Product Requirements:
Device:
Palm PDAs with a universal connector
Windows 98SE and higher
So, you’ve got a Palm with a universal connector and an SD (Secure Digital)
memory expansion slot. How would you like a hotsync / charge cable for your PDA
that also included a card reader? Intrigued? I was too when I heard about the
SyncGear 3-in-1 Cable being sold by
Innopocket.
Great for PDA owners on the go, this little gem allows you to sync and charge
with ease. Since the cable is USB, it does not require an AC adapter to charge
your PDA. Instead, it uses the power from the desktop or notebook computer that
you plug it into. Drivers are not necessary for Windows ME and higher users,
making this cable completely PLUG & PLAY.
But the coolest thing about the SyncGear is the included SD card slot in the
back plate of the connector.
When in SD mode, inserting a card will automatically mount a drive on your PC
allowing you to read and write files to it just as you would any other drive.
Being able to write directly to the SD card, is faster than copying files to it
using the hotsync application. Not to mention the fact that you can use the card
reader for digital cameras and other devices that may use SD storage.
There is one gotcha with this product though… you can not access the SD
card and hotsync/charge at the same time. A slide switch on the front of the
cable allows you to switch between the two functions.
When in SD mode, the LED on the front of the cable will glow red. When in PDA
mode, the LED will not glow.
The cable also includes a hotsync button that you can press to initiate a
hotsync with the PDA and desktop. This is more convenient that having to
navigate to the hotsync application on the PDA itself.
I think the SyncGear is a great solution for mobile users that like to pack
as light as possible. It gives them three tools in one small package. They can
hotsync, charge and access SD memory cards easily. If you need a cable for your
PDA and don’t yet have an SD card reader, this product might be perfect for you.
Price: $24.90
Pros:
Integrated PDA cable and SD reader
Cons:
Can’t use the SD slot while syncing or charging
Product Information
| Price: | 24.9 |
| Manufacturer: | Innopocket |
| Pros: |
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| Cons: |
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I bought the Data Power Package about 5 weeks ago for my Clie NR70/V. Since I received the package, the connection between the emergency power charger and the universal connector for the Clie has been tentative at best. Recently, it stopped charging by Clie despite both telltale lights indicating a current from the outlet to the emergency power charger. I think that the “universal connector” is poorly made and have requested that Seidio replace my order with the G2 (generation 2) Data Power Package – reviewed here.
Thanks for sharing your experience – please let us all know how it turns out.
Judie :0)
I bought the Seidio Data Package last August. It’s very useful to me on trips — I can carry just the one package and charge my m515 lots of different ways. Frequently, in not-so-modern motel/hotel accomodations (where there are no readily available wall sockets!) being able to recharge from a 9v battery is most useful.
Recently I have been having trouble with the wall socket to m515 charging connection. I sent a message to Seido Support using thier website, received a same-day reply, did some debugging with them, and they’re going to replace my USB cable, at least for a start. They said they’d replace whatever I wasn’t happy with, but thought the cable was the problem. That was my diagnosis too, so we’re going to try that. They sent me an RMA number on a one day turnaround — not bad!
I’m not too happy with the case (Judie liked it!). It’s got that funky curve to it, so it doesn’t max-pack in my suitcase. Still, it’s stylish, I guess. I’d prefer rectangular.
All in all: Good product, good people!:D
Hmm, this would be a good kit to put the boxwave minisync into… you’d just have to take the “USB is power” focus instead 🙂
I got a ‘USB’ version of the G2 kit, and I am returning it.
a.) The case shown in the Gadgeteer case is the case it comes with- it is a pretty big case! Plenty of room for other accessories if desired, but too big for packing in my gear bag.
b.) In order to sync and charge my families PDA’s (Sony T665, Sony N710, Visor Neo, Visor Solo), I need the basic kit, PLUS a hot sync cable for the N710 and Visors, AND an interchangeable ‘head’ for the 9v charger for the N710. Besides the $50 for the 5 piece kit, I need to spend another $50 for the other necessary parts. Yuck.
It is not a lot better to get the ‘standard G2 kit- the only sync cable there is a shortie with a molded in head, so you still need an assortment of cables.
c.) The new 2-in-1 charger feels a bit ‘toy-like’ to me and is awkward in some plugs.
I am also getting frustrated over contacting the company- no response to some e-mails, no one answering the phone, and not returning voice mails.
My 2 cents worth!
Hey : ),
Give us an email at
cu*************@bo*****.com
. We’d like to work something out for you : ).
Best wishes,
PR, BoxWave