[Mixalis]

Originally Posted by jwhayn

If you have a wall or auto charger that has a standard USB socket in it (there are many -- such such as http://www.amazon.com/Coby-CA81-Powe...2682049&sr=8-2) then you can use one of the USB to barrel charger cables such as http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.28732. They work fine with the 505. EBay is another good source also I have used Deals extreme many time and they are reliable and affordable -- if a little slow (one to two weeks from HK).

We seem to be getting conflicting views on the possibility of charging from a USB power source other than a computer. I have both the original PRS-505 and the latest PRS-600 and neither will charge from a USB power source (for instance, an Apple iPhone charger). As others have mentioned, the red charging light comes on only when the device is connected to the USB port on a computer. Presumably this is deliberate on the part of Sony, but it is a great nuisance. I do have a Sony charger, but prefer not to carry it when travelling. Incidentally, I have experienced battery drain on the PRS-505 even when connected to a computer unless the book-reader software is loaded. It's not a consistent fault, but it is disastrous to suddenly find the battery completely discharged on occasion.