Micro USB / Accessory Question

[steve9207]

Hi everyone,

You've all been a huge help the past week as I step into the Smartphone world

So, for the heck of it, now that just realized that the USB computer cable not only transfers data but ALSO charges the phone, I thought I'd pick up a second cord for the office. Most of the sites I look at out there indicate the new AT&T version is a MICRO-USB connection (including the manual). Can you guys just confirm this for me before I buy a cable?

Also, what's up with some of the rediculously low prices out there on accessories? Check out this one from Amazon.com --> http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Mini-...6552901&sr=1-3

The only weird thing with that one is that it says it's for the Q, but it's MINI as opposed to MICRO, but that was just a general example. Was the previous Q (with Verizon) a MINI USB instead of MICRO?

Is there anything wrong with buying these extremely discounted items? I can't imagine one USB cord to another makes a difference. What about batteries that are only a couple of dollars...any problems there?

Thanks again for your help everyone!

[GraemeCR]

AT&T package includes a mini- to micro- adaptor so all your mini-USB stuff, including data cable, sound cable and chargers - are still useable.

[Icer Mize]

Originally Posted by steve9207

"...Also, what's up with some of the rediculously low prices..."

Ridiculously low prices are usually associated with ridiculously high shipping charges.

[cputrdoc]

My Verizon Motorola Q9m warns me whenever I plug a USB cable into the phone that standard USB voltage is not enough to charge the phone. ...however, that's usually followed by a "charge complete" message, so I don't know what to tell you there. There's got to be some truth to the warning or they wouldn't have bothered.

A picture of all the USB ending types (and which is which) can be found here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:USB_types_2.jpg

A side-note, the Motorola H700 Bluetooth headset I bought at Costco came with both car and wall chargers that seem to be compatible with the Q9m phone.

[steve9207]

Originally Posted by cputrdoc

My Verizon Motorola Q9m warns me whenever I plug a USB cable into the phone that standard USB voltage is not enough to charge the phone. ...however, that's usually followed by a "charge complete" message, so I don't know what to tell you there. There's got to be some truth to the warning or they wouldn't have bothered.

Hmm...that's a useful warning, I suppose - I'd hate to damage a $500 phone because I saved $15 buying a cheap USB cable, ya know? Before I read this I went to my other computer and hooked up my Digital Camera cable to the adapter, then to the phone. It connected, but it didn't start charging. I'm assuming this is because I didn't bother to install the drivers for it. I didn't because I don't have admin rights at work to install anything and that was the whole reason I wanted the Micro-USB cable, to charge at work.

Actually, I've been VERY pleased with the [extended] battery life. I have never had it go below 3 bars yet. I keep the phone off the charger from 6 am - 11 pm, use Bluetooth about 3 hours a day while in the car, and have my email set up to check two different accounts every 15 minutes.

I just figured, hell for a $5 USB cable, why not just keep the phone charging while at work. Then, I wouldn't have to mess with the BT settings all the time & I could have my email check every 5 minutes.

[cputrdoc]

Well it's not so much a question of damaging the phone so much as it is you may find the USB voltage is only able to maintain your current battery level. Drivers shouldn't matter as far as charging the unit, most USB devices will use the incoming voltage the same whether you have drivers or not. I have one digital camera that will recharge the battery off of the USB port and one that will only use that to run the camera (battery bypass). Neither required drivers of any kind.

[steve9207]

^^^

Hmm...I'll have to check it out. I'll bring one of the extra mini cords + the adapter to work tomorrow and give it a shot. The cord was plugged into the back of the computer, as opposed to the front port, but that computer is pretty old and doesn't have USB 2.0 - maybe that makes a difference? My laptop is USB 2.0, I'll do some experimenting and give the camera cord a shot on the laptop and see how it goes.

UPDATE: When plugging into my laptop via the same camera cord + mini-->micro adapter, it sucessfully initiates charging.