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Can the iPad charge via USB?
- Thread starter mrsir2009
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Depends on the computer you're using. My 2011 MBP charges my iPad via USB, but my older Dell laptop does not. I'm guessing it has something to do with the power output of the USB ports.
I highly doubt it. Heck, it may not even recognize it, considering how old the iBook G3 is. If your computer does recognize it, your iPad will indicate it's plugged in but won't charge, you'll see a "Not charging" statement next to the battery icon.
Why would it need to recognize it to charge it? Wouldn't it charge it as long as the USB port is supplying power? My cellphone charges on the iBook G3
It needs at least the high-power (1A) ports to charge (on later model MB/MBP, late 2008 and newer, if I remember the cut-in dates correctly). Even at that, it charges at about half the rate of the 10W adapter that ships with the iPads (1A@5vdc=5W).
(Standard USB power provides 500ma, which is 2.5W at 5vdc.)
No, the iPad does not charge on "standard" USB. Standard USB allows up to 500mA current draw. USB smartphone chargers (which indicate what they are to the device by having the data pins shorted together) allow 1A current draw. The iPad draws 2.1A when charging. Modern Macs are designed to handle this and know how to talk to the iPad to tell it that's okay. A few rare USB chargers also do. Most devices with USB ports do not, however.
Right, so I can't charge the iPad on anything such as solar USB chargers or anything like that either?
If you can, try it and see.
On my work laptop (a dell), when conencted to USB and in use the ipad displays not charging.
But put the iPad in standby and it does actually charge, albeit at a trickle.
It seems I have enough power from the USB on the dell to maintain battery levels while the iPad is in use, but only trickle charge when in standby.
On my work laptop (a dell), when conencted to USB and in use the ipad displays not charging.
But put the iPad in standby and it does actually charge, albeit at a trickle.
It seems I have enough power from the USB on the dell to maintain battery levels while the iPad is in use, but only trickle charge when in standby.
Ok, cool, trickle charging or maintaining battery life is enough. You see, I get frequent power cuts, so being able to charge my devices via solar power & other batteries is very convenient.
Regarding the literal question, isn't USB connection the only way to charge an iPad? What power source is used is another question.
Responding to the solar issue, I actually have played around trying to solar charge an iPad. I used a very minimal solar panel, the kind you fold up and carry in your pocket. I found it will charge my Gen 1 iPad about 20%, but that's all. Still impressive, though, considering the power requirements of such a big, bright display. I imagine a somewhat larger panel might do it quite well.
Responding to the solar issue, I actually have played around trying to solar charge an iPad. I used a very minimal solar panel, the kind you fold up and carry in your pocket. I found it will charge my Gen 1 iPad about 20%, but that's all. Still impressive, though, considering the power requirements of such a big, bright display. I imagine a somewhat larger panel might do it quite well.
How do you mean it will charge your iPad 20%...? Do you mean it will charge it to 20% battery capacity?
The iPad charging is intelligent and will use what power's available, I should have been more clear. I believe even a 500mA source (most computers) WILL, very slowly, charge a sleeping iPad (though they aren't enough to even power a running iPad and the battery will slowly drain).
I installed the free Asus Ai Charger software on my Dell laptop. My ipad charges quite nicely through USB on it now!
Asus Ai Charger
Asus Ai Charger
Not all do. Always check the specs on the specific charger.
No. An AC charger is not, literally, USB. It may have a USB connector but it's still not USB.
Right, so I can't charge the iPad on anything such as solar USB chargers or anything like that either?
I have a Joos Orange solar charger/battery which works very well with my iPad and iPhone.
This has a cigarette lighter jack that I can power other items with.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...2629?itemIdentifier=193250&_requestid=2912619
But beyond that, its a good thing to have in your car.
I wholeheartedly agree with keeping one of those in your car, but if mrsir is looking for a portable solar charger/battery then the Joos is a better option.