charging Cybook from a power point? - Page 2

Over · 02-20-2009, 05:03 AM

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

lordofazeroth · 02-20-2009, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shleepy

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.

HarryT · 02-20-2009, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Over

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.

tompe · 02-20-2009, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

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.

HarryT · 02-20-2009, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tompe

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.

tompe · 02-20-2009, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

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.

Halk · 02-20-2009, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

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.

HarryT · 02-20-2009, 08:29 AM

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.

EowynCarter · 03-19-2009, 09:15 AM

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

Manichean · 03-20-2009, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EowynCarter

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EowynCarter

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EowynCarter

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.

HarryT · 03-20-2009, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manichean

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.

Manichean · 03-20-2009, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

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

HarryT · 03-20-2009, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manichean

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

.

Idoine · 03-20-2009, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

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 !

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

pilotbob · 03-20-2009, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Idoine

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 !

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

03-19-2009, 09:15 AM	#24
EowynCarter Wizard Posts: 4,337 Karma: 4000000 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Paris Device: Cybooks; Sony PRS-T1	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 Last edited by EowynCarter; 03-19-2009 at 09:18 AM.

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02-20-2009, 05:03 AM	#16
Over Wizard Posts: 1,462 Karma: 6061516 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cascais, Portugal Device: Kindle PW, Samsung Galaxy Note Pro 12.2", OnePlus 6	Is it true that charging from AC is faster than from a computer USB port?

02-20-2009, 08:29 AM	#23
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	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.

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