USB Charging from PC/Laptop

Hi all,

Recently I've had problems with MicroUSB charging on my laptops and PC's, along with Data cables failing on me in various ways.

I ordered the PortaPow Micro USB cable and it is BRILLIANT. It stops your phone from connecting to the computer as a 'media device' which allows it to charge faster. (Although that does mean that you can't use the cable to transfer files to your phone, so I'd order a separate cable JUST for transferring.)

Right? You're telling us this why Daniel? Feels like a spammy promo ad to me?

Android and Blackberry devices (and I'm going to go out on a limb here and say iPhones too) have an option to disable MTP file transfer while still allowing your PC to charge your phone.

Or you could just keep your phone locked.

So basically you now have 2 cables when you should only need 1.

Thought it would be appropriate in this sub-forum, and helpful to others.


My Android (Galaxy S4 Zoom) has no option to disable MTP, it is that or 'Camera'.

Keeping it locked makes very little difference on mine, as the screen wake sup when I get a notification and then randomly vibrates and flashes the screen (plugged AND unplugged).

Personally, I use the provided charger, as that will guarantee me the fastest charging times (as long as I look after it).

You can get meters that measure how much power is being drawn during a charge, which can tell you which USB port on a PC gives you the best charging time (USB 3 is better than USB 2, for example). Also, some newer laptops have dedicated charging ports (ones that work even when the laptop is off), and they're not always labelled that well, so such a meter can be used to detect that port.

However, as my phone can last two days now without a charge (with quite intensive usage), I don't have to worry about charging on the go.

You mean it's only got two wires in the cable instead of four. Big deal, you can achieve the same with some well placed blu-tak.

And no, most computers will still charge at the same rate - the rate being limited to what the USB port will provide, which is specified to be a maximum 500mA, rather than some sort of bizarre "oh! a device that won't talk to me - I'll give it everything I've got".

Standalone chargers will always be quicker, because they don't need to meet the USB specifications, and are readily available with 1A or even 2A outputs.

Actually, there is a separate Battery Charging Specification - for USB 3.0, it specifies 1.5A without data transmission (which is the output of my current phone charger).

And then there's USB Power Delivery.

see here ……..

WIKI on EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
06-Aug-2014 @ 21:19

It'll be interesting if that takes hold.

If so, hopefully the connectors will be something less delicate.

The new reversible USB Type-C connector might do the job.

more details ……..

NEWS on BBC.CO.UK
14-Aug-2014 @ 00:13

I have to say, I've hardly ever had problems with fitting a USB device in the right way. Rotate the cable so the USB logo is facing up, and plug it in. If it's a vertical port, then look at the port to figure out which way to plug it in.

Inserting a USB cable in the dark, or without being able to see it at all, will be much easier with this new port. I agree that the original design is easy enough for most people. Even if the design improvement is small, however, if it doesn't make inserting a USB cable or device any harder, then it's an improvement that I welcome.

The logo isn't always very visible, as it's just embossed on the plastic. I tend to look for the split in the metal shielding as a indicator instead.

And we've all been here:

http://www.lolroflmao.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/usb.jpg