Yes, that is the point. But some devices require a computer to send some type of signal before they will charge, in order to prevent you from using unofficial adapters. They usually claim it’s for safety purposes, but I notice their adapters are usually more expensive than similar quality products that don’t use this method.
In particular, I believe the Blackberry is one such device. At least, the older models will give you an error.
Possibly some models, but I’ve been charging a Torch with an adapter from a Motorola headset for months with no issues.
I’ve used my mobile phone mains adapter to charge my Kindle 3 successfully. I’ve also charged it from one keyboard USB port on my iMac, which will only supply 100 mA if the other port is already supplying 500 mA. It just takes longer to charge.
As does my digital camera and my friend’s non-Android tablet. It’s about as non-proprietary as you can get.
The adapters for my Blackberry Bold and my bluetooth headset both use the same mini-USB connector, but if I plug the bluetooth adapter in to the Blackberry, I get a message that says there is not enough voltage to charge it.
Apple devices can get an attitude if you use an “unauthorized” charger, too. But they still charge. You just get an “unsupported accessory” message on the screen.
But the USB standard is just that - a standard. The form factor and pin-out arrangement should be universal.
I just checked a couple of my USB chargers. Sure enough, one was for 0.7 amps, and another was for 1.0 amps. I always thought they were interchangeable.
I feel lied to.
I have a double-USB plug adapter that has to load balance when two iPhones are plugged into it - which means each one bleeps every five seconds. Very annoying.
I also have an eCigarette USB plug that doesn’t provide enough power to charge my iPhone.
Well that had to be an annoying discovery!
It’s even better: http://baencd.thefifthimperium.com/ - collections of Baen books, all free, most not available on the Baen website. Baen has explicitly said that those CDs can be shared / copied, just not sold. So this side has 'em all online.
Oh - and while I can’t speak to the Kindle aspect, I have several USB wall chargers (one from my phone, one from my iPod, and a couple of surge protectors that have USB slots as well). All of them charge my iPod or iPhone just fine, as long as I have the correct cable. I think my Nook Color will also charge, but much more slowly than if I use the plug that came with it.
I have a Logitech Mouse wall charge that I never used, but I just took a look at it and it says 5.15V 1A, I suppose that would work.
Another quick question, is there a place to see what’s in the Kindle Lending Library or are all the books available through it? I’m trying to decide if Amazon Prime is worth it. I already have Netflix Instant and I don’t order enough stuff to break even on shipping, I’ve also been reading the free, out of copyright stuff. However, if I could see what’s in the Library I might make the jump. It would be nice to get the free shipping, supplement my Netflix Instant and get a free book each month.
Interesting - I didn’t know about the lending library. We’ve got Amazon Prime. Unfortunately it looks like the lending is only if you use an actual Kindle, not if you have a Kindle app on your smartphone. Boo.