hi
sorry if this is an elementary question, but I can't work out the answer from the Cybook online site, and the guy selling them at the local bookstore, where I think the Cybook still counts as 'new fangled' doesn't know.

Can the Cybook be charged from a regular power point? I assume if so this would need some kind of adapter? could anyone let me know what it is? Is it available only from Bookeen, or would a regular electronics store stock it?
Second how easy is it to buy a spare battery for this unit? some of my use for the Cybook would be for backpacking trips of a couple of weeks, so the issue of how to charge it and what back up I could get is important.
thanks for your help

It charges via a mini USB cable so all you need is an AC adapter for USB. I use the AC adapter for my iPod and it works fine. Something like this.
http://www.nextag.com/Cables-Unlimited-ZIP-PWR-615949392/prices-html

You can buy a spare battery for the Cybook from Bookeen. I received a spare with the deluxe package and changed the battery once. It's a very fine screw and I almost lost it. I wouldn't want to try changing the battery on a hiking trip.

You might want to consider something like this that would allow you to charge via an external battery. I haven't tried it though.
http://www.modernoutpost.com/gear/details/sf_solar_uno_slim.php

As Barcey says, any USB mains adapter will work fine. There are lots of different types available.

Can I use the mains USB charger that came with my iphone?

I seem to remember that some USB mains chargers are 12 volts and the Cybook uses 5 volts.

May not be correct - just a memory. Does anyone know for sure?

I'd be very surprised if there were any 12v USB chargers. Too much risk of users destroying equipment.
Equally surprised if the iPhone charger didn't have the voltage and current printed on it.

I seem to remember that some USB mains chargers are 12 volts and the Cybook uses 5 volts.

May not be correct - just a memory. Does anyone know for sure?

The USB standard is 5 Volts. If it's not 5 Volts it's not USB.

Can I use the mains USB charger that came with my iphone?

I seem to remember that some USB mains chargers are 12 volts and the Cybook uses 5 volts.

May not be correct - just a memory. Does anyone know for sure?

Hi there

I'm using my iPhone adapter and it appears to be fine :)

I purchased this from amazon.co.uk tho as it has 2 USB slots so will be useful when travelling http://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Jivo-World-Power-International/dp/B00193RN3O/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1223299384&sr=8-3 and it comes in black or white!

Loopy

Most of the times people already have a “power point” charger but do not remember they have one.

If you have a powered USB HUB you can charge your Cybook from it (and any 5V USB charging appliance), even if the HUB is not connected to a computer!
Just connect the charger of the HUB to it and connect your Cybook with it’s USB cable to any of the HUB USB slots.

Used my best spectacles and I can just read that the iphone usb mains charger is 5v, so here goes a Cybook.

It works fine...


Silly me.

If you're in the UK, Argos has a mains charger with a mini USB plug for £9.97. Including an in-car charger.
http://tinyurl.com/3ntazz

If you take the deluxe package, you will have an adapter you can use for this.

I've just received This one (http://www.play.com/Mobiles/Mobile/4-/4992655/Universal-USB-Mains-Charger/Product.html) from Play.com for £3.99 including postage. Ordered Friday, received today and works just fine.

I'm also betting that it would charge from a powered USB hub, if you happen to have one.

I'm also betting that it would charge from a powered USB hub, if you happen to have one.

It even charges from an unpowered hub. That's exactly what I charge mine from at work - a 4-port Belkin hub which, although it can be powered, I use it unpowered. It charges the CyBook just fine.

Is it true that charging from AC is faster than from a computer USB port?

It even charges from an unpowered hub. That's exactly what I charge mine from at work - a 4-port Belkin hub which, although it can be powered, I use it unpowered. It charges the CyBook just fine.

No USB Port is unpowered. The Hub is connected to the Computer's USB, which provides 500 mA for all 4 connectors of the hub.
:scholar:

I'm also betting that it would charge from a powered USB hub, if you happen to have one.

I have an expresscartslot with power supply.
Best thing is, I don't have to start the computer to charche the cybook. :)

Is it true that charging from AC is faster than from a computer USB port?

I don't believe so. The max power drain (2A @5V, I think it is, from memory) is a part of the USB specification and no device should attempt to draw more than this.

I don't believe so. The max power drain (2A @5V, I think it is, from memory) is a part of the USB specification and no device should attempt to draw more than this.

There is an USB specification for charging so for example my phone charge much faster using a charger compared to a USB hub or USB connection in a computer. Also if the Cybook just takes what current is available it will charge faster with a charger.

There is an USB specification for charging so for example my phone charge much faster using a charger compared to a USB hub or USB connection in a computer. Also if the Cybook just takes what current is available it will charge faster with a charger.

OK, thanks - I've learned something new!

However, on a practical level, I've not noticed any difference between charging the CyBook from a PC and from a USB wall charger; I regularly use both charging methods.

However, on a practical level, I've not noticed any difference between charging the CyBook from a PC and from a USB wall charger; I regularly use both charging methods.

I think you are right that for the Cybook it does not matter.

As Barcey says, any USB mains adapter will work fine. There are lots of different types available.

I thought I'd throw a small spanner in here. I have a USB charger from an old Motorola phone, and while it does indeed charge the Cybook, it's not a good connection. I have to plug it in and ensure it's charging (red LED), if not I have to basically touch it gently and it'll charge. If it's slightly moved it'll stop charging. This is because the USB port on the Cybook is recessed, and some USB connectors are a bit too bulky for that.

It's best to get the type of USB charger which just has a socket into which you plug your own USB cable. That way you know that it'll fit whatever device it is that you're charging. As you say, not all mini-USB cables will fit the CyBook's recessed connector.

My charger is a 5V 500mA. Works fine.

the point with this is : if the charger provides to much, you risk breaking the Cybook. though a properly made charger will adapt to provide what it's asked for.

On the other hand, if the Cybook tries to draw more than the charger can provide, it's the charger that might break.

said bookeen's website :
AC 100~240V,
DC 5V 700mA

the point with this is : if the charger provides to much, you risk breaking the Cybook. though a properly made charger will adapt to provide what it's asked for.
That's nonsense. It's not like the charger just "crams electricity down the throat" of the connected device (for lack of a better phrase), but rather the device that draws the current from the charger. The current given on the device is the maximum that the device draws when connected, the current on the charger is the maximum current the charger can supply before being overloaded ("overloaded" frequently translates to "it burns" in this context). So, the charger should have at least the same current specification as the device, its even better if it can supply more current than the device draws (think safety factor, although that is built-in). Obviously the voltage on both the charger and the device has to match.

Having said that, the USB specification call for devices to operate on 5 V and draw a maximum current of 500 mA, so in reality any USB charger works with the Cybook, since both confirm to USB specs.

On the other hand, if the Cybook tries to draw more than the charger can provide, it's the charger that might break.
This part is correct.

said bookeen's website :
AC 100~240V,
DC 5V 700mA
I think they're talking about the power supply that's part of the deluxe package. The Cybook itself draws 500 mA at 5 V, as stated on the label.

Having said that, the USB specification call for devices to operate on 5 V and draw a maximum current of 500 mA, so in reality any USB charger works with the Cybook, since both confirm to USB specs.


I can certainly confirm that I've used many different USB chargers with my CyBook, and they've all worked just fine, as one would expect.

I can certainly confirm that I've used many different USB chargers with my CyBook, and they've all worked just fine, as one would expect.
Actually, that's the whole point of a standard specification like USB ;)

Actually, that's the whole point of a standard specification like USB ;)

I would agree with you, were it not for the fact that my iPod will not charge from an arbitrary USB charger, but only from the special Apple one :).

I would agree with you, were it not for the fact that my iPod will not charge from an arbitrary USB charger, but only from the special Apple one :).
Yeah... That's the problem with proprietary connectics too (I think about my Samsung Omnia...)
Intelligent manufacturers make entirely USB compatible devices, greedy ones no ! :D

I have a Covertec World Travel charger that proposes multiple connectors (for multiple devices) and which can charge through USB, car charger and with an adapter for US, UK, EU and AU !
I used USB cable with the adapter successfully in France and in US !
Adapter is 5V, 400mA

Yeah... That's the problem with proprietary connectics too (I think about my Samsung Omnia...)
Intelligent manufacturers make entirely USB compatible devices, greedy ones no ! :D

There is a big push to standardize charging interfaces recently. This is due to the increased cost the manufacturer to include a charger with every device. Also, the confusion and pain of the customer having to have multiple chargers.

The mobile phone industry has agreed to standardize on microUSB. So there is progress.

This will also mean of course that you will need to probably buy chargers separately from devices. However, they same charger will work with many/all device eventually. Which will be awesome.

BOb

I would agree with you, were it not for the fact that my iPod will not charge from an arbitrary USB charger, but only from the special Apple one :).

That might be because they tried to follow the standard. A charger should nowadays short circuit the D+ and D- at the device side. I had to modify a micro USB cable to get my phone to charge from an USB battery.

That might be because they tried to follow the standard. A charger should nowadays short circuit the D+ and D- at the device side. I had to modify a micro USB cable to get my phone to charge from an USB battery.
That's interesting. I assume this is done so the device can sense that it's connected to a charger instead of a computer?

That's interesting. I assume this is done so the device can sense that it's connected to a charger instead of a computer?

Yes, it seems that way. For the phone it only trickle charge if connected to a computer. When you connect to a real charger it charge faster. The annoying thing was that if you connected the phone to an USB battery it would not charge at all since it detected that it was not a computer and not a charger.

Yeah... That's the problem with proprietary connectics too (I think about my Samsung Omnia...)
Intelligent manufacturers make entirely USB compatible devices, greedy ones no !
Yeah, i got a samsung too. Though it woudn't be that much of a problem, until i realised i needed a second cable for work.
Going to a shop to find an ipod cable is easy enough, but for the samsug , Unn no ! Same for the cases.

That's interesting. I assume this is done so the device can sense that it's connected to a charger instead of a computer?
My P3 does that. the cybook whoever, don't.

I would agree with you, were it not for the fact that my iPod will not charge from an arbitrary USB charger, but only from the special Apple one :).

Ha funny, mines iPod/iPhones work marvelously with other branded USB charger...

The mobile phone industry has agreed to standardize on microUSB. So there is progress.

I disagree, SonyEricsson or Nokia branded phones doesn't use microUSB for charging or PC connection (that no longer true for Nokia phone on the PC connection, but SE still use their own connectors for both)

I disagree, SonyEricsson or Nokia branded phones doesn't use microUSB for charging or PC connection (that no longer true for Nokia phone on the PC connection, but SE still use their own connectors for both)

The Nokia phones that charge using USB use micro USB. Charging using USB is a new thing with Nokia phones so very few phones have it. The Nokia N85 have it for example.

I disagree, SonyEricsson or Nokia branded phones doesn't use microUSB for charging or PC connection (that no longer true for Nokia phone on the PC connection, but SE still use their own connectors for both)

You disagree that an agreement was made? There is nothing to disagree about, it is a fact. However, this was a recent agreement/decision. They said it should be a reality by 2012. So not all current phones conform to it at this point. I very much doubt current models will be retrofitted.

http://www.gsmworld.com/newsroom/press-releases/2009/2548.htm

BOb

Has anyone tried using one of the solar rechargers with the cybook? I can't think why it wouldn't work, but it would be nice to hear from someone who's tried it. It would definitely be the best solution for using the cybook hiking or whatever.

I suspect that, unless you're in the Sahara desert or somewhere equivalent, it would be rather slow. One of the several available devices which will recharge from a "AA" battery is almost certainly a better choice.

I have used the Free Loader, and it works fine. It's a bit "tricky" because it's not easy to read the Cybook while charging, and the Free Leader should not be powering a device while charging itself. I think it's a good solution for travelling, even to "civilized" parts (the Free Loader can charge other devices like mobile phones, mp3 players, etc.)

Has anyone tried using one of the solar rechargers with the cybook? I can't think why it wouldn't work, but it would be nice to hear from someone who's tried it. It would definitely be the best solution for using the cybook hiking or whatever.

The best solution would surely be one of those chargers with a crank handle like these: HERE (http://www.pearl.de/a-NC5026-5460.shtml) and HERE (http://www.pearl.de/a-SD800-5461.shtml) (from a german supplier)

I've never tried one, but I have 2 flashlights that work this way - very nice and good for the environment! ;)

Here's a link to something at Maplins. I might pop along and get one myself at that price!

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=225747

The best solution would surely be one of those chargers with a crank handle

I suspect that, unless you're in the Sahara desert or somewhere equivalent, it would be rather slow. One of the several available devices which will recharge from a "AA" battery is almost certainly a better choice.Naa, I very much doubt that. Unless you buy the very lame cheap-china-production, as usually found on eBay, a solar charger would do just fine. However, I would recommend using a solar charger with attached battery, so you can charge whatever device from that. (I did not look for a certain device to display, but I think you get the point.)

As for the power from the sun, a good sunny day delivers approximately 1.000 watts per meter², so you can do the maths on what panel you need :)


Oh, i forgot: You are not used to a sunny day in the UK, are you?

...

Sorry, I just could not drop that one :D

Hunh! I hadn't seen the crank-type charger....How long does it need to be cranked before it can charge anything? On the other hand, that's what kids are for:p

I guess you're right about the UK sun--I've only been here 6mo or so and still expect San Diego(on a gut level, I mean) weather. Rain in the summer is still a novelty....

Definitely very little Sun this summer, at least. It's been a very, very wet July.

Definitely very little Sun this summer, at least. It's been a very, very wet July.

You cannot imagine how much I envy you... :)

Naa, I very much doubt that. Unless you buy the very lame cheap-china-production, as usually found on eBay, a solar charger would do just fine. However, I would recommend using a solar charger with attached battery, so you can charge whatever device from that. (I did not look for a certain device to display, but I think you get the point.)

As for the power from the sun, a good sunny day delivers approximately 1.000 watts per meter², so you can do the maths on what panel you need :)
Out of couriosity, I just looked up such a device. Intrestingly enough, I just don´t find one which looks satisfying.

Junk:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31fcCQTl2IL._SL500_AA238_.jpghttp://www.8starshop.com/images/products_images/unfurl/wnbf38162.jpg
and so on, including most of the crap on ebay.

What I would have desired to find, would be something like the Philips Power2Go with solar cells.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41nDqnYChOL._SL500_AA240_.jpg
Seems I was wrong in guessing such a device would simply be found.

If you want something real, you have to pay for it - as usual. And for now, I did not find a solar battery charger I would consider for under 100 €uros - more likely the double. Which does indeed fit - there are photovoltaic cells with about 3 percent efficiency - usally the ones on devices already too small, as to say, crap - and there are ones with 30 to 50 percent. The later used on your neighbors house ;). The difference lies in price and in availabilty (read: price ;))

Seems OK:
http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-99239380869547_2063_144156394 (http://www.earthtechproducts.com/p2557.html)
http://www.sunload-shop.de/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/S/o/Solar_Pack_6W.jpg (http://www.sunload-shop.de/store_de/solar-pack-smart-power-6-5wp.html)