zaggsparq

[Resist]

ZAGG just told me now that after the initial full charge of 9 hours for the Zaggsparq 2.0, whenever you charge it up again it should only be for 8 hours. The included manual says nothing about 8 hour charges.

Why didn't they just put an indicator on the device letting us know when it is fully charged up? I have LED flashlights that do that. During charging an indicator shows red and then green when it's complete. It's simple and inexpensive, yet works.

 

[Resist]

I can't believe I am still having issues with the Zaggsparq 2.0. I once again charged it up for a full 9 hours, showing 4 LED's. Then I plugged my iPhone 3G into it. After several hours my iPhone showed only a 1/4 charge and the Zaggsparq 2.0 is down to 2 LED's.

I also noticed that if the Zaggsparq 2.0 only has 1 LED, it will not fully charge my iPhone at all. And yes I am using the supposed "optimized" port on the device.

Something is clearly not right with the Zaggsparq 2.0.

 

[Daremo]

I can't believe I am still having issues with the Zaggsparq 2.0. I once again charged it up for a full 9 hours, showing 4 LED's. Then I plugged my iPhone 3G into it. After several hours my iPhone showed only a 1/4 charge and the Zaggsparq 2.0 is down to 2 LED's.

I also noticed that if the Zaggsparq 2.0 only has 1 LED, it will not fully charge my iPhone at all. And yes I am using the supposed "optimized" port on the device.

Something is clearly not right with the Zaggsparq 2.0.

Hmmm... I wonder if the LED's are just purely inaccurate. Have you tried to see how many charges you get out of the unit until the unit is dead, ignoring the LEDs? I know this is not at all useful if the LEDs don't show what is indeed left in the unit, but I'd be interested to know if it still holds the charge.

 

[Resist]

ZAGG has admitted that the LED's are very inaccurate. This is a shame, because I have never heard of any other battery backup similar to this device, having this issue.

I can get 4 half charges to my iPhone, but so far I have never been able to get 4 full iPhone charges out of my Zaggsparq 2.0.

 

[GunBlazerX]

Hi, I'm bumping this thread as my zaggsparq 2.0 just arrived yesterday and I wish I read this thread before making my impulse purchase a few weeks ago.

Anyhow, something seems really fishy with the way this device works. My 4 LEDS on my unit are never ever on unless it is plugged into the wall. They aren't even on when I am charging my phone with it. And what is that round button supposed to do? I assume it should turn on the LEDs but it does absolutely nothing, I tried pressing it, holding it down and reading it poetry but it doesn't do anything??? Is this normal behavior?

I'm just confused why I can't even see the LED's when I'm away from the outlet because I'll have no idea how much charge I have left in the zaggsparq.

 

[dagomike]

I've been testing this for a while now. The LEDs are nearly useless, but it seems to hold and deliver charge fine.

 

[GunBlazerX]

So do the LED's never turn on unless you are plugged into an outlet and the button does nothing? Would really appreciate any answers to my question.

 

[dagomike]

So do the LED's never turn on unless you are plugged into an outlet and the button does nothing? Would really appreciate any answers to my question.

They turn on, but they don't really represent the charge of the battery. I'm not sure I've ever seen four lights.

 

[GunBlazerX]

They turn on, but they don't really represent the charge of the battery. I'm not sure I've ever seen four lights.

When do they turn on? Mine don't come on away from the wall or with the button pressed.

 

[GunBlazerX]

Update: I called ZAGG and they said the button not working is a factory defect, even though it still functions every bit as intended.

So the CSR called the supervisor and put me on hold and then they told me that they are sending me a whole new unit WITHOUT needing the old one back.

That is good customer service, I was extremely grateful and Mike, the Zagg employee was very happy to help. I almost feel guilty that I'm getting a free one and that I'll have 2 zaggsparq 2.0's one of them with only an annoyance of a bad button!

 

[tm.chen]

Update: I called ZAGG and they said the button not working is a factory defect, even though it still functions every bit as intended.

So the CSR called the supervisor and put me on hold and then they told me that they are sending me a whole new unit WITHOUT needing the old one back.

That is good customer service, I was extremely grateful and Mike, the Zagg employee was very happy to help. I almost feel guilty that I'm getting a free one and that I'll have 2 zaggsparq 2.0's one of them with only an annoyance of a bad button!

My replacement unit had the same problem but they were out of Zagg 2 to replace my faulty one. CSO told me that I will be informed when they send my replacment and 2 mths later, nothing. Time to bug them about it again.

 

[speederd]

Here is my story with the ZaggSparq...last year I ordered 2 of the version 1.0 of the ZaggSparq at 60% off so paid $100 for 2. I received my 2 and a week later received another 2. Two of the 4 were defective so I got them replaced with 2 of the version 2. Now I have 6 Sparqs in total and the defective one work once I short the usb pins, as posted by another member on this thread.

They worked as advertised.

 

[tm.chen]

Here is my story with the ZaggSparq...last year I ordered 2 of the version 1.0 of the ZaggSparq at 60% off so paid $100 for 2. I received my 2 and a week later received another 2. Two of the 4 were defective so I got them replaced with 2 of the version 2. Now I have 6 Sparqs in total and the defective one work once I short the usb pins, as posted by another member on this thread.

They worked as advertised.

How do you short the USB pins?

I have got no doubts that they work but the QC is definitely not there. I am requesting that they replace my replacement unit as the LED button is defective but I will have to pay for S&H for shipping it back to them and full cost IF they didnt receive my package.

No matter how I see it, I am at a loss here.

 

[GunBlazerX]

How do you short the USB pins?

I have got no doubts that they work but the QC is definitely not there. I am requesting that they replace my replacement unit as the LED button is defective but I will have to pay for S&H for shipping it back to them and full cost IF they didnt receive my package.

No matter how I see it, I am at a loss here.

Chances are high that you can just get them to send you a new one without you needing to do anything. Try to talk things over with their customer service and see how it goes.

 

[seifer333]

probably wished I had read this thread before placing the order. I read some pretty decent review online before purchasing, but didn't come across this one.

I placed the order on Sat with 50% off and when I called on Monday morning to cancel, bang it's ready to ship and they can't cancel.

I hope I have a non-defective unit...

 

[anonymoususer]

Wow.

I've been using ZAGG Invisible Shields for years and years. I got a 50% coupon code (really easy to come by) and ordered this ZAGGsparq thinking it would be just what I needed for keeping my phone charged over a long weekend with not power supply.

It arrived in the mail today. Apparently Dead on Arrival.
- A pathetically simple "manual"...just a single sheet of paper
- The packaging fell apart when I tried opening the box...apparently the Quality Control issues extend far beyond the actual product.
- Plugged the unit into the wall for it's initial 9 hour charge. No lights, even though the instruction page says the bottom light would be lit while charging.
- No indication anywhere on the function of the small button below the LEDs...is it an on/off switch????

I sent a comment to them via their website. THEN I found THIS forum. Sheesh. After so much success with their invisible shields you'd think they would be able to get this product right...especially with the new V2.0.

I'm going to send them another note and if I don't get a return email from them after the weekend I'll call them. Had I read this forum first I'd have never bothered with the product. After all their issues...I receive a brand new DEAD unit. I just want to return it and get my money back.

 

[anonymoususer]

A bit of a follow-up.

I used the ZAGG website "live support staff" tool to contact them. To their credit I got a response from them at 12:15am EST on a Friday night.

The entire conversation is below:

===================

12:10:40 AM : System: Lisa K has joined this session!

12:10:40 AM : System: Connected with Lisa K. Your reference number for this chat session is 5805.

12:10:40 AM : System: Thank you for contacting ZAGG, where we are zealous about great gadgets!

12:10:45 AM : Lisa K: Hello Larry.

12:10:45 AM : Lisa K: My name is Lisa and I appreciate the opportunity to assist you. How may I help you?

12:10:54 AM : Larry: Hello Lisa

12:11:12 AM : Larry: I received my ZAGGsparq in the mail today

12:11:28 AM : Larry: It is DOA. No lights. Not even while charging.

12:11:37 AM : Larry: NOT happy

12:12:02 AM : Larry: YEARS of using Invisible Shields... very pleased with them.

12:12:28 AM : Lisa K: I apologize for any confusion.

12:12:43 AM : Larry: NOT pleased with this product. Especially after finding THIS forum thread.... https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/831099/

12:13:18 AM : Larry: There's no confusion. The unit appears to be dead. And this also appears to be a very common occurrence.

12:13:45 AM : Lisa K: It does not light up until there is at least 25% charge.

12:14:16 AM : Lisa K: Please allow the ZAGGsparq to charge before the lights will come on.

12:14:28 AM : Larry: The instruction sheet (pathetically inadequate) clearly states that the bottom LED lights up while the unit is charging.

12:14:48 AM : Larry: There is NO indication at all that the unit is charging.

12:15:01 AM : Larry: NO power light. No charging light. Nothing.

12:15:04 AM : Lisa K: Yes, and I apologize about the confusion in the instruction sheet. We are aware of the discrepancy.

12:15:16 AM : Larry: Terrible engineering in this product don't you think?

12:15:38 AM : Lisa K: The ZAGGsparq needs to charge for at least 9 hours for a full charge. When it reaches 25%, the first light will come on.

12:15:42 AM : Larry: So..if I leave it plugged in overnight I should expect to see lights tomorrow?

12:15:56 AM : Lisa K: When the ZAGGsparq is not plugged in, please press the button to see how much charge it holds.

12:15:56 AM : Lisa K: Correct.

12:15:58 AM : Lisa K: Is there anything else I can assist you with?

12:16:43 AM : Larry: I find it hard to fathom that a company that received hundreds of complaints about the sparq v1.0 didn't bother to address the main usability issues.

12:17:20 AM : Lisa K: I appreciate your feedback. Is there anything else I can assist you with?

12:17:25 AM : Larry: Please just pass along my complaint to the powers that be. Pass along my email address as well. xxxxxxxxxxx@gmail.com

12:17:56 AM : Larry: I would hope for a response from the customer satisfaction folks

12:18:28 AM : Larry: One further question.

12:18:31 AM : Lisa K: You are more than welcome to email our President, Robert G. Pedersen II. His email address is president@zagg.com.

12:18:42 AM : Lisa K: Go ahead.

12:18:57 AM : Larry: WHAT is the function of the button on the sparq. It is not mentioned anywhere on the small instruction sheet.

12:19:11 AM : Larry: (Thanks for the email address...I will def. contact him.)

12:20:03 AM : Lisa K: Yes, we are aware of that discrepancy in the instruction sheet as well. The button will cause the LEDs to light up when the ZAGGsparq is not plugged in, indicating how much charge the ZAGGsparq has.

12:20:21 AM : Lisa K: And please do contact him. Customer feedback is very important to us.

12:20:30 AM : Larry: I think the company needs to stop using the tagline "we are zealous about great gadgets!" until they prove that they actually ARE!

12:20:50 AM : Larry: k.. Thanks Lisa. I do appreciate contacting a real person at this late hour!

12:21:33 AM : Lisa K: Thank you for chatting with me Larry.

12:21:38 AM : Lisa K: I hope you have a pleasant weekend

12:21:44 AM : Larry: you too. thanks

12:21:53 AM : System: Lisa K has left this session!

12:21:53 AM : System: The session has ended!

==================

My "unhappy customer" letter will going out to the president. If any of you are still having troubles, I suggest you do the same. Releasing an improperly tested product is one thing. Releasing a V2.0 of the product which hasn't addressed ANY of the usability issues is an insult to the customer base and should be a huge embarrassment to the entire ZAGG organization.

 

[ZipZap]

We all gave up on this product long ago. Try the imp550 from newtrent.

 

[anonymoususer]

We all gave up on this product long ago. Try the imp550 from newtrent.

Thanks! The sparq seems to be nothing but trouble. I'll check the product you mentioned.

 

[Resist]

After numerous replacements, I am done with this product and ZAGG. I will never purchase anything from this company again!

 

[MorganLF]

Zaggsparq not worth the sparq!

I just bought a zaggsparq a few months ago for travel. Lets just say I am
not in love with the product. Like others, I purchased it due to Zagg's
reputation with the invisible shield. I have the shield on a few devices and
I think it is a great product. With that said, I thought I would buy the
zaggsparq. Well it did not live up to the zagg quality that I had
anticipated. First off, I do want to say that all of my lights light up
after charging for a bit and when I press the little button. So I feel lucky
in that respect. On the other hand, the sparq doesn't seem to hold a full
charge for more than a day of not using it. Also, the optimized port doesn't
charge the iPhone 3G properly. When plugged into this USB port, the iPhone
battery doesn't register that it is being charged. If I keep it plugged in
for a bit, then unplug and plug it into the regular USB port, then the
iPhone battery indicates that there has been some charge. I do know my phone
works fine when plugged into the wall or computer port. I know the optimized
port works because it charges my iPod just fine. So what¹s the deal. It says
the optimized port works with smart phones, iPhones included. Apparently not
that good. In my opinion, this product is not all that great, and I would
not buy another one unless they fix the problems that everyone seems to
have.

 

[Resist]

the sparq doesn't seem to hold a full charge for more than a day of not using it. Also, the optimized port doesn't charge the iPhone 3G properly.

ZAGG claims it loses 1% of charge per day, I find mine loses much more than that. I had the same issue with the Zaggsparq and my iPhone 3G not being charged properly, but this only happened after the iOS 4.0 upgrade. I have since moved to the iPhone 4 and don't have this issue any longer. But now I don't get the claimed 4 full iPhone charges out of a fully charged Zaggsparq 2.0. The response from ZAGG was to return it for replacement. Well I've done that numerous times with no change, so clearly it's a design issue.

For a product that takes 9 hours to fully charge, it sure doesn't store that power for very long before losing it. Leaving iPhone 4 users unable to get the claimed 4 full charges to their device.

Zaggsparq 2.0 = FAIL!

 

[Daremo]

I hate to drudge this thread up again, but I just received 2 free Zagg Sparq 2.0's in the mail. I won them last week on Twitter. This is my first experience with the 2.0, so I'll see how they both work.

 

[rebootit]

wish I had seen this first

I do a lot of backpacking and used to carry a AA charger and about 16 lithium cells for a week. Cost of about $40. I found the zagg sparq 2 figured great. 4 charges should last about a week and weigh less. Ordered first one first of feb. Charged up hit the trail for 4 days and worked great. Came home tried to charge unit and wouldn't charge unless I set at an angle. After inspection I could see the prongs were floppy and sounded like piece of plastic broke inside. Requested another one and it came 3rd week of feb. Charged it up, used it around the house to test. Got 3.75 charges from 10% on my x. Tried to recharge it and same exact problem. Zagg has some serious quality control or design issues. I sent back for refund this week. In meantime I found the imp1000 from new trent. Beats the crap out of zagg and less money. Almost twice the storage at 11000ma.

 

[ZipZap]

I think everyone is in agreement that the Zaggsparq is a piece of junk (versions 1 and 2).

There are many better products available. Why Zagg continues to sell this is beyond me. I suppose they have inventory to get sell down. Still, not a very customer centric approach.