Review: Boxwave Versacharger Pro & Mini-Sync Cable
Supplier: Boxwave
Product: Versacharger Pro & Mini-Sync Cable
Cost: Varies with bundle - see text
Supplier Web Site: Boxwave Homepage
Supplier Product Web Site: Versacharger Pro Bundles Page
Thanks go to Wing Yew Lum at Boxwave for the review devices
Introduction
We all travel and with the myriad of devices (PDAs, Phones, Cameras etc.) that we carry - just charging them can become a real headache!
Boxwave have come to the rescue with a charger that can power your device from Mains (A/C) or Vehicle (D/C) with just the appropriate cable - saving much weight and bulk in the process. The Versacharger comes with either a US or European 2 pin plug (UK users need to carry a small adapter for mains use which is a minor disappointment). Couple the Versacharger with the appropriate mini-sync cable for your device(s) and that's you all set up for travelling.
Versacharger Pro!
The first element of any bundle is the charging unit itself. This is a particularly attractive blue, partially transparent, plastic item comprising a fold down two pin mains connector (US and European variants available), a standard vehicle charger connector (with protective clear plastic cover) and a standard female USB outlet for plugging in the appropriate cable. There is a small green LED to indicate power is connected and that's it!
Build quality is excellent with there being no looseness in construction or where the mains power connectors fold out.
Tech Spec
The Versacharger Pro can handle the following: -
100-240V AC input @ 50/60Hz 0.1A
12-24V DC input
5.3-5.5V DC Output at 400mA-1A
Mini-Sync Cable
The Mini-Sync cable supplied will be specific to your device (naturally there is some overlap where devices use the same connection type - e.g. mini-USB). The idea of the mini-sync cable is three fold. The first is naturally to allow you to connect your device to the Versacharger Pro for charging, secondly for connecting your device directly to your PC for charging and synchronising via ActiveSync and lastly for keeping everything nice and tidy as the cable is a miniature engineering marvel.
The cable is wound round a central mechanism that allows the cable out from both sides in equal measures giving you just the amount of cable required to reach between the device and the connecting unit (PC or Versacharger Pro).
I tested the mini-USB cable suitable for my O2 XDA Exec, i-Mate SP5m Smartphone and my O2 XDA MiniS. Combined with the Versacharger Pro, that's three devices covered for synchronisation and power - no multiple chargers anymore!
Bundles of Value!
Where to start really? The
Boxwave Versacharger Web Page lists a number of different options that encompasses International Travellers, Data cables, Airline users.
Reviewed here is the MiniSync-Versacharger Pro bundle, priced competitively from $35.99 plus shipping, dependent on the minisync cable needed.
The range goes all the way up to an International Travellers bundle which includes everything you may need (Versacharger, plug adapters (including UK!), airplane connector and travel bag) with the exception of the Mini-Sync cable itself for $52.34 at the time of review.
All in I think Boxwave have covered pretty much all bases here and buying as a bundle saves money too - the price of the International Travellers bundle's components is ordinarily in excess of $75.
Lastly with the recent changes being imposed on the amount and type of hand baggage being allowed on Aircraft, the Versacharger bundles with their ability to minimise the weight and number of chargers carried can only be beneficial.
Pro's
Great Build Quality
Saves space and weight on bulky chargers
Range of cables available
Versatile - Mains & Vehicle charging
Mini-Sync is tidier compared to standard cables
Great range of bundles available
Con's
Only US and European plug availability
Needs an adapter for UK use
4WM Rating
85%
Conclusion
With manufacturers intent on making life difficult for us consumers with a variety of chargers, adapters and cables, its really nice when someone comes along and tries to make sense of it all and simplify things for us!
Well done Boxwave is all I can say. 1 Charger and 1 cable covers pretty much all of my synchronisation and power needs (in my case for three devices!)
Everything is well built and solid with no issues in daily use - it just works.
My only gripe is the lack of a specific UK version but I had a small plastic lightweight adapter lying around at home and that fulfilled the job perfectly on the charger so not a major issue. Naturally it wouldn't be needed if I were abroad in Europe as that's the in-built connector for us Europeans anyway.
Last edited by tonybro on 21 Mar 2007 11:54 am; edited 2 times in total
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