iPAQ 19/22/38/39/41/43/51/54/5500 Series Lil Sync™ Pro Retractable Sync-n-Charge Cable from Pocket PC Techs

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.pocketpctechs.com/detail.asp?Product_ID=I38-LILSYNCP01' target='_blank'>http://www.pocketpctechs.com/detail...=I38-LILSYNCP01</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Tired of carrying a large, bulky sync cable and AC Adapter? Our Lil' Sync™ Pro Retractable Cables are the solution. Don't leave home without them. They extend from 4" up to 35", weigh only a couple of ounces and will sync and charge your unit. We've retooled and added a strain relief to the USB connector, a more robust retracting mechanism, and increased the cable strength."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/I38-LILSYNCP01l.jpg" /><br /><br />Sync 'n Charge cables are excellent tools - space-saving and easy to transport, these cables allow you to synchronize and charge your Pocket PC using a USB port. I'm particularly excited about this cable from Pocket PC Techs because it's compatible with so many types of iPAQs - unless I'm mistaken, every series except the original 3650. That's a big help to me, since I routinely connect several different types of iPAQs to my PC and I'm constantly muttering under my breath as I try to find the right one. No more!<br /><br />Pocket PC Techs is taking pre-orders for these cables, $19.99 USD, and they're expected to start shipping August 8th or sooner. <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/subscribe.php">Subscribers</a> can save 10% off the price - check out the <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/discounts.php">discounts</a> page for the coupon code.

[silentmuse]

I used to have a retractable charge'n sync cable for my 2210, but it didn't work on my 4150 due to the 4150 drawing a higher charge than the cable could provide, so I had to switch to a short stubby, think cable tha tswitchs bewteen sync and charge to make it work.

Do we know that this cable really will work with the 4150?

[Jason Dunn]

I used to have a retractable charge'n sync cable for my 2210, but it didn't work on my 4150 due to the 4150 drawing a higher charge than the cable could provide, so I had to switch to a short stubby, think cable tha tswitchs bewteen sync and charge to make it work. Do we know that this cable really will work with the 4150?

Yes, that's the whole point of this announcement. :-) The 4150 draws so much power they needed to re-tool the cable and it took months. This cable WILL change the 4150 based on what I've been told. PPC Techs know their stuff, if they say it will charge the 4150, I'll believe them. ;-)

[pschultz]

What is the difference between the original Lil Sync™ Retractable Sync-n-Charge Cable and the new Lil Sync™ Pro Retractable Sync-n-Charge Cable?

EDIT: I think it finally hit me. This cable can recharge the HP iPAQ 19/22/38/39/54/5500 Series, where as the previous version required a separate cable for each device. Am I correct?

[Jason Dunn]

What is the difference between the original Lil Sync™ Retractable Sync-n-Charge Cable and the new Lil Sync™ Pro Retractable Sync-n-Charge Cable?

Well, their first Lil'Sync cable for the 4150 only did sync, not charge - this one does both.

[Zack Mahdavi]

Wow, I've been waiting for one of these cables to work fully with my 4155. I will definitely be preordering one. :)

[baralong]

What are their write shield protectors like? I've been a big fan of the clear touch protectors from box wave, but now I have a 4150 I'd like to replace all my cables etc so I'll need a sync and charge and Box wave doesn't do that for the 4150 (obvously enough)

I'd like to get everything from one place as the international postage is a killer.

Cheers

[Steven Cedrone]

What are their write shield protectors like?

In a word: awesome! Still using my first one (and I have been using it for over a year!)

Steve

[sanjay.srikonda]

Why would anyone pay $19.95 for one of these when boxwave has been selling them for $14.99?

I know when I bought it, a while ago, almost 6 months ago, they were selling it for $5 at one time. I think if you stick around you can get this for that cheap again.

personally, I'd check a site like gadgetaddict or something for a cheaper price. These were some big splash about six months ago and then well, i don't get the big hype for an overpriced cable here.

http://www.boxwave.com/products/minisync/minisync-retractable-cable-hp-ipaq-5500-series_56.htm

[Zack Mahdavi]

Why would anyone pay $19.95 for one of these when boxwave has been selling them for $14.99?

Boxwave's cables don't support the new power-hungry PDAs (ie. the hp 4155). They just can't provide enough juice to sync and charge the PDA. That's why these new sync'n'charge cables are so interesting, because us iPaq 4155 owners now have a mini-cable to buy!

[LWesson]

Why would anyone pay $19.95 for one of these when boxwave has been selling them for $14.99?

I know when I bought it, a while ago, almost 6 months ago, they were selling it for $5 at one time. I think if you stick around you can get this for that cheap again.

personally, I'd check a site like gadgetaddict or something for a cheaper price. These were some big splash about six months ago and then well, i don't get the big hype for an overpriced cable here.

http://www.boxwave.com/products/minisync/minisync-retractable-cable-hp-ipaq-5500-series_56.htm

A very different cable. There is no comparison between the standard and the pro version.

"We've retooled and added a strain relief to the USB connector, a more robust retracting mechanism, and increased the cable strength."

In the words of Dale Coffing, "This cable rocks!"

[sanjay.srikonda]

Product ID: I38-LILSYNCP01 Category: No Category
iPAQ 19/22/38/39/41/43/51/54/5500 Series Lil Sync™ Pro Retractable Sync-n-Charge Cable


that's the product description. I'm thinking, my iPAQ 5555 + teh nexian dual cf pack takes up a lot more juice than the 4150 alone. Unless for some strange reason having to charge 2 batteries one of which is an extended battery via the Boxwave minisync which Ive been doing for over 9 months now somehow takes less energy?

That explanation that the 4155 needs more energy just doesn't make any sense since I use the Boxwave cable every single day plugged into my PC at work.

[LWesson]

That explanation that the 4155 needs more energy just doesn't make any sense since I use the Boxwave cable every single day plugged into my PC at work.

Why does it not make sense? Every pocket pc out there uses a different charging setup. The majority of them only require a few hundred mA when charging through the sync port. Others require much more.

I've also seen cases where a system will charge from a desktop and not from a notebook. Or through a hub, but not direct. This all directly correlates to the amount of energy the pocket pc needs in order to charge.

[Jason Dunn]

Why would anyone pay $19.95 for one of these when boxwave has been selling them for $14.99?

It's simple: Boxwave doesn't yet sell cables that will charge at 4150.

[Jason Dunn]

That explanation that the 4155 needs more energy just doesn't make any sense since I use the Boxwave cable every single day plugged into my PC at work.

Man, what's your problem here? Do you have a 4150? If not, then why are you pretending you know what you're talking about? I have a 4150, and I have no less than five different sync n' charge cables for other iPAQs, including the 5000 series, and THEY DO NOT CHARGE THE 4150. Understand? For those of us that have 4150, this cable is a GREAT thing - I've been waiting and waiting for one, hence my excitement about it.

If you don't need it, fine. But don't start bashing the product because you don't understand what it does.

[Sven Johannsen]

I have a PRQ38 cable from www.pc-mobile.net. It's charging my 4155 right now, and syncing too. I'd say it isn't as long or as nice looking as the PPCT one pictured, but it does the job.

I think much of the diparities are differences in the amount of charging current that individual models require relative to their depth of discharge as well. There have long been known issues with USB chargers when particular PPCs are down below some percentage of charge. There is also a significant variation on the capabilities of USB ports, regardless of what the standards say they should provide.

For those that are trying to save $5, have at it. With the PPCT, you at least have their advertised capability that it will work, and they are very reputable.

[LWesson]

I have a PRQ38 cable from www.pc-mobile.net. It's charging my 4155 right now, and syncing too. I'd say it isn't as long or as nice looking as the PPCT one pictured, but it does the job.

I think much of the diparities are differences in the amount of charging current that individual models require relative to their depth of discharge as well.

I'm curious. How far down have you drained the battery and had it work?

With the Pro version, the battery can be down to 0 and still charge and sync.

[Sven Johannsen]

You bring up a good point, and I don't have a good answer for you. I use that cable primarily at work and typically it doesn't get to far down there. It stays connected to pick up what ever changes I make in Outlook during the day, and gets disconnected when I need to go somewhere, and re-connected when I get back. So mostly it is trickling. I know it has been down 20-30% (70-80% full) but I couldn't swear to much lower than that. When I travel I use a ZipLinq, but usually with a car charger or USB socketed wall wart, which have considerably more current capacity than the average USB port.

Your assertion that yours will work from stone dead would be enough to make me select and recommend yours for the few bucks more. Frankly, I am surprised that you are able (or want) to say that. I would think that you are pretty dependent on the capability of the USB port and you have no control over that. Can't imagine you have built a current pump into the cable to hedge against poorly regulated USB ports.

Incidentally,'down to 0' and you won't be syncing untill you re-establish a partnership, or get enough juice in it to restore anyway ;)

P.S. you working on X30 memory upgrades/additions? Best thing I ever did for my 4155 :D

[LWesson]

Your assertion that yours will work from stone dead would be enough to make me select and recommend yours for the few bucks more. Frankly, I am surprised that you are able (or want) to say that. I would think that you are pretty dependent on the capability of the USB port and you have no control over that. Can't imagine you have built a current pump into the cable to hedge against poorly regulated USB ports.

Incidentally,'down to 0' and you won't be syncing untill you re-establish a partnership, or get enough juice in it to restore anyway ;)

What you say is very true. I have an old toshiba laptop that even if you used jumper cables, it wouldn't charge a unit.

There are other things that affect the ability to charge.

What I was trying to say is comparing the std Lil' Sync to the Pro, one will sync & charge, the other will not. If the USB port cannot supply enough power, then which cable you have will not matter.

The std cable will work well for charging via the AC Adapter or Auto Adapter.

In regard to the 0, I meant the main battery, with a good backup battery.

Hopefully, this clarifies things a little.

[sanjay.srikonda]

you shouldn't be so quick to jump in here.

i'm wondering why it is that a cable that charges not only an iPAQ 5555 + a nexian dual CF with an extended battery wouldn't charge a 4150 which doesn't need a sleeve and doesn't have a spare battery? Essentially, with teh boxwave cable I"m charging the standard 920 battery plus the nexian battery in the dual CF sleeve, so that seems like an awful lot of juice, does the 4150 take more juice than that?

I'm asking what I think are valid questions about a cable that already exists. The cable here says that it also charges the 5000 series, so what's the problem with asking the question?

or is asking the question tantamount to bashing the product bc you say so?

[Sven Johannsen]

In regard to the 0, I meant the main battery, with a good backup battery.


There was a grin on my line this refers to.

You ignored my X30 question. To make it easy, reply and check appropriately
[ ] dream on :cry:
[ ] thinking about it :?
[ ] warm up your credit card. :D

[silentmuse]

Essentially, with teh boxwave cable I"m charging the standard 920 battery plus the nexian battery in the dual CF sleeve, so that seems like an awful lot of juice, does the 4150 take more juice than that?

Amazingly, yes, it appears it does. I don't know what hp did on this one, but it certainly seems to suck the juice. I for one am looking forward to a good retractible cable that will charge my 4150. I miss it ever since having used one on my 2210....

[Sven Johannsen]

To explain a little, it is charging circuitry in the device you are charging that regulates how much current it is going to want. If the charging circuitry in the device being charged is more than the charger can deliver, one of two things happens. 1) the current limiting circuitry in the charger kicks in but leaves the voltage at an acceptable level and charging continues, just at a slower rate. 2) the charger is not well regulated and the output voltage drops to the point it is no longer acceptable to the charging circuitry in the device and charging stops.

The charging circuitry in the device is designed to keep as much current flowing as possible to charge as quickly as possible, without overheating the battery. The charging circuitry in the charger is designed to put out as much current as possible without burning it up.

It is very possible that the Nexian external battery charging circuitry is designed to not draw a lot of current, since it is dependent on the feature connector on the iPAQ for connection. Customers would likely be upset if the current that the expansion pack drew while charging welded the pack to the ipaq ;)

A USB port should be able to deliver 500ma at 5v. A charging PDA, especially one that is very low, may want significantly more than that. Then it becomes a matter of what the USB port does when more current is demanded. It could just continue to deliver 500ma at 5v, or it could deliver 500ma but the voltage could start dropping 4.7, 4.5, etc, or it could just shut down. depends on the designer. The standard is that it deliver 500ma at 5v, not what it does after that.

In each one of those reactions to over-draw by the device being charged, the device could react differently as well.

Hope that makes some sense.

[LWesson]

In regard to the 0, I meant the main battery, with a good backup battery.


There was a grin on my line this refers to.

You ignored my X30 question. To make it easy, reply and check appropriately
[ ] dream on :cry:
[ ] thinking about it :?
[ ] warm up your credit card. :D

Sorry about that, missed it.

[X] warm up your credit card. We're working on it now. Just got a couple of issues to figure out. We also have upgraded an ASUS 716 and it's in final testing now.

[Jason Dunn]

Re: I think what i'm asking is a very valid question, you have something to gain by promoting the product, so perhaps...

Gee, thanks for the dig in your subject line! No, I don't gain anything by promoting the product - that discount code is a pure discount code, not an affiliate code. I'm scrapping with you because you're acting like a fool. Yes, Pocket PC Techs advertises here, but Boxwave doesn't and we promote their products just as much.

I'm asking what I think are valid questions about a cable that already exists. The cable here says that it also charges the 5000 series, so what's the problem with asking the question?

You asked a perfectly valid question - no one took issue with that. You recieved about four perfectly valid answers from:

1) Users who have the 4150 and have been waiting for a sync 'n charge cable to use with their device. Users that know their current cables don't work.

2) The very smart technical people who are making it and know exactly why the current cables don't work, and why they had to make this one.

...yet you still persist in asking the same question again, seemingly calling us all idiots in the process because, gosh, we MUST be wrong because you have a DIFFERENT CABLE that charges a DIFFERENT POCKET PC and it happens to work.

Then you get some very detailed, technical answers about the complexity of USB power...AND YOU KEEP PERSISTING IN HOLDING THE SAME VIEW. That's not inquisitiveness, that's stubborn arrogance and I won't tolerate it.

Enough of this. You've posted less than ten times since your return under this new alias, and all your posts have the same smug tone. I read over your many posts under your other alias and you were quite helpful, so I don't know what happened. Did you come here to cause trouble or be in community with other Pocket PC owners?

If it's the former, leave. If it's the latter, take a big breath, step away from the keyboard, and ask yourself why you're taking the tone you are with all your posts (go back and read them and you'll see what I mean). Don't respond again in this thread - email me privately if you have anything further to say.

Thread locked.