Two problems keep me from rating this very inexpensive car USB charger higher:
1. The charger that I received doesn't appear to be the same charger pictured on the product description. (eg., completely different molded body, glass tube fuse instead of plastic-encased fuse.)
2. It won't charge my iPhone properly. After some testing with a multimeter, it seems the output is close to 6 VDC, despite being labeled as 5 VDC +/5%, which would be a max. voltage of 5.25 VDC.
Overall, it's not worthless. Other less sensitive USB-powered products may be able to be charged by this.
I bought two of these, both fell apart (literally) within several weeks of infrequent use. Even when they worked, they never worked reliably and required connstant twisting and turning and pushing to get a connection. The whole thing looked like they were put together by a child (no, I'm just talking figuratively and not implying what you think I'm implying about Chinese labor, which is a whole different issue). A gentle squeeze, the thing goes squeaky and shaky. Unlike most other car adapters, this one doesn't have a snugly fit into the cigarette lighter. It is just so wobbly everywhere. Avoid such low quality products to keep your life sane.
An update: I subsequently purchased a few Universal Mini USB Car Charger Adapters offered by Eforcity (search Amazon or eBay). What a difference. The Universal Mini USB Car Charger Adapters is exactly what this product should be made alike. Solid, compact, and reliable. Both are inexpensive Chinese made products, but one is total junk and other a gem.
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This device works as expected no issues at all.
I do think the body is bigger than it should be, and can be reduced by 50% or more, with essentially a "stub" containing the USB port.
Still this is priced right and works.
Read Best Reviews of eForCity Universal USB Car Charger Single Port Here
Pro:
-Works well with many devices
-Snugly fits in the cigarette lighter
-Light tells you if you have power
-GREAT PRICE!!!
-Although slightly bulky, it's great that it has no cord of it's own. When traveling I would be bringing my spare 3715WW Tungsten 5 cable (see my other review) anyway, so there's less tangly mess to deal with
Con:
-Slightly bulky... for it's size I think that it could have 2 connections so that 2 devices could be powered/recharged at one time
Bottom line: Highly recommended.
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Pros: Inexpensive and eforcity is quick to ship. Fuse, easy to disassemble(easy to modify to work with new iPhone 3G/Samsung Moment/Rant). Works to charge a lot of USB connected devices(Phones,PDA,older iPods,Bluetooth wireless adapters, etc...).
Cons: Not compatible with all Phones or newer iPods. BUT there is a solution that requires soldering and two 100k Radio$hack resistors.
Overall impression: Good deal, decent build quality, easy to take apart to "fix/modify it" to get it working with newer iPods/iphones/cell phones.
Use this search term in google to find out how to modify this charger to work with a iPhone 3G/Nano 5th G
"iphone 3g USB Cigarette Lighter Socket Charger"
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Works great. Very clear reception, and whoever I am speaking to can hear my clearly as well. I have an IPhone and it works great with it. Have already bought two more for my daughters.
