Strengths:Charges easily all full size iPods (4Gen and later), 2Gen mini, and Shuffle
Weaknesses:Cost, not included with full size iPod (5Gen video)
Posted Nov 4, 2005 - I've had a shuffle for a while, and never purchased this charger, as I could always charge it through my powered USB2 hub if the computer wasn't on. But I just recently bought a 5G (video) iPod and, although I wasn't surprised, it didn't come with this adapter. Since the battery life for video can be short, and thought I might have the need to power the iPod away from the computer. An added bonus is that I can charge my shuffle as well with it.
Also note, if you have enabled disk mode with a shuffle, the light continually blinks orange when charging, never turning green to indicate a complete charge, if it is not "ejected" from Windows. The shuffle also blinks orange with USB hubs, never letting you know when it's done (you have to estimate, 3-4 hours for full charge.) However, with this Apple adapter, it WILL tell you when it is complete, whether or not you have enabled disk mode.
Nothing special to note about its features when charging a full size iPod, except that you must have your USB/dock connector cable with you to plug it into the adapter.
Airport Express will also charge any iPod this adapter does, but I don't want to carry around this $100+ device for charging. The same flaw noted with the shuffle and powered USB2 hubs mentioned above, however, is present in this situation.
Shuffle only users: Rethink this purchase -- how often are you actually going to be away from your computer and how often do you actually charge it now?
Yes, I'm happy, but I think the cost is a bit high, even with my 10% academic discount from Apple. Not absolutely necessary for everybody. Perhaps I could have gone with a generic alternative, but would be slightly worried that it could blow up or something, and I also have some of Apple international adapter plugs that work well with this adapter. In other words, the Apple white always looks cool...
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