[SteveK]

I had a rather frightening experience this week when I recharged my Sony PRS-505. I was on travel, and I hadn't brought my charger along.

I first attempted to charge it via USB from my netbook, but succeeded only in draining the battery. I then plugged it into my Tekkeon mobile power unit which I have used to charge devices such as mp3 players, etc. I plugged it in when I went to bed, assuming it would be ready to go when I woke up in the morning.

When I first looked at my reader in the morning, everything seemed OK...until I pushed a button to select a book. Nothing happened! I tried another button...still nothing. The reader was not responding to any button, including the off switch.

I tried to reset it with a bent paper clip, but this didn't work either. I was finally able to shut it off by holding the off switch for several seconds, but the reader still didn't respond to any buttons when I turned it back on. I also noticed the "lightning bolt" near the battery level indicator was on, even though I had long since disconnected it from the Tekkeon.

I wasn't looking forward to a repair bill or deciding on a suitable replacement. Fortunately, after several on/off cycles, everything returned to normal. When I arrived at home, I immediately charged it using the normal charger, and it charged with no problems. Hopefully, there will be no further problems.

Needless to say, I won't try that trick again! When I travel, my GPS unit is the first thing I pack. From now on, my Sony charger will be the second!

Be careful with mobile power units!

SteveK