Charging Razr from my car USB port

[johnsnc]

Greetings,

Since my car has a built in USB port, I was wondering if it would be sufficient to charge the battery in my Razr?  Given that I can charge it via a USB port from my PC or laptop, would there be any reason as to why it wouldn't work in my car?  I have the Verizon car charger but was thinking this might be a backup.

Thanks in advance,

John

[SallyC]

I haven't heard many successful reports about USB charging, which might just mean they don't post.  But it does seem that there's a tendency for USB charging to not work well, or take a long time.  But you can try it - it won't hurt.  If it doesn't do the job well enough, at least you know you're not alone.

[Tidbits]

Exactly what is that port used for? I can give you a better answer based on what it is used for and what it is coming out of.

[johnsnc]

It is tied in with my audio system.  I typically use it to plug in a flash drive to listen to pod casts and music.

[Tidbits]

It should charge, but probably not enough to cover the drain.

[Tidbits]

IF you are using it.

[spaberlejr · Accepted solution]

I was told VZ sales that USB charging takes > 2x the time to charge the Razr vs the cigarette lighter --- fastest charge is obviously AC

[Tidbits]

Correct because most ports only push out .5 vs. Ac/adaptor which is 1.5-2.5 iirc.

[B33]

A very good alternative to charge your Razr while your in your Car an is Motorola's Car charger it is a  OEM product an i own one an i use it to charge my Droid X an i will use it on my New R Maxx.

[SallyC]

If you have a iDevice charge port, I recommend this cable which will convert it to a microUSB charge adapter and headphone audio output. Very nice. http://www.cablejive.com/products/dockBossplus.html.

[johnsnc]

Thanks everyone.  This has been extremely helpful!  I am glad that I have discovered this Forum.  I am sure that I will have further questions as I get to know my Razr better.

Sally:  Much appreciated for the link on cable.  I have never seen such a beast before.  I will definitely be checking it out further.

John

[SallyC]

johnsnc wrote:

Thanks everyone.  This has been extremely helpful!  I am glad that I have discovered this Forum.  I am sure that I will have further questions as I get to know my Razr better.

Sally:  Much appreciated for the link on cable.  I have never seen such a beast before.  I will definitely be checking it out further.

John

Yes, that cable's great for anyone who has their car or stereo wired for an iPhone.  There's one like it on Amazon, but it doesn't have the microUSB which gives you the charge.  It just gives you the audio. 

I think they need to do a better job marketing it because a lot of folks move to Android or just buy something that's prewired for iPhone or iPod devices.  As far as I know, there is no other cable that converts an Apple's 30 pin connector to micro USB plug and 1/8" (3.5mm) audio plug. 

Glad you found that useful.

[smashogre]

If you have a Ford as I do, be aware that the USB is inactive when the car is not running. It makes sense I guess but is a little counter-intuitive IMO.

Also, I've used my SYNC USB to charge 3 different phones and it does work ok even when using Navigation.
W/O measuring or getting specs from the manufacturer there isn't any way that I know of to determine the output current of the built in USB vs. a cig lighter adaptor. But again, it does seem to charge well.