WHAT'S HOT
Once again, BoxWave
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).
DirectSync
First on the list in our
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.
VersaCharger
Second
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:
Wall Voltage Input:
100V to 240VAC (variable)
Car Voltage Input:
12V to 24V (variable)
Voltage Output:
5.0V ± 0.25V 0.5A
Size:
Approx. 3.0" H x 1.2" W x 1.4" D
Weight:
1.8 oz
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).
HELP SUPPORT
BoxWave
has a support email address on their website
(in the Contact Us section) along with usage instructions.
BUGS AND WISHES
I really had a tough time coming up
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).
PURCHASING
You
can buy any of these items directly from BoxWave.
Price varies from unit to unit
PROS
HELP SUPPORT
BoxWave
has a support email address on their website
(in the Contact Us section) along with usage instructions.
BUGS AND WISHES
I really had a tough time coming up
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).
PURCHASING
You
can buy any of these items directly from BoxWave.
Price varies from unit to unit
PROS
BUGS AND WISHES
I really had a tough time coming up
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).
PURCHASING
You
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)
OVERALL
IMPRESSION
Even with the recent
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.
OVERALL
IMPRESSION
Even with the recent
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.
OVERALL
IMPRESSION
Even with the recent
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.
OVERALL
IMPRESSION
Even with the recent
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.
OVERALL
IMPRESSION
Even with the recent
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.
OVERALL
IMPRESSION
Even with the recent
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.
OVERALL
IMPRESSION
Even with the recent
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.
OVERALL
IMPRESSION
Even with the recent
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.
OVERALL
IMPRESSION
Even with the recent
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.
