Looking for a good power solution
 

Like all of us, I carry several gadgets and gear with me when I travel. I used to carry a bunch of wall outlets for my various phones, pda's and so on but have been trying to reduce the number and variety of cords that I lug around. I am not up to speed on the difference between types of USB cords, or why some cords allow for charging only, some charge the device only, and others do both...I'm interested but not enough to figure it out I guess. Anyway, I'm looking for some guidance that hopefully doesn't involve a bunch of custom tips and big power blocks.

I currently carry a Blackberry Bold, a Motorola Razr, a garmin GPS, a Dell Latitude laptop, sometimes a second Motorola Razr when the Mrs. tags along, and an iPod. I have other stuff but these are the biggees.

I currently carry one of these with me: Kensington charger.

What I'd ultimately like to be able to do is carry that Kensington charger and find retractable cables for my Blackberry, Motorolla, Garmin and iPod. In a perfect world, the same cable could be used on everything but the iPod since they all have the same ports on them. Also in a perfect world, the same cable would let me charge from the Kensington, and also both charge and manage the devices when connected to my Dell.

I thought I had found the right cables but the Razr is giving me a problem. When I plug in the cables I had bought the phone recognizes it as being connected to a computer whether it is or is not, and doesn't seem to charge (at least the visible indicator isn't there telling me it is charging).

I've looked at other charging schemes and jsut don't like the big blocks and custom power tip approach if I can avoid it. Any insight or suggestion is appreciated.

stupid moto does this. Do they still do it on their newer phones?

Here's a guy that explains the issue and it also explains why you need to load at least the moto 'charging" drivers to charge your razr from your computers USB ports.

http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=127488

Though he says "Verizon", it's not just verizon. I have an unlocked gsm razr that does the same thing.I don't think it's the carriers that do it. I think it's strictly Moto.

Looks like you just have to cut one wire. Since they use standard mini usb to usb cable, you might try it if you have an extra cable sitting around. Otherwise, you are stuck with the dedicated charger, or using your laptop with the moto razr charging driver installed.

-David

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I have the same Kensington charger and some retractable micro and mini USB cables and iPhone cables that work with it. It has made my life a lot simpler and easier to carry. Probably not what you want to hear but I would lose the Razr rather than deal with it. I only have one thing that won't charge with this setup, my MiFi. It also needs a dedicated charger. I'm actively looking to replace it but I can't find anything. At least I don't have to take it on international trips which most of mine have been of late. But there are lots of phones that play nice with chargers.

many phones these days can be turned into portable WIFI zones; ie android with froyo, JB iphone...

this could be the soln to no MIFI powerbar..?!...:)

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Possibly. I thought of that previously but decided not to. But you are right, I should reconsider. Thanks.

The MiFi can charge off the Kensington, but it needs a charge only MicroUSB cable. When it is used with a regular USB cable, it goes into wired-tether mode, and won't allow for a charge. Of course, finding a charge-only MicroUSB cable is not as easy as it sounds...

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Yes. Thanks for the clarification. I should have said that. I may have to get the knife, wire cutters and electrical tape out. Too lazy up until now. ;)

A bit OT but when two of our retractable cables bit the dust we went with standard cables and purchased a roll of velcro ties. We have seen these ties at Office Max/Depot, Staples and similar office supply stores. Some are designed to be securely attached to the cable and are quick and easy to use.

Odd, my VzW Mifi charges just fine with a regular(data) cable on a wall adapter and stays in wireless 'hotspot' mode while doing it.