No, the usb cable that comes with it will NOT plug into a USB converter in AC power.  I tried that and then looked it up in the user manual.  There is a separate plug that is sold at the SonyStore that is used.  It comes with the adapter that plugs into the AC power, and is, I assume from the picture, a standard USB plug.
 
The question would then be, can this separate purchase plug, be used to plug into a computer for the downloads?
 
And is it the same plug that has come with the previous versions of Sony Readers?  
 
User Manual (page 13-14 of 172 on my size font)
	Quote:
	
	
		| Tip:  You can also charge the Reader using the AC Adapter (PRSA-AC10/PRSA=AC1A, sold separately. This method of charging will take approximately 2 hours to fully charge the battery. |