Kevin Remhof
03-22-2004, 06:00 PM
<img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/remhof-feb04-jsync-0.jpg" /><br /><br /><b>Product Category:</b> PDA accessories<br /><b>Manufacturer:</b> <a href="http://www.javoedge.com">Javo Edge</a><br /><b>Where to Buy:</b> <a href="http://www.javoedge.com">Javo Edge</a><br /><b>Prices:</b> JavoSync: $14.95 , Car JavoCharger: $9.95, Travel JavoCharger: $13.95 (all USD)<br /><b>Specifications:</b> JavoSync cables are available for a <a href="http://www.javoedge.com/simtrix/productMtce/jsp/productListSyncCable.jsp">variety</a> of PDAs. They come in silver and black. The JavoChargers are available for outlets (US and European) and Cars.<br /><br /><b>Pros:</b><li>Compact;<br /><li>Easily syncs and charges on the go;<br /><li>Good performance.<b>Cons:</b><li>JavoSync cable won't fully connect when using a hardcase.<br /><b>Summary:</b><br />Great, you're on the road and forgot your sync/charge cradle. Now what? If you had the JavoSync cable from JavoEdge, you'd know exactly what to do. The JavoSync cable makes it easy to sync and charge on the road. The JavoChargers are the one-two punch that make this a great solution.<br /><br />Read on for the full review!<!><br /><PAGEBREAK><br /><span><b>JavoSync Cable</b></span><br />The first (and most important) of the JavoEdge sync/charge products is the JavoSync cable. It's a retractable USB cable that will sync and charge your PDA. When retracted, it's about five inches long. When expanded, it's almost three feet. You won't be able to sync from across the room with this cable. It's a minor trade-off for its tiny size when retracted.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/remhof-feb04-jsync-1.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 1: The fully extended JavoSync cable.</i><br /><br />The winding mechanism on the JavoSync cable is strong, smooth, and solid. Extending the cable is a piece of cake. Just grab both ends and pull out what you need. The cable is on the thin side but not too thin. I don't use this cable as my primary sync/charge cable. I've only used it when away from my desktop PC. The compact size makes it a great addition to my gear bag.<br /><br /><span><b>Charging on the Go</b></span><br />Complementing the JavoSync cable are the JavoChargers. You can get them for your car, European outlets, and U.S. outlets. I checked out the car and U.S. outlet versions. They are both about the same size as the JavoSync cable retracted and are made of sturdy plastic. They each have an LED on them to show that they are powered on. To use them, plug them in to either your outlet or car lighter socket. Then, plug the JavoSync cable in the other end.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/remhof-feb04-jsync-2.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 2: The Travel and Car JavoChargers.</i><br /><br />The outlet Travel JavoCharger plugs in to an outlet sideways (horizontally). This makes it easy to plug into a power strip. The plug is not polarized (both prongs are the same size). So, you can can plug it in either direction. This is very handy when on the go. The car version plugs in to your lighter socket like any other device. No surprises here.<br /><br /><span><b>Sync Times</b></span><br />So, how do the JavoSync cable and JavoChargers perform? I ran some informal tests to see. I ran my iPAQ 1945's battery down to 50% and started charging it. I considered it fully charged when the charge light stopped blinking. Using the standard HP sync/charge cable, it took about an hour to charge from 50%. With the JavoChargers (Car and Travel), it took just over an hour to charge. No complaints from me.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/remhof-feb04-jsync-3.jpg" /><br /><i>Figure 3: My iPAQ with the JavoSync cable.</i><br /><br />With the JavoSync cable plugged in to my USB port, I was easily able to sync via ActiveSync. Unfortunately, the end that plugs into my iPAQ is too wide to fully connect when using my aluminum hardcase. It does connect far enough to charge and sync, just not far enough to engage the connecting clips.<br /><br /><span><b>Conclusions</b></span><br />The JavoSync cable is a small, compact, and great way to sync and charge your PDA. When coupled with the JavoChargers, you can have a great mobile solution to keep your PDA ready to go.