Sockets, Drivers

Craftsman 56 Piece Universal Tool Set Wrench and Sockets, DriversThey were a gift for my father and he has been using them every since. It has cut down on the cutter in my dad's tool box. They actually do fit rounded off bolts!!

For me, this set was exactly what I needed. Works just as intended. My use is as an at home do it yourself-er. I'm not a pro mechanic by any means. So I'm guessing this set is perfect for an average guy / girl that wants to fix some things around their house or put in some occasional light car work.

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My husband was beyond thrilled with this set. Now he can fix anything without having to have a thousand wrenches in his tool bag! This was a great value!!!

Read Best Reviews of Craftsman 56 Piece Universal Tool Set Wrench and Sockets, Drivers Here

This is a nice set of tools, don't get me wrong, but the fact that the box says "Made in China" is a big disappointment coming from Craftsman. That being said, the tools have the same solid feel that the made in USA tools have and the plastic box is mostly sturdy and holds the tools well. The hex key set kind of floats freely in one section of the box, but this is not a big deal for me. Would be four stars if made anywhere else but China and Five if made in USA as all Craftsman tools SHOULD be.

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Sunday, June 8, 2014

Old World Automotive Prod PKC0J6 "Peak" Jump Starter With Inflator - 12 Volt 600 Amp

Old World Automotive Prod PKC0J6 'Peak' Jump Starter With Inflator - 12 Volt 600 AmpPeak PKC0J6 I bought and unboxed this unit and it does not contain any type of inflator either built in or as a separate unit. In fact there must be some manufacturers confusion with this version and next version up. Or perhaps bad interpretation of Mandarin.

This was the only product I bought on Black Friday 2012. Days later my neighbor rang my bell after leaving her car light on overnight and I brought it over to jump her Honda SUV. It delivered enough power to cause the engine to turn over a bit, but not enough to start it. Useless. Strangely, the nationwide store where I bought it also advertised it as "with inflator." It definitely doesn't come with the inflator. According to the box, the next model up has an inflator, but the inflator also gets poor reviews.

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Friday, April 25, 2014

Cobra MicroTalk PR 4100-2 WX VP 16-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)

Cobra MicroTalk PR 4100-2 WX VP 16-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio
  • UHF/FM band for ultra-clear reception with a range up to 16 miles
  • 22 channels combined with 38 privacy codes provide 836 privacy channels
  • 10 NOAA weather channels, 10-channel memory, scan function and auto-squelch
  • Unique battery-saver circuit, roger-beep, 10 call alerts, and key lock
  • Weigh 3.7 ounces, measure 2.2 x 6.6 x 1.5 inches (W x H x D), and backed by 1-year warranty

This a huge step up from the 5-mile Cobra radios that I also own. To a point that I actually find them useful.

The biggest range I was able to get from them in a residential area was around 1 mile, and a good usable range would be around 1/2 mile. This was not exactly line-of-sight, with a lot of residential houses in between. So, yeah, the 16-mile range claim is completely bogus, and it would be stupid to expect something like that from a 2-watt GMRS radio. Hence, I find 0.5 mile usable range to be respectable, but I wouldn't say that about the advertising claims of the manufacturer, of course.

Curiously, the transmitt power seems to be very similar to my 5-mile radios. The main difference is in quality. With these radios I'm able to receive the same signal further away, and it is much clearer.

So far, the most use I got out of these radios was on a 400 mile trip to LA. With my old radios, I had to be almost right next to the other car to communicate, a car in between or distance over 300 feet will make the signal too weak. The new radios were working very well. Granted, our cars didn't get further than 1/2 mile apart, but in that range the signal was always very strong and clear. I was very comfortable using them during the entire trip.

Pros:

AAA batteries easily replaceable, when stock batteries die.

Handsfree compatible very useful when skiing or driving.

NOAA forecasts kills time when bored on a camping trip.

Handy volume knob put on high to hear a call, then set to comfortable level to communicate.

Weatherproof wouldn't dunk them, though, and they don't float.

Cons:

Unstable when in the charging base.

Hand-straps could be useful with these.

I'm glad these radios use AAA rechargeables. I'm only going to use my radios several times a year and I'm sure they will last much longer than the batteries will (build quality is pretty good, BTW). Li-ion batteries only make sense when you use your radios a LOT, otherwise store your Li-ions half-discharged in a fridge, or they will loose their capacity in just a couple of years.

The original Cobra handsfrees are overpriced, and although, they have the same plug as many cell phone hansfrees, polarity is reversed. Of course, that last part can be fixed with just a little soldering. I'm anxious to try these radios on the slopes, when ski season starts. Then would be a good time to update this review.

Buy Cobra MicroTalk PR 4100-2 WX VP 16-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) Now

The only reason I gave these radio's 3 stars is because I know they are the same as any other 2-way radio's. I also own a set of Uniden 5 Mile FRS 2 way radio's, but I decided to buy an extra set so each user can have their own charger.

I also like that these Cobra radio's use standard AAA rechargeable batteries. This way when the batteries go bad you just buy another set of rechargeable batteries.

Do not believe the claims of 16 mile range, they barely do 1 mile if you are lucky. In fact my other set which is supposed to do 5 miles go just under a mile in reality about the same as these 16 mile ones. I don't know how they can advertise this, but they are all the same.

I tried them in low and in high and the distance was the same. Here's the kicker, I read the manual that says in order to use these legally in high power setting, you will need a license from the government? A license so you can talk a full mile away? That's a load of crap. Seriously, these things are nothing but a toy and a license to use them is laughable.

I have no problem keeping them on low power, especially since I will only be using them to contact the house next door (a relative). My new cell plan is only 200 minutes prime so these will do the job just fine, just don't expect much distance out of them.

I ran the test in my area which has a lot of trees. I left one home with my wife and drove my car away, I even turned down the windows. I had a fully charged battery in both and both were set at high.

Do not expect anything better from other brands, good luck. By the way, the price for these here at Amazon is great and I would sugest buying them if they fit your needs. There is 8 AAA rechargeable batteries includes, that's a value of at least $20 just for the batteries, so you get these 2 way radios for really cheap when you consider the value of the rechargeable batteries.

Read Best Reviews of Cobra MicroTalk PR 4100-2 WX VP 16-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair) Here

Claim of 16-Mile transmission is optimistic at best. Good quality and appearance. Fun. Especially find the weather band feature appealing. First AND second packages contained faulty charging base. Cobra Corp. tech support has not responded. Have decided to try a third time due to deal and overall quality.

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The batteries look like regular recharable batteries. 600 mah NI MH. Well, good luck replacing these batteries. I got new ones that were the same 1.2V and NI MH but 800 mah (longer running). Though the batteries operate the unit just fine, the charger will not accept the batteries. At this point, it's cheaper just to replace he units.

I have had these radios for about 1.5 years now. In the beginning, they worked ok not what I would expect for the money. One of the radios now has not worked for the last year or so. We use them mainly for hunting and can't depend on them at all. I have a pair of Uniden 12 mile radios that work constantly regardless of temperature, weather, terrain etc. The unidens are crystal clear up to at least 3 miles (the furthest test), the Cobras work sometimes at distances slightly over 1/2 mile. The radio that does not work will not transmit or receive without cutting in and out. I've talked to Cobra and they suggest that the age and use may have shorted out the PTT button. Seeing as how they have less then 20 hours on them, I don't feel the quality is very good. I would avoid these at all costs and go with a cheaper model (Uniden or Oregon Scientific The $14 pair of O.S. have been used in the same conditions for over 10 years and I've never had a problem with them.)

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Sima STP-325 325-Watt Power Inverter

Sima STP-325 325-Watt Power InverterNice design, good qulity, easy to use. However, the cooling fan is noisy.

My Dell M6600 laptop comes with a 240 watt power adapter. I realize one must over-spec when purchasing modified sine wave inverters, such as this, because devices tend to use more current than when connected to the power company's pure sine wave that they are designed to use, how much more, depends on the type of load. I cannot say with any certainty if this device delivers 325 watts continuously, since wattage measuring devices are also designed to use pure sine wave. I do know this device cannot run laptop with a 240 watt power adapter, fully charged battery, medium screen intensity, at idle, for more than 5 minutes. Perhaps I need to spec 480 watts? One must take into consideration this factor when calculating the price differential between pure sine and modified sine wave devices.

This is the second modified sine wave inverter I've had. The first one had capacity problems too, and later burned up. (different brand) I hate spending the money but I think I'm just kidding myself to think things will be better with another modified sine wave inverter. I also tried a modified sine UPS on a server once and that was a disaster too. With the mix of load types out there, it would be impossible to calculate how much larger one needs to go with modified sine devices. Considering the electrical noise, things such as dimmers, and variable speed devices that won't work, and the risk of burning things up, I think I'll just go with a pure sine wave device. Then I can simply add up the ratings of the devices or the results of a kill-a-watt meter to know what it can, and cannot handle. Another big advantage with pure sine devices is they can typically double their output for a short period of time. This enables them to start electric motors, which in turn also allows you to accomplish the same tasks with a much smaller unit.

Judging by reviews and prices, it appears Xantrex pure sine wave inverters have the best bang for the buck when I take into consideration that they don't overstate their output, and are reliable.

Now I just need to determine which size. At first I was thinking about getting a larger one, and when the power goes out, run a cord into the house from my SUV into the house to run the things, such as my printer, wireless, furnace, and a few lights. The problem with that is for the difference in price, I can buy a little generator, and a 105 Amp car alternator at idle only puts out ~50 amps, which would come out to ~500 watts. I also wouldn't be able to leave the house and keep the fridge and furnace going. I'll probably will go with the Xantrex PROWatt 600, and buy a used 2.5KW generator off Craigslist. That combo would take care of me on the road and at home.

Buy Sima STP-325 325-Watt Power Inverter Now

I got mine in 2004 while trucking. Used it for everything from camping to travel. I have overloaded it, blown fuses, melted the plastic around the lighter socket adapter tip, used it in the rain with only a plastic shopping bag protecting it.... Probably not so great for ventilation. Yes looking back on it now "young and stupid" comes to mind. This thing survived life on the road running my (year 2000) desktop PC with the big old monitor until I could afford to buy a laptop. It survived the worst I could throw at it and the built in protections have done their job. Get some heavy duty wires for it and it will serve you well.

Read Best Reviews of Sima STP-325 325-Watt Power Inverter Here

this won't break down like other cheap inverters, great for using laptops in cars, definitely would recommend this to others

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This power inverter works great powering my laptop and charging my cell on road trips. It never overheats and the fan makes very little noise.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

BoxWave HTC EVO 4G Desktop Cradle (No Spare Battery Charger)

BoxWave HTC EVO 4G Desktop CradleIm using a different charger to plug into it because the little wall plug was unreliable but with the different charger this base works great.

this item works very well with the usb chord plugged into a computer, but the power chord option prevents the touchscreen from being used. somehow, the touchscreeen lags when the power chord is plugged into certain wall outlets. i work infront of a computer 8 hours a day, so this is not a problem for me, but i would have returned the item if it had to be plugged into the wall!

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I use this at work to charge my phone throughout the day.

My only gripe is with the looks. The EVO is a sexy phone and the cradle doesn't even come close to complimenting the look.

Regardless, I'd recommend it to anyone that needs a dock for their desk.

Read Best Reviews of BoxWave HTC EVO 4G Desktop Cradle (No Spare Battery Charger) Here

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Griffin iTrip Mini FM Transmitter for iPod Mini

Griffin iTrip Mini FM Transmitter for iPod Mini
  • FM transmitter designed to play iPod mini music through FM radios
  • Tunes to any FM frequency for the best possible performance
  • Battery-free design receives power from iPod itself
  • Sleek, attractive housing fits seamlessly on top of iPod mini

The itrip mini does what it advertizes: fits the sleek lines of the mini ipod without adding much bulk at all, and transmits your tunes to a radio tuned to frequency (defaults to 87.9, but you can adjust that by installing the simple software provided with the itrip).

Living in LA, there are VERY limited options insofar as stations not in use. 87.9 is actually one of the few options. The sound quality was awful. I tried using this device in my car, in my room, in my home stereo all with the same lousy results.

I should have listened to the advice of the salesperson at the Apple store and gotten the cassette device to play my ipod music on other sound systems.

Bottomline: it works, but sounds like music playing on a radio station that doesn't quite come in clearly static. Poor volume, and very poor sound quality.

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Having gone through several iterations, I have found that the iTrip mini is simply and clearly the superior method (for me) to listen to my iPod mini over my car's radio. In my mind, this is a must have accessory for your iPod Mini.

Let me start with my setup: I have an XM Radio setup and the iPod mini in my VW Jetta. Cup holders are located just above the radio location in the Jetta and both the XM and the iPod sit in their respective Belkin Tunedocks which are seated in the cup holders.

Initially, I used a Belkin Tunecast to broadcast the iPod signal to the radio. It was fairly miserable at accomplishing this task. Actually, it was awful and could not even overcome weak signals from adjacent stations. Plus, the battery life was not very good and the little power cord kept getting disconnected. Enter the cassette solution which I used with a y-adaptor to hook in both my XM SkyFi and iPod. This worked well but I had cords everywhere and it was a bit annoying but the sound quality was a ridiculously big improvement. Then I got the XM MyFi for Christmas which has an internal FM transmitter so I figured I would go completely wireless and picked up the iTrip Mini.

For me, the iTrip has been flawless is the sound quality amazing? No. However, the volume out level is good (don't crank up the iPod volume all the way you don't need to and it overmodulates and distorts the sound if you do) and I don't get static or fading or any problems like that. I have never had to add in the other stations I always keep it on 87.9. I have heard that other stations in the middle of the FM band might provide better quality, but I'm playing this over a Jetta's factory radio so I figure the incremental benefit is probably not there.

I should add, as you may well note, that I am in Dallas and yes we have a crowded FM band there is no frequency that does not have a strong signal on an adjacent frequency yet I have no problems. I think that finding a solid location in your vehicle relative to the radio head unit or the antenna is vital mine is always fairly proximate to the head unit. Moving it some distance say to the passenger seat has a deleterious effect on the quality and interference although it is still quite useable.

I would also note that the transmitter is far superior not only to the Belkin that I previously used, but also to the one in my XM MyFi. With the MyFi, it is not unusual for me to deal with persistent interference that requires me to go channel hopping.

I'd also like to say a word about the form factor it fits perfectly atop the iPod and is, in that regard, highly portable. If you want to listen to or share some tunes in a friend's car or at their house, you need only bring your iPod with the iTrip on top and you are ready to go no additional cords or plugging into outlets, etc. it is the easiest, most elegant solution. Granted, the iTrip uses the iPod's battery for power, so it does have an effect on that regard but the portable nature far exceeds the convenience in any of the power cord/broadcast combos available.

Read Best Reviews of Griffin iTrip Mini FM Transmitter for iPod Mini Here

Looked at a couple of options for using the iPod in the car. Like the fact that there are no extra wires, just pop the iTrip on top of the mini and you're good to go. Very handy for us with two cars; can use our iPods without carting wires/plugs/etc between cars. The iTrip just uses the iPod's battery. Total run time seems about half down to 3 or 4 hours.

Start up is amazingly easy, just unbox and attach to your mini, tune your radio to the default 87.9, and that's it. There's software included that interfaces through iTunes that lets you tune to different frequencies and also turn off the LED (to save power), but we haven't needed it since the default frequency is empty.

Also make sure to keep the volume in the range that Belkin suggests; over 70-80 percent of your iPod's volume and your tunes start to distort; so turn up the volume on your car stereo, not on your iPod. 80% is about the same loudness as typical radio broadcasts, so when you switch between your iPod and other stations, you won't get blasted out.

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I really, really wanted to like this product. I read all the reviews before buying and thought I'd take my chances despite numerous complaints about static and interference in metropolitan areas. But my experience has been just the same.

I downloaded the frequency finder and tried every station recommended for the NYC area. Still, the sound quality was mediocre at best no where NEAR the fidelity of a normal FM station.

Went out yesterday and bought an RCA "Y" adapter and now use that instead.

I have a lot of "windshield time" and one of the main reasons I purchased an iPod was to use for books I download from Audible.com (I was tired of burning 10-20 CD's per book), as well as giving me the capability to download music from iTunes. No, it doesn't sound like my Infinity speakers at home, but (1) I didn't expect it to, and (2) the sound quality is surprisingly very good for the most part with both books and music. There is only one city that I travel to/through where I get a little interference with the FM setting at 87.9, but 90% of the time it is not a problem. The Griffin iTrip Mini does a terrific job for a superb price and I highly recommend it.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Thinkpad Battery 27++

Thinkpad Battery 27++I am using this additional battery on a Lenovo T420. It does what it is supposed to do. I am getting (roughly) about twice the battery life of my normal 9 cell. Like the previous poster, I could not get it to fit tight initially then all at once it snapped into place. Now I do not want to take it back off in case I have trouble getting it into position again. You may want to (very carefully!) play with it a bit if it does not snap into place initially. I have no idea what I did, but it seems snug and secure now. The extra power is great. I knocked off a star due to the somewhat squirrelly connection. Be aware that like any battery, this is going to add some weight and a bit more thickness to your laptop.

Though this battery's capacity is very good, you need to be very careful when using it to avoid data loss. This battery always shuts off my T520 laptop unexpectedly. After the shut off, all the files that are not saved will be lost and windows will tell you your computer were not properly turned off when you restart.

With this battery attached, laptop will lost its power completely when your turn the laptop into sleeping mode, or unplug the AC power adapter. It will also shut off your computer when you try to attach the extended battery when the computer is running.

The technical support from Lenovo is very impatient and they refused a full refund. Very dissatisfied.

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This battery is listed as item: 0A36304 in its description. However the battery slice I received was part number 57Y4545. The difference is that battery part 57Y4545 will only work in pre 2012 Thinkpads due to changes in battery chemistry. (Read about this on the lenovo forums). If you have a newer thinkpad, do not buy this battery. The battery you want is this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0085MPGZY/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Read Best Reviews of Thinkpad Battery 27++ Here

Pros:

+ Cheaper than Lenovo's price (more than $50 difference)

+ Adds a solid 6-6.5 hours computing time

+ Elevation is nice when laptop is on desk

+ Fits firmly and no loose feeling on my Lenovo T410

+ Discharges first and is hot swappable

+ Is an authentic Lenovo battery

Cons:

Not really a con but adds quite a bit of weight. I've gotten

used to it.

Bottom Line:

If your laptop is compatible with this battery, get it. I love not having

to carry my charger with me when I leave the house with my laptop. I

am not a fan of how far batteries and electro-chemistry have progressed

in comparison with other technologies but go ahead and buy this battery.

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Mixed. Defnitely extends the battery life and does not create that much extra bulk. A little diffilcult to attach and several times computer has just died. Not sure if connection or what.

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Thursday, February 6, 2014

MACALLY External Battery for all iPods

MACALLY External Battery for all iPods
  • Ideal for long flights, outdoor activities, anytime anywhere iPod devices might run out of power
  • High capacity Li-ion battery cell increases iPod play time approximately 6-8 hours
  • Compact and sleek design
  • Standard USB port
  • Plug iPod shuffle directly, and use existing 30-pin USB sync cable (not included) for other iPod devices

****This review is mainly for those who has iPhone 3G or similar gadgets that have a battery capacity of 1,200mAh or more. If you have a device with less, this review may still be suitable for you but you can also consider other external battery chargers.****

I did tons of research trying to find the best external battery charger for my new iPhone 3G. I got say this, I love the Macally JBox. Seriously! I believe it is the best external battery charger on the market right now for it's size, weight, design, output, capacity and ability to check battery status.

I'm a power user because I spend most of my day browsing safari, listening to music and watching movies but 75~85% of the time making phone calls. Since voice call drains the most amount of juice, extra battery(ies) is a must for a business person like me. I had a Samsung Blackjack i607 before the iPhone 3G and I had 4 extra batteries in order to keep the phone running by the end of the day. Now the battery in the iPhone cannot be replaced easily so that's where external battery charger comes in handy.

Now which battery should I buy? I was wondering. Definitely not big or heavy ones that might give me a burden. I need something small and light so I can carry it in my pocket and charge my iPhone 3G at the same time on the go. Anything 2.5"x4"x0.6" and 10 oz or less would be perfect. How about let's try eBay since most stuff are cheap? *BUZZ* That's a big NO NO!! Most of eBay external battery chargers that have 9,600~20,000mAh are fake due to their small size and light weight. I did a little research by contacting at least 25+ people who purchased those products on eBay and most of their answers are the same. Those batteries are fake and have at most 1,200mAh. Cheap quality for cheap product.

Now how about ? The TY460 has an impressive 4,600mAh capacity, which is 1,200mAh more than Macally JBox. However, I don't trust the capacity of the iMaxPower due to it's identical size and weight as the JBox. Does eBay chargers ring a bell? Their small size and light weight yet mislabeled capacity? Now, let's just assume the capacity is 4,600mAh since I don't have one so I can't confirm it but take look at the output, 600mA. 600mA? That will take more than double the time to charge a cellphone/PDA than JBox. The phone controls the current delivery to the battery. If the battery can take the current the phone will allow what ever the charger can deliver. Anything lower and the phone will limit the supply to the battery. If the charger can't deliver the battery requirements then the worst that can happen is that it takes longer to charge! This is only valid for Li-Ion batteries. Because the current delivery is variable depending on the battery's state so a 600mAh charger won't take 2 hours to charge a 1200mAh battery. It WILL take approximately 3 hours!! My iPhone 3G has 1400mAh battery. iMaxPower TY460 will take more than 2 hours to charge the phone while JBox will take a little over an hour. The TY460 has identity size and weight as JBox but the design, color and quality did not catch my eye. In another word it's ugly and cheap. Also the "To Device" port is on the side as oppose to from the top of JBox. For those people like me who charges the phone on the go(I'm not talking about sitting on an airplane or train but walking around mostly) The "To Device" port has to be on top of the charger or your pants pocket will be tight and bulky unless you have a big pocket. Don't even think about the TY250, it's 350mA will take 4 hours to charge my iPhone 3G and probably will not even be able to sustain the phone if I make a long phone call.

Now how about ? Let's take look at the model 33396. Not the one that sticks into bottom of the iPhone but the one that's identical to the JBox. It has the same slick design as JBox. The output of 1.50A or 1,500mAh is impressive. It will fully charge my iPhone 3G in less than an hour. However, the unimpressive capacity of only 1800mAh really turned me down. A little over an hour charging the iPhone 3G it will be dead. Not to mention the price is $69.99 as oppose to $39.99 for the JBox.

Now, finally, here comes the biggest competitor(s), JAVOedge/Lenmar. I'm not sure which one is the original manufacture and which one is the reseller since they both have the exact same design, weight, size, capacity and output except the logo. Anyway, JAVOedge/Lenmar and JBox has the identical size(3.9"x2.4"x0.6" for JAVOedge/Lenmar and 4"x2.4"x0.6" for JBox), weight(4.2oz. for both) and capacity(3,400mAh for both) but outputs are different. JAVOedge/Lenmar has 700mA while JBox has 1,000mA. I bought the JAVOedge before I saw JBox. Everything worked fine on JAVOedge, the output and capacity were tested and showed satisfying result. Though it does not have battery status light but as least it shows green light when fully charged as oppose to the non-existence status of fully charge on JBox. Then I found out the biggest flaw on JAVOedge! It IS UNABLE TO CHARGE MY DEAD iPhone 3G!! When I say dead I mean the phone is completely out of juice. I sent an email to the company to report this problem and they have taken the product off their iPhone 3G category ever since and offered me a full refund including original shipping and return shipping if I were to return the product. Macally JBox, on the other hand, has no problem to charge my dead iPhone 3G. That's my biggest concern since I cannot afford to have a dead phone in the middle of the day and many times I find myself too busy to keep tracking the battery status. I do hope the JBox can have a little more capacity tho. Additional 400~600mAh would be perfect since I came home with a 10% battery on iPhone 3G and a dead JBox last night. Maybe I'll considering getting a JBoxmini but I dislike the idea to carry too much stuff in my pocket. I guess I'll have to find a space in my already packed suitcase for it.

All the good talks are done. Now let's move onto some imperfections JBox has. The battery status of JBox showed full 3 bars after only 30 minutes of charge from empty juice. However, if I stop charging the JBox after 30 minutes and use it to charge my iPhone the battery status immediately changed from 3 lights to 1 light. So I conclude the battery status does not show the right level while the JBox is being charged unless you calibrate it by charging it with something else. Another imperfection is the lack of ability to show whether if it's fully charged or not. Unlike JAVOedge which will show steady green light when the battery is fully charged and red when it's low, JBox however will always show green light as soon as it's been charged. The only time it will show red is when the battery is low. This creates a problem because we can't tell when the battery is fully charged or not. After several email to tech support Tom from Macally, he explained the green light will flash for 2 seconds once fully charged but how can one tell unless he keeps staring at the light for hours? Once you miss it it won't flash again. Then he explained further saying that after 2 seconds of flashing green the light will be turned off. I find that's not the case for my JBox. Either my JBox is defective on that small part or that information is simply not true.

Some additional information and misc. I collected from Tech Support Tom. The JBox will take 2.5 hours to be fully charged from empty and it has a protection circuitry inside to prevent overcharge. Some information on the box or specification sheet in the package is incorrect. The correct specification is listed below:

Macally Jbox IP-A481

Capacity: 3400mAh ( does not show the capacity but the package does)

Output Current: 1000mA max. (1200mA max. in the package label is wrong) Unit Weight: 4.2oz (JBox weights 4.2oz, entire package weights 5.0oz, the 11.3oz on the product info page is wrong, maybe they calculated the shipping box in?)

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This is a great product. I used it on my trip to Germany with my kids and our new iPod touch. They were using it for a lot of video and I used it for web browsing in wi fi hotspots along the way. Unlike some of the less expensive options this actually charges your device. I did recharge the backup battery when I could, but I think I could have gone all week just using this to recharge. It has 3 lights that tell you the status of the battery life just by pushing a button which is really nice. It comes with a cord to plug into a USB port or USB wall charger to recharge the battery, even a simple case to hold the battery and cord. Very light and does not get hot when you use it. Simple to use, but powerful where it counts, battery life. Well worth it.

Read Best Reviews of MACALLY External Battery for all iPods Here

I bought this to use with my iPod touch. And it works great. It completely recharges the Touch from a single charge. I can charge the device by using the standard USB brick from Apple or the USB port of my computer. I just took a long flight 6 hours of flight time plus two hours between flights. I watched a two hour plus movie and two TV shows in addition to an hour or so of music and an hour or so of Internet browsing. Plugged into the charger when the touch got to 20% warning. Now it's fully charged again. Never had to fumble with the power cords or computer. Its small too, not much bigger than the Touch itself. Definately worth it and no batteries to throw away like those other chargers. Now we just need to see how long it lasts.

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Love it! So nice to throw it in my brief case before a trip and not have to worry about how long my iPhone or iPod Nano is going to last. Easy to use, nice construction....I wouldn't hesitate to suggest it to others.

I bought this to have on hand in case my iPhone battery ran out while I was traveling. It works perfectly with iPhones as well as with iPods. I was even able to continue taking pictures using the battery. I plugged it in as soon as my iPhone warned me that the battery was in the "very low" range and it switched to the battery without a problem. The battery also has an "on/off" switch so you can avoid draining the battery when not in use. Also has a USB cord for charging and a small carry pouch. I just leave it in my purse now for those times when I run out of time . . .

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Nokia 6500S N82 6126 5235 6650 fold Original Cell Phone Car Charger DC-4

Nokia 6500S N82 6126 5235 6650 fold Original Cell Phone Car Charger DC-4Yes, this car charger will work with the Noika C3-01 cell phone as

advertised in the Amazon blurb.

It was delivered quickly and was easy to access in its packaging.

I have no complaints about the charger or the service I received.

I recommend this charger for the Noika C3-01 feature phone.

Works with both my N8 and 701. It has a nice positive pin connection which doesn't jiggle loose when I'm driving.

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This is an original Nokia cell phone charger which works great with my Nokia C3-00 cell phone.It fits perfectly in my lighter holder in my Subaru Outback.The first time I used it I thought I was going to have to force it to fit, but if you just spend about 15 seconds and realize there is a correct position it should be in, then you will never feel like you are forcing it at all.A great buy and would recommend...highly.

Read Best Reviews of Nokia 6500S N82 6126 5235 6650 fold Original Cell Phone Car Charger DC-4 Here

Thursday, January 2, 2014

OEM Car Charger for your brand new Sanyo Cellular Phone, Version 012!

OEM Car Charger for your brand new Sanyo Cellular Phone, Version 012!I purchased two of these for our LG Chocolate phones. The price was excellent and the chargers are just as described. They charge more quickly than the LG wall charger that came with the phone. Highly recommend this car charger and the seller. Great service!!

I'm not impressed with this product. Granted, for the price, I should have known better. I bought it a few years ago and now it only charges my phone if placed juuuuust so in the phone's outlet. I think it may have contributed to my last phone's charging outlet breaking as well.

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This is a great product. It is very well made. It fits the plug on the LG phone (LX150) perfectly and does not heat up appreciably during its use and provides appropriate power levels for charging and/or use while in the car. It was shipped quickly and we were told accurately when the unit would arrive. Finally there are many ripoffs out there being advertized as being of this quality and they aren't, so be cautious! Finally, to boot, this was not at all expensive as most cable type charging units tend to be! On LG's own website the same item (advertized to be made by LG) for the LX150 was $30.

Read Best Reviews of OEM Car Charger for your brand new Sanyo Cellular Phone, Version 012! Here

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Retractable Car Charger for Motorola Droid X2

Retractable Car Charger for Motorola Droid X2Worked great initially, but not long after I started to use it my phone stopped being easy to charge....have to jam it in the port EXACTLY so to get it to charge now. Not sure if this is an issue with the charger or the phone because now my phone acts this way with all of my charging units?

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Thursday, December 12, 2013

Apple iPod classic Car Charger/ Vehicle Charger 1st Gen (NOT for iPhone 3G)

Apple iPod classic Car Charger/ Vehicle Charger 1st GenI'm not going to go into great detail on this one, as it does what it says.

A red light appears on the charger when you plug it into the iPod's 32-pin dock connector. The normal charging bar appears, and you can use it while its charging. And that's about all.

I have had no problems with this product, a steady, worthwhile buy.

I brought this product based on the first review and I haven't had a problem with it. It is a pretty good deal for the price that I got it for. =)

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For several months this product behaved perfect. Red light came on and my iPod would charge. Then one day I discovered my iPod was not charging. At first I feared it was the battery of my iPod, but it turned out to be the charger. Red light still comes on but it no longer charges. I've tried it in two different car ports.

I finally went to Wal-mart and brought a new charger. Lesson learned: if something is offered extremely cheaply online, it is probably because it is cheaply made. If you want quality products, then you must pay quality bucks.

Read Best Reviews of Apple iPod classic Car Charger/ Vehicle Charger 1st Gen (NOT for iPhone 3G) Here

Given the price of this charger I was skeptical as to how well it would work, in fact, I almost passed it by. I opted to give it a try and am now very happy with its performance. It powers my iPod Classic and provides enough juice to charge up the battery at the same time. The build quality is quite acceptable and it does the job. What more can you ask for ?

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This product arrived brand new, fast shipping, and was priced AMAZINGLY low compared to retailers! Great seller.

Monday, December 2, 2013

XS Power HF1215 12V 15 Amp High Frequency AGM IntelliCharger

XS Power HF1215 12V 15 Amp High Frequency AGM IntelliChargerMuch like all the other products I have purchased from XS Power, this charger is a high quality product. Unlike some other "intelli" chargers that you have to set and monitor, this charger just plugs in and turns on. The chipset inside does the rest. It is on the expensive side when compared to some others but it is well worth every penny. I highly recommend this product to everyone that needs to charge and maintain high end batteries, you will not be disappointed.

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Saturday, November 30, 2013

Retractable Car Charger for HTC 7 Trophy

Retractable Car Charger for HTC 7 TrophyThis mini-charger with retractable cord fits very conveniently in your car's glove compartment (or other compartment, depending on the car) and is available at a moment's notice in case your HTC phone needs a quick boost as you're traveling. The retractable cord makes it nearly unnoticeable and nothing gets tangled up in the car. Excellent design!

When I lost the charger for my cellphone I checked the providers website and the chargers were over $30! This little car charger is great! I love the retractable cable no more tangled cables to worry about!

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Great car phone charger for the HTC Trophy phone. It is small and compact with retractable cord. I would highly recommend this for anyone who has an HTC trophy phone.

Read Best Reviews of Retractable Car Charger for HTC 7 Trophy Here

I've been using this for about 4 months and I like it a lot. The cord is long, which makes it easy to plug in the phone and then put it in the cup holder while it charges. No problems with it, either. It performs every time. The blue LED is a nice addition. You can see at a glance that it is plugged in and powered.

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This little gadget saves me alot especially with all the running around I do. I is a definite help with having an option to charge my phone on the move. Very nice....

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Monday, September 23, 2013

Retractable Cell Phone Car Charger for Motorola Droid A855 / CLIQ

Retractable Cell Phone Car Charger for Motorola Droid A855 / CLIQVery poorly made. The third time I extended and retracted the cord, it got stuck. When pulling it out, the plug pulled off and the rest of the cable fully retracted into the charger, you can't even get the cable out now. I am careful with the things I buy and this breakage was not due to "user error," but to extremely poor product quality. Yes, the product is much cheaper than the car chargers at the Verizon store. But what good is it if it breaks the first day you have it? Avoid this product!

--

UPDATE: I emailed the seller, Accessory Export, who replied immediately. They were apologetic and sincere. They shipped me a new one right away, without asking for me to return the broken one. The new one arrived a couple days later. After 24 hours of use, it has not broken. The cord doesn't retract all the way, and it still feels cheap like it could break at any time. But it does charge my phone.

I still recommend you avoid buying this product. I am not confident it will last very long. But I do recommend the seller, Accessory Export. I was very impressed with the service.

Here's a much better option for charging your portable devices in the car: search Amazon for "usb car charger" and get a list of car chargers that do not have a cable and plug to go into your device, but rather one or two standard USB jacks. Amazon has them ranging from $7 for a cheap no-name to a $10 Kensington to a $12 Scosche Dual USB Car Charger which has two USB jacks. These will charge ANYTHING that can charge from a USB jack. I bought the Scosche dual USB charger and have my iPod and my Droid plugged into it at the same time. Amazon sells plenty of different kinds of USB cables. You need one with a standard USB plug on one end, to plug into the charger, and on the other end whatever kind of plug your device takes. The Droid takes a micro USB plug. Blackberries and other devices take a mini USB plug. iPods have their own proprietary plug, but every iPod comes with a cable that will allow charging from one of these USB car chargers.

Yes, this is more expensive. But it's better quality, not likely to break, and very flexible in that you can charge most any device that plugs into a USB jack. It's worth considering.

I purchased this specifically for the retractability factor of the cord. Pulled it out of the package and pulled it out about 10 inches and pulled a bit more to make it go back in, nothing. Pulled out a few more inches then tried to get it to catch. Now I have a standard car charger that won't retract. It's essentially a piece of crap. Also a further note, the plastic gets super hot when you have it charging, don't know it is my car or the item causing it so basically I would say "Don't buy this junk."

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I read a lot of the negative reviews, but I figured at the low price I would try it out myself. Maybe the company improved their charger because it works great for me. I bought 2 of these chargers, one for my car and one for my husband's. Both chargers worked great and charged our Motorola Droid phones with no problems and the retractable cord worked well. One charger did end up breaking when my husband forgot to unplug his phone from it and tried to get out of the car while the phone was still attached to the charger. I can't fault the charger for that. My other charger is still going strong though and for the low price, it is a great deal.

Read Best Reviews of Retractable Cell Phone Car Charger for Motorola Droid A855 / CLIQ Here

Arrived on time and as described. Why didn't somebody think of this before? The retracable cord makes this a "must have"

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Very thin wire. Easily tangled. Have to move it around to get the charge going. But all in all, it works.