Bionic Rapid Charger

[zachthebomb13]

With Android Central doing their 15% off of all accessories today, I thought I might want to get a new charger. Here's what I'm looking for:

I have my phone plugged into a power inverter, (Amazon.com: Cobra CPI 880 800 Watt 12 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC Power Inverter with 5 Volt USB output: Car Electronics), into the 5 volt usb output. I always use my phone a lot while I drive, so the phone never actually gets charged, but doesn't lose a charge. But I want it to actually charge while I'm driving. Will one of these be a better solution? Or what do you suggest? Thanks for the help?

Motorola Micro-USB 850mA Rapid Travel Charger - Android Chargers & Cables
Ventev Dual USB Wall Charger 2.1A - Android Chargers & Cables
Amazon.com: RND Power Solutions Premium 2.1A (fast) Dual USB AC Adapter / Wall charger for Tablets Smartphones MP3 Players and Gaming Devices (black): Cell Phones & Accessories

 

[Mooncatt]

I wouldn't go buy a new charger yet until you check some other things first. All USB ports are the same voltage, so you need to find out what the amperage rating is for the USB port on your inverter. It may be stamped next to the port, or at least on the power/UL sticker of the inverter. If it is rated less than the OEM stock wall charger (850mA), then it could be that it isn't strong enough to charge while the phone is in use. I don't buy into the "fast charger" hype much because the phone will not pull any more than it is designed to, even with a higher rated charger. I will say that a higher rating will not have to work as hard to produce what the phone needs, so there is a potential for more longevity. I can't prove it, just my own guesstimate from prior amplifier experiences. Stronger chargers don't cost much more anyway and can also be more versatile, but don't expect drastically reduced charge times.

You may also be experiencing an issue I mentioned in another thread. If it is sitting in the bright sun with no air flow over it with the A/C, the heat of the sun may make it too hot too charge (the radiant heat through a window can do this even if the car is relatively cool). I've had a couple phones now that charge fine unless the battery gets above 100?F, either from being in the sun or simply a high end game taxing the processor. If the heat of the sun is bad enough, it can loose charge while plugged in and just sitting idle. So try moving it to the shade or direct an air vent to it and see if that helps.

If the inverter is rated fine and you're keeping the phone cool, but still loosing charge when plugged in, try replacing the USB cable. The loss of charge while plugged in is one of the first signs of a cable going bad.

 

[guardlights]

I picked up an OEM Motorola uUSB charger about 6 months ago for my Bionic. It works fine, it can bring the phone up to charge. I have used it on 6 hour trips where I was turning on the gps some times and talking some times and was able to keep the battery charge topped off. But if you just leave the phone connected with a low charge it will bring it back up.
I am sure there are some limitations that have been stated, but for 5 bucks I really cant complain, it works for me

 

[prizeferret]

I will say I have found the ultimate charger for my phone, and it comes from Verizon. My dad bought the "Micro USB Dual Charger" for his phone, and I plugged my Bionic into it on a short 15-minute trip. It charged the battery by 6%. EASILY 3x faster than the standard charger, or the "high-capacity charge" cable that came with the Motorola Car Dock.

I also used to struggle with barely gaining a charge if I left my phone active while docked in the car. No more!!

I went out and bought one for myself the next day. It even works when the car is not turned on. Great to gain 10%+ while you are in the grocery store shopping. Expensive, but worth every penny.

Here it is at the Verizon store... Micro USB Dual Charger

 

[Ry]

I will say I have found the ultimate charger for my phone, and it comes from Verizon. My dad bought the "Micro USB Dual Charger" for his phone, and I plugged my Bionic into it on a short 15-minute trip. It charged the battery by 6%. EASILY 3x faster than the standard charger, or the "high-capacity charge" cable that came with the Motorola Car Dock.

I also used to struggle with barely gaining a charge if I left my phone active while docked in the car. No more!!

I went out and bought one for myself the next day. It even works when the car is not turned on. Great to gain 10%+ while you are in the grocery store shopping. Expensive, but worth every penny.

Here it is at the Verizon store... Micro USB Dual Charger

I have that charger. It's awesome.

I also picked this up for my wife's car that I use with my own micro USB cable. Monoprice: 1 Port USB Car Charger 2.1A - Black