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Executive Editor, Android Thoughts
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,233
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VersaCharger Pro Review
Product Category: Charger / Accessory
Manufacturer: BoxWave
Where to Buy: BoxWave.Com
Price: $34.95 USD
System Requirements: Device or product that charges through USB.
Specifications: Provides up to 1 amp power output, compatible with most USB-charged devices.
Pros:- 1 Charger, 2 charging sources;
- 1 charger, multiple devices;
- Port on front of device.
Cons:- Cap could get lost easily;
- Bulkier than original;
- Port on front of device.
Summary:Trying to carry less is every geek or frequent traveler�s dream. While USB has come a long way to let us charge more efficiently, those who go from car to office and back again require two chargers. BoxWave changed that with the introduction of their VersaCharger, and now the successor is out refining the flaws of the original. But is it worth the upgrade? Quite possibly!
Read on for the full review!
The Device
Figure 1: The VersaCharger Pro Packaging, an improvement over the plain BoxWave box I received VersaCharger 1 in!
The device ships in a plain plastic case, nicely seated, albeit not too securely (the device was sideways in the package when I took it out!). Still, with no moving parts, it was more than adequately protected.
For those of you who aren't familiar with the original VersaCharger, the pictures should speak for themselves. It's a USB-based charger (meaning that most any device that charges through USB should be able to be charged by it) that can be plugged into the wall or into your car's cigarette lighter plugs. The little cap on top (which I consider far too lose-able, so keep tabs on where you place it!) covers the contacts used for charging in the car, while the contacts used for wall charging fold up into the base of the unit.
Upon removing the device from its plastic home, I immediately noticed how much bigger it was compared to my old VersaCharger, but more on that later. The new version claims to support power-hungry devices, providing up to 1 amp of power while utilizing an "intelligent chip" that shuts off the juice before your device fries.
Figure 2: Out of the packaging.
It also includes an LED that is supposed to turn red when charging and green when done, however my K-JAM and JasJar both shown a yellow charge light while the VersaCharger stayed solid green. Strange. The version that I was shipped is the North America version, with a UK version also available that doesn't require the user to use a pin adapter.
Compared To The Older Brother
Figure 3: VC Pro is quite a bit bigger than its older brother.
As I mentioned before, the second generation is quite a bit bigger than the previous. When wrapping my hands around both units, the tips of my fingers can touch below my thumb with a VersaCharger - they're miles away with the new version. The extra bulk is undoubtedly due to the increased power output and the repositioning of the USB port.
While we're on the subject, BoxWave claims that the USB port was moved "so you can charge the device without taking up two outlets". Their reasoning is simple - cord hangs from bottom, nix outlet below if it's plugged into the outlet above. If the charger is plugged into the lower outlet, the car charging plug will cover the top outlet. However, in my extremely scientific testing (i.e. I plugged the old one into the top outlet), I found the bottom outlet could easily be used. But whatever, the outlet is moved, for better or worse. While I think the new design makes a lot of sense for wall outlet charging, I could see potential troubles when charging in the car, as the USB cord would stick up perpendicular to the cigarette lighter plug. So depending on your particular car, an issue could arise. Of course this is easily alleviated by purchasing a small extension adapter for the car plug. Still, something bugs me about the moving of the port, and I don't quite know why!
Figure 4: Side by side comparison. Version 2 will definitely take up a bit more space, but the new port location may be worth it.
Another change on the new unit involves the power prongs that go into the wall. The previous unit kept the prongs tight up against the body of the charger, while the unit I received to review featured prongs that were larger and dangled a centimeter or so away from the device if held upside down. I figure this is probably due to the manufacturing process needing to be versatile enough to support putting either the UK or US plug on the unit. I don't foresee this being an issue other than the device could potentially get caught up while sliding it in and out of tight spaces (such as a gear bag). I also found that plugging the device into the wall required more care since the prongs were looser. If I plugged it in too quickly (and not straight on) the prongs were pushed back up into their folded position! I suppose that reinforces the good common sense approach - be nice to expensive toys and their accessories!
Charge It Up!
For the charging benchmark, I chose a day when I didn't have to go anywhere (thus I could have my device on the charger all day) and let the device run down overnight. I conducted the test with my i-Mate K-JAM, using the recommended MiniSync cable that BoxWave provided. When I looked at the device in the morning, it was at around 50% battery. After 2 hours of charging, the device was fully back up to 100%. While not precisely the same, this is fairly consistent with what I see on my wall charger that came with the unit - Nice!
Perhaps the best charging scenario (where the device can be left unused and to charge for hours at a time) is unrealistic given that this charger can charge both on a wall and in a car. I know there are plenty of times I've been driving and realized that my device was getting pretty low - it appears that the VersaCharger Pro would have really helped me out there.
Overall there really isn't much to say about the VersaCharger's performance. I never did see a red light as it said I would in the promotional material I received, but I really didn't care - that's what a charging indicator on the device is for. The VersaCharger performed as advertised, which is all I could ask for.
Ultimate Combinations
BoxWave advertises that a VersaCharger and a MiniSync cable are the ultimate combination when it comes to mobile charging, and I have to agree - they work out nicely. I personally carry the following and find that it meets 95% of my charging needs:
1. USB A Female to Male Retractable Cable (i.e. a USB Extension cable)
2. VersaCharger Pro
3. Tips for Mini-USB Charging (As posted by Jason Langridge earlier this year, this little import kicks serious butt!)
4. JAVOEdge DC Charging Adapter, which also kicks butt!.
All told those take up a very small amount of space in my bag, and are flexible enough. If I know I'm going on a trip where I need additional adapters, they easily stow as well. If you're still carrying around a dedicated car USB charger, wall USB charger, mini-USB cable, regular USB cable, and special adapters for DC charging (i.e. bluetooth headphones, cameras), then this setup could greatly reduce your load.
Conclusions
In short, the VersaCharger Pro by BoxWave will serve the mobile warrior quite well. You'll find extra space in the bag, and will be able to charge most anywhere you go. Pair it up with a retractable cable and you're set. Users of VersaCharger may want to upgrade if their current power needs are not being met by the older design, or if they desire the USB port to be on the front.
Jon Westfall is a fairly busy guy, with being a contributing editor here and serving on the Pocket PC Magazine Board of Experts. He posts a lot of weird stuff (such as his weekly war with his grass, odd pictures, strange news stories, etc..) in his blog at jonwestfall.com!
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