BoxWave VersachargerPro
The Versacharger is a combo 110V AC and 12V DC USB converter to charge phones, PDAs, and various other electronics. You just purchase additional USB connectors and "tips" as you go for specific gadgets. Even some GPS units can be charged with appropriate voltage transducers.
I've used this charger over a year, mostly when I travel -- greatly reduces the amount of cables, chargers, wall warts, and misc. I have to tote around. I keep all my devices (GPS, Palm T/X, cell phone) and charger in a small cloth, drawstring bag, along with a Ziploc bag for all the various tips (I use a gold marking pen to write which tip goes with which device).
It's worth noting, I prefer using the cords manufactured by Syncharger (maker of the previously-reviewed kwikSynCh). As opposed to the designated tips from Boxwave, the Syncharger cords have USB at both ends and you only have to change the "Mtips" for your device, which is both less bulky and less expensive (the Mtips are $7 each; the shorter kwikSynCh is $15 and the retractable Syncharger is $27; compared to the BoxWaves which can run $26). If you only need to charge one device, Boxwave's bundle price is great, and their miniSync (pic above) gives more flexibility and packs smaller. However, if you need to charge multiple devices, I think the Syncharger cords are much more convenient.
Favorite (15)
Phil
I used to use a similar device from another manufacturer. I gave it up, though, as I was always searching their site for their proprietary tips, and they couldn't keep up with manufacturers: a new iBook meant a new tip, and they didn't have it it. A new cell phone from a new maker, and no tip. Tips cost money when they had them.
I finally just bought an inverter that plugs into a cigar socket and ran each device off its wallwart. No tips, no upgrades, no extra costs.
Brian
I remember these. I bought a version for my Nextel a few years back and I could never get it to charge my phone (even though through numerous emails their tech support said it should).
The kicker was the spring used to recoil the line into the case broke before I could ever send it back.
All was not bad. At the time I also bought a iPod/Firewire charger from them that worked great.
Martin
I had a VersaCharger Pro about a year ago. It worked pretty well for the first few months, but eventually the AC prongs got pretty loose. It wouldn't get a connection with an outlet unless I fudged with it for 10 minutes or held it with my hand. Now I have a device just for the wall and a device just for the car. I'm much happier.
Andrew
I am a certified charger and cord management geek, and I have bought a VersaCharger Pro before. I also bought retractable charging cables for mini USB and my Samsung mobile phone. All worked fine for me as advertised, and I was able to charge a Blackberry, my Samsung mobile phone, iPhone, and iPod (the latter two with a Belkin retractable charging cable).
Replacing dedicated wall warts with a power to USB adapter, and then using retractable USB charging cables, has made my travel life a lot easier.
I now no longer use a VersaCharger Pro for travel, since Apple came out with their overpriced, but beautiful and small iPhone charger: http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB352LL/B?fnode=MTY1NDA0MQ&mco=MjQzNTIxNw
The Apple USB power adapter is international voltage capable, non-polarized for travel plug adapter friendliness, and much smaller than the VersaCharger Pro.
I have also recently traveled with this accessory: http://www.usbfever.com/index_eproduct_view.php?products_id=1141
It has multiple USB charger outputs (and obviates the need for a mini-USB cable since it has one built in), so you need fewer plug adapters. It works okay, however, it ships from Hong Kong, which takes a while, and, sometimes it emits a high pitched whine while in operation.