Is anyone familiar with the "ChargeSource" power adapter? Evidently, this is one adapter that works (via additional plugs) with just about every electronic device you might take on a trip (laptop, cell phone, palm pilot, etc.) It's advertised in the airline mags.

While their web site (www.chargesource.com) did seem to list adaptors for everything I might need, they were all on backorder. Has anyone used one of these, or is there anything similar out there?

You can also try Targus: they have similar products. I think they are all made by the same company. www.targus.com.

I have their DC adaptor to use on the 'plane (can work in the car as well, if needed). It also has the power tips. I do not know if they have the Palm version yet, and the ones for the cell-phones have to be purchased from port (www.port.com) for around $20.

Frank.

How does this all-purpose power adapter work? I can't believe that just changing the tip will let you use it on all your portable devices. Surely, the voltage required by different devices vary.

bp888, from looking at the ChargeSource web site, it appears that the tips actually "communicate" with the charger to adjust to the proper voltage. So, I suppose it really would be as simple as changing tips.

bp888:

The tips have 4 pins that connect (via a cable) to the adaptor.
The adaptor is a switching regulator that can generate different voltages: for a DC adaptor the output voltage can be even higher than the input voltage. (So, for example, if you have 12V available, like in the AA outlet sockets), you can still generate 15V for some computers.
My IBM 600 needs 16V.

The 4 pins in the tips are probably configured with some electronic device between 2 of the pins: probably a resistor or a zener diode? Something with a defined value.
The value of this component is sensed by the circuit that controls the switching regulator, and the unit puts out the appropriate voltage for the tip being used, and for the computer it is connected to.

This way they can offer 1 adaptor that can supply the voltages for a number of devices: you can use it to power and/or charge your computer, cell-phone, and I think you can now also get the adaptors for the Palm V as well.

The AC adaptor is useful to keep at the office if you have a number of visitors who come in with notebooks, etc...: invariably someone leaves their adaptor at home at some time or another, and you can offer them a re-charge. (There goes that excuse: I can't give the numbers because my computer battery is dead and I left the charger at home.)

They are also often a cheaper replacement than buying the original OEM charger in case you lose or damage the orginal one.

Regards,

Frank...

I was so intrigued by the concept that I did some research on the Internet. Here's the company's website: www.chargesource.com.

Bottom line... you still have to make sure that your devices (PC Notebook, cellphone, PDA, etc.) are in their compatibility list.

bp888:

I just went to the Chargesource website and it linked to the Targus website.

I knew the products were the same, but I did not realize they are even the same company.

BTW, when I called Targus last month to find out about getting the tip for my cell-phone, they told me I had to buy the kit, and it was around $20. They do not sell the individual adaptors.

I am resurrecting an ancient thread here but http://www.chargesource.com/features.php this seems to me to be different from Targus chargers. Chargesource appears to be an 5 oz device, I never heard of a laptop charger that light, even the mCube Lite is heavier. The Lenovo slim they themselves did for Lenovo was twice the weight. Then the foldable AC plug is nice too, even nicer it's available separately.

However, this is the weirdest thing ever: it is only available on this website. There are no reviews, videos, mentions or anything anywhere. Yet, the company is known for a very very long time in this business so a scam is unlikely. Weird.

So, while technically it might be outstanding, latest quarterly 10-Q report of the company paints a grim picture, choice quotes:

I think I will pass buying from them... but I will grab a few of their folding plugs