The charging problem for me was the device itself. I swapped AC plugs and multiple cables without any conditional change. I've been careful with the devices MicroUSB charging port since it's been out of the box because I know these are fragile. Just a bum unit which Sony has honored the warranty with.
I'd like to post a pic of my case but I'm on my phone so not sure if I can. It a double sided thin metal diamond plate case I made myself. It could handle Afghanistan
Cheers,
Phil