• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

Help Charge Speed - USB vs. A/C

Bing

Well-Known Member
Jun 1, 2010
174
25
Washington, DC
For those who don't know, USB charging is a lot slower than A/C (wall outlet) charging. This thread goes into it well:

http://androidforums.com/htc-evo-4g...-have-dramatic-difference-charging-times.html

That said: anyone know a way to up the amps from a USB port? I'm especially interested for this in my car, where I have a USB port from my audio system, and would really like to charge my Incredible while I use it as a GPS.

Any tips for this? I know "get a car adapter" is an easy solution, but I'd prefer avoid that if possible.
 
For those who don't know, USB charging is a lot slower than A/C (wall outlet) charging. This thread goes into it well:

http://androidforums.com/htc-evo-4g...-have-dramatic-difference-charging-times.html

That said: anyone know a way to up the amps from a USB port? I'm especially interested for this in my car, where I have a USB port from my audio system, and would really like to charge my Incredible while I use it as a GPS.

Any tips for this? I know "get a car adapter" is an easy solution, but I'd prefer avoid that if possible.

Computers (and i would assume other equipment designed to work with computer equipment) are built to only put out 500mA. This is an international computer standard, and while annoying , no way to change it short of actually changing parts on a motherboard/etc.
 
Upvote 0
Apple is able to charge over USB a lot faster because they don't follow standards.

All of the newer macs are putting out above average power. This causes issues for those with iPads and PC's because since most motherboard makers follow standards, the iPad requires an extra boost of USB power. A lot of them ended up releasing new BIOS updates allowing more power.

Even with a power boost, USB will not be as fast as a wall charger. You can search for custom BIOS if you wish but I would just stick to wall.
 
Upvote 0
Apple is able to charge over USB a lot faster because they don't follow standards.

All of the newer macs are putting out above average power. This causes issues for those with iPads and PC's because since most motherboard makers follow standards, the iPad requires an extra boost of USB power. A lot of them ended up releasing new BIOS updates allowing more power.

Even with a power boost, USB will not be as fast as a wall charger. You can search for custom BIOS if you wish but I would just stick to wall.


Another issue with mac cords is that they are designed to primarily be charged using the USB on your computer. The Adapter actually puts more current thru the cable charging your ipod/iphone faster, but the heat breaks down the cord faster. That is why they have an issue with a lot of returned cords
 
Upvote 0

BEST TECH IN 2023

We've been tracking upcoming products and ranking the best tech since 2007. Thanks for trusting our opinion: we get rewarded through affiliate links that earn us a commission and we invite you to learn more about us.

Smartphones