Once again, BoxWave
WHAT’S HOT
has done a fantastic job of creating inexpensive but solid products.
Both the DirectSync and VersaCharger are quality products that stand
up to the BoxWave
standard (although the VersaCharger did squeak a bit when squeezed).
First on the list in our
DirectSync
review is the BoxWave
DirectSync cable (specifically for the X50v).
At 3.25′ long, this will
certainly give just about anyone enough length to sync or charge to
any location. While the cable is not retractable like their miniSync
line, the durability of this model seems to be headed for a long life
span.
FEATURES
The PDA end of the
DirectSync cable is extremely sturdy and has two small clips to keep
the unit from accidentally disengaging from the handheld. Note the
large mass of ribbed plastic (strain relief): this ensures that your
cable won’t end up being tossed after a few months of constant use.
The same goes for the USB end of the DirectSync cable,
designed for longetivity.
Here we see the cable
attached directly to my X50v.
Seeing
that Arkon
had yet to release an X50v cable (at the time of my review) for their
PDA Mount, the flexibility of the DirectSync to be used in any application
really saved the day in this case. I did have to wrap the cable up
a bit (because of the extra length), but it worked like a charm. I
also had great results with the DirectSync connected to laptops, USB
wall and car chargers, and even a an upcoming product (that you will
see reviewed here in the future). As long as the power-providing device
in question could give the right amount of juice (the Dell X50 series
is quite hungry), the DirectSync would deliver.
Second
VersaCharger
on our list is the VersaCharger.
An all-in-one car and wall charger.
At approximately 3" long and an inch wide, the VersaCharger certainly takes up a lot less
space than a separate wall-wart and car charger would.
FEATURES
FEATURES
- Combines a wall charger, car charger,
and airplane charger (optional) into one small form-factor! - Charging LED indicates when it’s
charging (red), and when it has finished charging (green) - Adaptive circuitry works with North
American power standards and international power standards (both
frequencies and voltages) - Designed for use with the miniSync
or DirectSync - Safely charges your handheld
- Cool clear, translucent design
- Solid and durable construction
- Small, light, and convenient to
take with you - Optional protective cap included
Technical Specifications:
100V to 240VAC (variable) 12V to 24V (variable) 5.0V ± 0.25V 0.5A Approx. 3.0" H x 1.2" W x 1.4" D 1.8 oz
Wall Voltage Input:
Car Voltage Input:
Voltage Output:
Size:
Weight:
Note
the Voltage Output, specifically the Amps provided. The VersaCharger
is not designed to provide enough power to the X50v, so this review
was done on my iPAQ 2215 (which it performed wonderfully for). A new
VersaCharger is being designed that can also handle the power needs
of the X50v.
As you can see above,
the wall plug folds back down into the body of the unit. A great design
idea.
A semi-translucent cap
is included to protect the car charger end of things. And, as with
most caps, it will probably be lost at some point and never seen again.
On the backside of the
VersaCharger, we find the USB charging port.
When
attached to a power source (and a device), the LED will change depending
on the power level of the device (Green is charged, Red is charging).
While in the picture I’ve plugged the VersaCharger into the top plug,
this is not required (it just made for a better picture).
BoxWave
HELP SUPPORT
has a support email address on their website
(in the Contact Us section) along with usage instructions.
I really had a tough time coming up
BUGS AND WISHES
with wishes for the DirectSync line. In its simplicity, there
really isn’t very much that can be improved upon. The only item
I could think of was to offer differing lengths of cable, depending
on the customer’s need. For example, I could really use a very
short DirectSync for a Arkon mount, and a long one for traveling.
As for the VersaCharger, I would have liked to seen some sort
of lanyard connection for the cap (so it wouldn’t get lost), and
a separate light color for when the unit was plugged in (but not
attached to any device).
You
PURCHASING
can buy any of these items directly from BoxWave.
Price varies from unit to unit
PROS
BoxWave
HELP SUPPORT
has a support email address on their website
(in the Contact Us section) along with usage instructions.
I really had a tough time coming up
BUGS AND WISHES
with wishes for the DirectSync line. In its simplicity, there
really isn’t very much that can be improved upon. The only item
I could think of was to offer differing lengths of cable, depending
on the customer’s need. For example, I could really use a very
short DirectSync for a Arkon mount, and a long one for traveling.
As for the VersaCharger, I would have liked to seen some sort
of lanyard connection for the cap (so it wouldn’t get lost), and
a separate light color for when the unit was plugged in (but not
attached to any device).
You
PURCHASING
can buy any of these items directly from BoxWave.
Price varies from unit to unit
PROS
I really had a tough time coming up
BUGS AND WISHES
with wishes for the DirectSync line. In its simplicity, there
really isn’t very much that can be improved upon. The only item
I could think of was to offer differing lengths of cable, depending
on the customer’s need. For example, I could really use a very
short DirectSync for a Arkon mount, and a long one for traveling.
As for the VersaCharger, I would have liked to seen some sort
of lanyard connection for the cap (so it wouldn’t get lost), and
a separate light color for when the unit was plugged in (but not
attached to any device).
You
PURCHASING
can buy any of these items directly from BoxWave.
Price varies from unit to unit
PROS
Simplistic
design allows for maximum flexibility (DirectSync)
Simplistic
design allows for maximum flexibility (DirectSync)
Simplistic
design allows for maximum flexibility (DirectSync)
CONS
CONS
CONS
CONS
CONS
CONS
CONS
CONS
CONS
Only
comes in one size per device (DirectSync)
Only
comes in one size per device (DirectSync)
Only
comes in one size per device (DirectSync)
Only
comes in one size per device (DirectSync)
Only
comes in one size per device (DirectSync)
Only
comes in one size per device (DirectSync)
Only
comes in one size per device (DirectSync)
Only
comes in one size per device (DirectSync)
Only
comes in one size per device (DirectSync)
Even with the recent
OVERALL
IMPRESSION
negative press concerning the VersaCharger and
the Dell X50 series, I feel it’s important to
point out that BoxWave
demonstrated remarkable customer service to its
customers and even offered to provide refunds
to those who were unable to use the device with
their PDA. Good customer service always makes
up for the occasional mishap. It worked fantastically
with my iPAQ, and will take the place of my existing
BoxWave wall charger. In a time where very few
third party accessories available, BoxWave
was quick to release their DirectSync line for
the X50 series. A lifesaver in my line of work.
Overall, these additions to the BoxWave
line still pass the test as solid and hardworking
products.
Even with the recent
OVERALL
IMPRESSION
negative press concerning the VersaCharger and
the Dell X50 series, I feel it’s important to
point out that BoxWave
demonstrated remarkable customer service to its
customers and even offered to provide refunds
to those who were unable to use the device with
their PDA. Good customer service always makes
up for the occasional mishap. It worked fantastically
with my iPAQ, and will take the place of my existing
BoxWave wall charger. In a time where very few
third party accessories available, BoxWave
was quick to release their DirectSync line for
the X50 series. A lifesaver in my line of work.
Overall, these additions to the BoxWave
line still pass the test as solid and hardworking
products.
Even with the recent
OVERALL
IMPRESSION
negative press concerning the VersaCharger and
the Dell X50 series, I feel it’s important to
point out that BoxWave
demonstrated remarkable customer service to its
customers and even offered to provide refunds
to those who were unable to use the device with
their PDA. Good customer service always makes
up for the occasional mishap. It worked fantastically
with my iPAQ, and will take the place of my existing
BoxWave wall charger. In a time where very few
third party accessories available, BoxWave
was quick to release their DirectSync line for
the X50 series. A lifesaver in my line of work.
Overall, these additions to the BoxWave
line still pass the test as solid and hardworking
products.
Even with the recent
OVERALL
IMPRESSION
negative press concerning the VersaCharger and
the Dell X50 series, I feel it’s important to
point out that BoxWave
demonstrated remarkable customer service to its
customers and even offered to provide refunds
to those who were unable to use the device with
their PDA. Good customer service always makes
up for the occasional mishap. It worked fantastically
with my iPAQ, and will take the place of my existing
BoxWave wall charger. In a time where very few
third party accessories available, BoxWave
was quick to release their DirectSync line for
the X50 series. A lifesaver in my line of work.
Overall, these additions to the BoxWave
line still pass the test as solid and hardworking
products.
Even with the recent
OVERALL
IMPRESSION
negative press concerning the VersaCharger and
the Dell X50 series, I feel it’s important to
point out that BoxWave
demonstrated remarkable customer service to its
customers and even offered to provide refunds
to those who were unable to use the device with
their PDA. Good customer service always makes
up for the occasional mishap. It worked fantastically
with my iPAQ, and will take the place of my existing
BoxWave wall charger. In a time where very few
third party accessories available, BoxWave
was quick to release their DirectSync line for
the X50 series. A lifesaver in my line of work.
Overall, these additions to the BoxWave
line still pass the test as solid and hardworking
products.
Even with the recent
OVERALL
IMPRESSION
negative press concerning the VersaCharger and
the Dell X50 series, I feel it’s important to
point out that BoxWave
demonstrated remarkable customer service to its
customers and even offered to provide refunds
to those who were unable to use the device with
their PDA. Good customer service always makes
up for the occasional mishap. It worked fantastically
with my iPAQ, and will take the place of my existing
BoxWave wall charger. In a time where very few
third party accessories available, BoxWave
was quick to release their DirectSync line for
the X50 series. A lifesaver in my line of work.
Overall, these additions to the BoxWave
line still pass the test as solid and hardworking
products.
Even with the recent
OVERALL
IMPRESSION
negative press concerning the VersaCharger and
the Dell X50 series, I feel it’s important to
point out that BoxWave
demonstrated remarkable customer service to its
customers and even offered to provide refunds
to those who were unable to use the device with
their PDA. Good customer service always makes
up for the occasional mishap. It worked fantastically
with my iPAQ, and will take the place of my existing
BoxWave wall charger. In a time where very few
third party accessories available, BoxWave
was quick to release their DirectSync line for
the X50 series. A lifesaver in my line of work.
Overall, these additions to the BoxWave
line still pass the test as solid and hardworking
products.
Even with the recent
OVERALL
IMPRESSION
negative press concerning the VersaCharger and
the Dell X50 series, I feel it’s important to
point out that BoxWave
demonstrated remarkable customer service to its
customers and even offered to provide refunds
to those who were unable to use the device with
their PDA. Good customer service always makes
up for the occasional mishap. It worked fantastically
with my iPAQ, and will take the place of my existing
BoxWave wall charger. In a time where very few
third party accessories available, BoxWave
was quick to release their DirectSync line for
the X50 series. A lifesaver in my line of work.
Overall, these additions to the BoxWave
line still pass the test as solid and hardworking
products.
Even with the recent
OVERALL
IMPRESSION
negative press concerning the VersaCharger and
the Dell X50 series, I feel it’s important to
point out that BoxWave
demonstrated remarkable customer service to its
customers and even offered to provide refunds
to those who were unable to use the device with
their PDA. Good customer service always makes
up for the occasional mishap. It worked fantastically
with my iPAQ, and will take the place of my existing
BoxWave wall charger. In a time where very few
third party accessories available, BoxWave
was quick to release their DirectSync line for
the X50 series. A lifesaver in my line of work.
Overall, these additions to the BoxWave
line still pass the test as solid and hardworking
products.
No related post found.
