Since this is the first rant on my blog I would like you to be warned that this blog is a place for me to express my self, there isn’t some sort of Blogger/Blogee agreement contract. So basically, if you don’t like what I say here, you can find something else to read.
Today was trying to get my nice shiny iPod Touch to charge off a generic powered USB hub. Guess what? It doesn’t work. Now Apple iPod charge from computers and iPod chargers, which is typically 5 volts. USB powered hubs put out the same amount of voltage and amperage as a typical computer, so why can’t a USB powered hub charge an iPod? Some people say that it’s because the computer and charge check the voltage of the battery to make sure it doesn’t over charge. Which personally I think is just silly, considering how many chips are in the iPod already, and how small that type of regulator is. I think it’s more about getting you to buy Apple branded docks and chargers.
I also noted on the Apple site, that not only do you have to buy the generic dock, you need to buy the USB charger too. The USB charger is a simple transformer and the Dock is a usb adapter and a IR sensor. No chips required -_-.
I did read up a few things about grounding the data cables on the USB plug to make it charge, which didn’t work for me. Oh well, it looks like it’s a trip to Dick Smith Electronics to get a much cheaper generic charger.