[DaveTheA]

I see that the travel charger for the Playbook is a 5V/1800mA device, while the travel charger for my 9700 handset is 5V/700mA. Would it harm my PB to use the 700mA charger? It seems logical that it would take longer to charge, but would there be any real adverse consequences?

Secondly, will the PB charge if I leave it plugged into my computer USB port? Apparentlyt USB supplies 5V/500-900mA...is that correct?

It seems to me that the answer to the second question also answers the first, but if anybody can answer this authoritatively, I'd appreciate it.

[ifonline]

1. You can use the phone charger to charge the PlayBook, although it will take longer than the proper PlayBook charger. You can also use the PlayBook charger to charge the phone.

2. Some USB ports will charge the PlayBook, while others will not (depends on power output). Like #1, however, it will take longer than when using the proper PlayBook charger. In my experience, back mounted USB ports tend to be more reliable than front mounted USB ports which tend to be more reliable than monitor/keyboard mounted USB ports and hubs.

[DaveTheA]

Originally Posted by ifonline

1. You can use the phone charger to charge the PlayBook, although it will take longer than the proper PlayBook charger. You can also use the PlayBook charger to charge the phone.

2. Some USB ports will charge the PlayBook, while others will not (depends on power output). Like #1, however, it will take longer than when using the proper PlayBook charger. In my experience, back mounted USB ports tend to be more reliable than front mounted USB ports which tend to be more reliable than monitor/keyboard mounted USB ports and hubs.

Thanks. To stay on the safe side, I'll use the lower-powered unit for the PB when I travel [vacation coming up next week]. I foresee leaving the PB plugged in overnight in any case, so the extra time is no big deal.

[stevetaz]

Dave, you might want to try it out before leaving on vacation and then being disappointed while away from home.

You should try to know what to expect before being surprised again.....

[ifonline]

I would test the PlayBook with the phone charger just to make sure, however. It will work, but it might be slow/weak enough that it can't keep up with the power needs of the PlayBook, which could result in less charge in the morning. Why not just bring both cables? They're not terribly unwieldy when packing, and that way you can be sure everything will work as expected.

EDIT: Well, it seems that while I was typing a response, stevetaz had the same idea. Clever.

[stevetaz]

And yes, the PB must be ON to charge.....

[hack_mole]

USB output limit is 500ma by definition. It will take a LONG time to charge this way, but is a good way to maintain the battery with use during the day.

The Blackberry 700ma will do well and should work in an overnight scenario. FYI - Apples USB plug puts out 1A or 1000ma.

You can check any usb plug (A/C or lighter) and if it states 5v (volts) and anything over 500ma (milliamps) it will work. BTW, you can go up to 2A or 2000ma to charge the playbook.

On the flipside I have charged by phones (9700 and 9650) with the playbook charger. The e screen sees the 1.8A coming in but clips it to 1.5A. It charges really FAST with no issues.

Enjoy!

[whatsanipad]

I'm still in Playbook trial mode...so I'm trying lots of things to decide if I will keep it.
i use a combo travel charger with tips for my Droid/Kindle/Mifi and Zune along with standard USB. With this charger, I only need two: One for the PC and one for everything else.

Rated at 850mA, it charged the PB from 10% remaining to full charge overnight...more than acceptable for me (and I can charge another device at the same time).

[SBurhani]

Originally Posted by hack_mole

On the flipside I have charged by phones (9700 and 9650) with the playbook charger. The e screen sees the 1.8A coming in but clips it to 1.5A. It charges really FAST with no issues.

Enjoy!

I was going to point out the same thing (PB charger will charge your phone) although I am not sure if that helps you. Are you debating which charger to take along with you? Because the PB charger would be best since it gives you a faster charge of your phone as well.