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[Q] How to charge the transformer?

Hi, i just got my transformer and have no idea how to charge it up.
the charge came with a section for the usb to plug into, then a second section which has the plug on it. I cant get these bits to fit together at all, they keep falling apart, and when they do decide to stay i don't get any indication that my tablet is charging. I also plugged into the usb into my laptop and the charging indicator still didn't appear.
Any help is appreciated, thanks!

the 2 parts of the charger snap together, at first I thought I had mine together but got the same result you're experencing. You have to put the 2 parts together till you hear or feel the snap,I had to apply a fair amount of pressure to get the 2 pieces connected. It's not you, the charger pieces are just really a snug fit and need a bit more force than one would think to get them connected.Once you've got it connected you'll know as you'll feel the difference immediately. Hope that helps.

Thanks for the help, they snapped together after i put quite a lot of force into it, it seems to be charging now, thanks!

i had to initially push past the point i thought i'd break it in half to get the two pieces joined together.

I actually thought my charger was defective when I first tried to assemble it. It just wouldn't go in.
Finally after 2 weeks of trying here and there, it snapped in. Good thing (actually not a good thing) that Asus Support is so unreliable because they still haven't shipped a replacement adapter.
Guess I should cancel with the Asus RMA but I'm not even sure if they were ever going to send it...
Anyway, the adapter is really a bad piece of hardware: it felt like I was going to break the damn thing at times. (I guess it isn't as widespread or maybe some people were luckier than others because I haven't really seen a huge commotion about it)
For those that aren't sure why their tablet isn't charging then this is probably why.

strikethreeout said:
Anyway, the adapter is really a bad piece of hardware: it felt like I was going to break the damn thing at times. (I guess it isn't as widespread or maybe some people were luckier than others because I haven't really seen a huge commotion about it)
For those that aren't sure why their tablet isn't charging then this is probably why.
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So it's a bad piece of hardware because it doesn't break when strained and connects very securely? Wow your view sure is skewed. Yes it's hard to press it into the other piece, how is this a bad hardware problem?

i won't use such complicated transformer . too complex . quit to use

seshmaru said:
So it's a bad piece of hardware because it doesn't break when strained and connects very securely? Wow your view sure is skewed. Yes it's hard to press it into the other piece, how is this a bad hardware problem?
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Because had I actually broke the damn thing, I would be liable for damages. It's still plastic so it is still breakable. Plus, the metal part is bendable given enough pressure.
Did you even think that maybe they should have made a one piece for the adapter to begin with? Or at least assembled it at the factory so that consumers don't need to deal with it at all?
Second, I shouldn't have to spend an exorbitant amount of time figuring out why this thing wouldn't connect. Where in the manual did Asus say you needed to apply a large amount of pressure? In what other electronic device/adapter do you have the same amount of difficulty assembling the device?
Remember, if you break this thing, then you have no way of replacing it without buying a new TF because Asus's support is that terrible. (I am not the only one who can testify to this)
Maybe it is a feature for YOU; but having adapter assembly difficulties is not something that I would consider as "good hardware". Excuse me if I don't want to ruin something I just spent $550 (tablet + dock) on -- especially since I have no other way of charging it besides the extremely slow USB option.

strikethreeout said:
Because had I actually broke the damn thing, I would be liable for damages. It's still plastic so it is still breakable. Plus, the metal part is bendable given enough pressure.
Did you even think that maybe they should have made a one piece for the adapter to begin with? Or at least assembled it at the factory so that consumers don't need to deal with it at all?
Second, I shouldn't have to spend an exorbitant amount of time figuring out why this thing wouldn't connect. Where in the manual did Asus say you needed to apply a large amount of pressure? In what other electronic device/adapter do you have the same amount of difficulty assembling the device?
Remember, if you break this thing, then you have no way of replacing it without buying a new TF because Asus's support is that terrible. (I am not the only one who can testify to this)
Maybe it is a feature for YOU; but having adapter assembly difficulties is not something that I would consider as "good hardware". Excuse me if I don't want to ruin something I just spent $550 (tablet + dock) on -- especially since I have no other way of charging it besides the extremely slow USB option.
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But you didn't break it. Because it's built well. It doesn't say large amount of pressure but it does say how to assemble it in the manual. Besides my HTC charger is made in the same fashion, a little easier to assemble but it's done to reduce production cost and make it easily adaptable (hence the 100~240v range) by more than just Asus.

seshmaru said:
But you didn't break it. Because it's built well. It doesn't say large amount of pressure but it does say how to assemble it in the manual. Besides my HTC charger is made in the same fashion, a little easier to assemble but it's done to reduce production cost and make it easily adaptable (hence the 100~240v range) by more than just Asus.
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I may not have but what if someone broke the adapter because of the difficulty, then who is to blame? And when I said it was a "bad piece of hardware", I meant the design, which is an integral part of any hardware. (also, just because something doesn't break, doesn't mean it was built well. But, that is another issue entirely) I don't want to feel that I might break something that I invested a large sum of cash in. I am not the only one that felt that felt like they were going to break the adapter. Some people are even afraid to disassemble it because of the frustration they dealt with when putting it together in the first place.
And where in the manual does it say how to assemble the adapter? You mean that one picture -- with no words at all -- where they draw an arrow in between the two parts? Yeah, big help -- like if I couldn't tell in the first place. They don't even tell you that you need to push it in all the way. The first time I tried, I pushed it in half because it wouldn't go deeper. How was I supposed to know that you needed to apply much more pressure? Also, how do costumers know if their device is defective if there are no instructions and assembly is more difficult than should be?
Again, assemble it at the factory or make it a one piece. Do you have a source for production costs? I find it difficult to believe assembly costs would be that much higher if they had just put it together. This isn't like plugging in the USB cable where everything is a nice and easy fit; it was way too frustrating than it should have been. Asus probably saves money from having to deal with consumers complaining about the charger if it came ready to use.
To me, hardware depends on the experience and that includes assembly. I don't want to worry about whether or not I might break it. (it is just an adapter, it shouldn't be this troubling!) I have never had an HTC adapter so I can't speak for that but I have never had trouble with adapters before. All companies want to save money but I don't have difficulty with their adapters. It's ridiculous that I have to talk about the adapter since with every other device/company, it is a non-issue. Again, the worst part is that you have no backup option besides buying a new TF to get a replacement adapter in case anything goes wrong.

strikethreeout said:
I may not have but what if someone broke the adapter because of the difficulty, then who is to blame? And when I said it was a "bad piece of hardware", I meant the design, which is an integral part of any hardware. (also, just because something doesn't break, doesn't mean it was built well. But, that is another issue entirely) I don't want to feel that I might break something that I invested a large sum of cash in. I am not the only one that felt that felt like they were going to break the adapter. Some people are even afraid to disassemble it because of the frustration they dealt with when putting it together in the first place.
And where in the manual does it say how to assemble the adapter? You mean that one picture -- with no words at all -- where they draw an arrow in between the two parts? Yeah, big help -- like if I couldn't tell in the first place. They don't even tell you that you need to push it in all the way. The first time I tried, I pushed it in half because it wouldn't go deeper. How was I supposed to know that you needed to apply much more pressure? Also, how do costumers know if their device is defective if there are no instructions and assembly is more difficult than should be?
Again, assemble it at the factory or make it a one piece. Do you have a source for production costs? I find it difficult to believe assembly costs would be that much higher if they had just put it together. This isn't like plugging in the USB cable where everything is a nice and easy fit; it was way too frustrating than it should have been. Asus probably saves money from having to deal with consumers complaining about the charger if it came ready to use.
To me, hardware depends on the experience and that includes assembly. I don't want to worry about whether or not I might break it. (it is just an adapter, it shouldn't be this troubling!) I have never had an HTC adapter so I can't speak for that but I have never had trouble with adapters before. All companies want to save money but I don't have difficulty with their adapters. It's ridiculous that I have to talk about the adapter since with every other device/company, it is a non-issue. Again, the worst part is that you have no backup option besides buying a new TF to get a replacement adapter in case anything goes wrong.
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Or you could, you know, buy a new adapter.
Besides, I've not seen a single report of a broken power adapter because they tried to assemble it so your complaining about something that hasn't even happened and will unlikely happen since it's obviously made to take the strain if thousands of people were able to put it together without breaking it.
Personally I feel secure in the fact knowing that it's well built and wont come apart easily like other similar style chargers I have seen, but I guess pressing 2 parts together is a giant issue which is nearly impossible to do and oh god, you might even break your nail!
And yes paying a bunch of people to click 2 parts together is quite costly.

seshmaru said:
Or you could, you know, buy a new adapter.
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Where do buy a new adapter for this? I've been waiting for one since I got mine a while ago. The cord is too short, the power adapter shakes around in the wall socket, and you can't buy an extra charger because no one makes them except for Asus at this point (and even Asus doesn't have them to buy separately at this point).

anywho said:
Where do buy a new adapter for this? I've been waiting for one since I got mine a while ago. The cord is too short, the power adapter shakes around in the wall socket, and you can't buy an extra charger because no one makes them except for Asus at this point (and even Asus doesn't have them to buy separately at this point).
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there's a "coming soon" page for a wallcharger with a few online retailers.

seshmaru said:
Or you could, you know, buy a new adapter.
Besides, I've not seen a single report of a broken power adapter because they tried to assemble it so your complaining about something that hasn't even happened and will unlikely happen since it's obviously made to take the strain if thousands of people were able to put it together without breaking it.
Personally I feel secure in the fact knowing that it's well built and wont come apart easily like other similar style chargers I have seen, but I guess pressing 2 parts together is a giant issue which is nearly impossible to do and oh god, you might even break your nail!
And yes paying a bunch of people to click 2 parts together is quite costly.
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Buy a new adapter... Have you been reading any of my posts? Okay, sell me yours for market price. There aren't any for sale if you haven't noticed. And no, I don't count waiting a month for a pre-order as an option. If you're willing to deal with one month of charging it through USB alone then by all means, give me yours.
Frankly, if I broke a nail then yes, it is badly designed. Not sure why you think that adds to your point.
"And yes paying a bunch of people to click 2 parts together is quite costly."
And you know this for a fact because...? I asked for sources and you give me, "trust me, I know." Do you even realize how much they pay their factory workers in China? (Apple factory workers get around $1 an hour when factoring in overtime) Do the math: if that one guy can put together 50 an hour, then that's 2 cents in extra costs per tablet order. (they are actually much more efficient) The most expensive part is getting the materials -- NOT the labor. Compare that to saving money on customer service for complaints on the charger.
I honestly don't care if you have a different opinion. But, keep your snide remarks to yourself. If you don't wish to participate in a friendly debate and continue to flame then fine, you win. It's really not worth my time. Try to realize that some people might have different opinions from yours.
Clearly, almost everyone had difficulty putting the damn pieces together. Do you honestly think people share your views on that being a good thing?! I really don't know what chargers you've used but I've never had trouble with others. I have never broken an adapter before so that means, they must be well built, right?
Even you admitted that it was more difficult to assemble than other chargers. How is that a good feature when most other chargers don't require assembly at all? Again, it cost almost nothing to have it assembled in the factory to begin with AND all the tablets I've seen didn't have this adapter "feature"-- so, what is your argument again? (I guess Asus, the multi-billion dollar company, can't afford it) Hell, why did they even assemble the tablet? Save costs! Send me just the case and the insides next time too.

anywho said:
Where do buy a new adapter for this? I've been waiting for one since I got mine a while ago. The cord is too short, the power adapter shakes around in the wall socket, and you can't buy an extra charger because no one makes them except for Asus at this point (and even Asus doesn't have them to buy separately at this point).
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Exactly my point.
I really don't see how pre-ordering one with no timetable for release is an option.
And you're exactly right: the cord is much too short. I guess that's okay since it saves production costs

strikethreeout said:
Buy a new adapter... Have you been reading any of my posts? Okay, sell me yours for market price. There aren't any for sale if you haven't noticed. And no, I don't count waiting a month for a pre-order as an option. If you're willing to deal with one month of charging it through USB alone then by all means, give me yours.
Frankly, if I broke a nail then yes, it is badly designed. Not sure why you think that adds to your point.
"And yes paying a bunch of people to click 2 parts together is quite costly."
And you know this for a fact because...? I asked for sources and you give me, "trust me, I know." Do you even realize how much they pay their factory workers in China? (Apple factory workers get around $1 an hour when factoring in overtime) Do the math: if that one guy can put together 50 an hour, then that's 2 cents in extra costs per tablet order. (they are actually much more efficient) The most expensive part is getting the materials -- NOT the labor. Compare that to saving money on customer service for complaints on the charger.
I honestly don't care if you have a different opinion. But, keep your snide remarks to yourself. If you don't wish to participate in a friendly debate and continue to flame then fine, you win. It's really not worth my time. Try to realize that some people might have different opinions from yours.
Clearly, almost everyone had difficulty putting the damn pieces together. Do you honestly think people share your views on that being a good thing?! I really don't know what chargers you've used but I've never had trouble with others. I have never broken an adapter before so that means, they must be well built, right?
Even you admitted that it was more difficult to assemble than other chargers. How is that a good feature when most other chargers don't require assembly at all? Again, it cost almost nothing to have it assembled in the factory to begin with AND all the tablets I've seen didn't have this adapter "feature"-- so, what is your argument again? (I guess Asus, the multi-billion dollar company, can't afford it) Hell, why did they even assemble the tablet? Save costs! Send me just the case and the insides next time too.
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I never said it was good that it's harder to put together, I just said I like it. My only original point, which still stands is that it's a solid built charger which is only proven more by the fact that even though we have to press quite hard to put it together there isn't a single report of a broken charger. You can say all kinds of other non-related nonsense but the fact remains; it's well built, even if it's hard to put together.

seshmaru said:
I never said it was good that it's harder to put together, I just said I like it. My only original point, which still stands is that it's a solid built charger which is only proven more by the fact that even though we have to press quite hard to put it together there isn't a single report of a broken charger. You can say all kinds of other non-related nonsense but the fact remains; it's well built, even if it's hard to put together.
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I've never seen a adapter from a big company that wasn't "well built". And my argument still stands that they could have made it less frustrating especially given the fact these adapters are hard to come by. (I guess this is the nonsense part: me expecting a more fluid experience)
Anyway, I'm done arguing about a stupid charger.
My original intent was to help others who didn't know why their chargers weren't working. This was the case until you came out of nowhere and called my views "skewed" about a single comment I made on the quality/design of the hardware. (like if this thing was God's gift to the world and the other manufacturers were making crappy chargers; like if that was the whole premise of my post) Do you think it really matters if this charger should be classified as good or bad hardware?! (well, to me it doesn't) If you want, I will go back and edit my original post because that wasn't part of my original intent anyway.
Again if TL;DR:
a) If the device doesn't have the thunderbolt sign, then it isn't charging.
b) The adapter needs to be pieced together fully. (even if it feels like it won't go in)
c) Force is needed until you hear a click sound.
If you don't mind, I would like to continue helping those who need troubleshooting on their devices.

This adapter is a piece of crap. My adapter melted the first time I plugged it in. Well built. haha... I went to best buy and picked up a Dynex Ultimate charger for 30 bucks. It has a 10 foot cord and works great it charges at 11 volts/1.5 amps.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dynex&#...d=9462949&st=dynex ultimate charger&cp=1&lp=1

ohh, here is a pic of my melted adapter

Soooo, does anybody know why in god's name the adapter was shipped in two pieces? lol

Just for fun

This morning while searching ebay for reasonably priced solid gold toilets (or other things just as frivolous) I happened across a micro USB solar powered cell phone charger. It was priced at around $35, and while I had no real interest in buying something that probably doesn't work, it still made me wonder what if it did?
So lets assume my galaxy s3 is a 2100 MAh 3.8 volt battery, and it instantly charges to full when plugged in. This means it would consume roughly 8 watts every time you charge it from 0% to 100%. Lets not get overly technical and try to factor in the energy used by your charging cord.
Electricity in my state (New Jersey) costs roughly 21 cents per Kilo-Watt Hour (KWH). This basically means for every hour I use 1000 kilowats, I am charged another 21 cents on my electric bill.
This means if I charge my phone from empty to full exactly twice per day, I am roughly spending $1.23 per year to charge my phone. If the cost of electricity stays the same, it would take me 28 and a half years to break even on the cost of the solar charger.
how much would it cost you?

Since most of my charging is done at work.. cost me nothing.. Really though.. you are on to something... if only could mass market that and people would catch on then it would be great..

Well I think they'd have to really improve on solar energy technology before anything like this is realistic....I just saw the product as more of a novelty. Even if it does work its probably going to net you a couple percentage points an hour, nothing practical.
I just posted this on my facebook page and the response I got made me realize the smarter option would be to get solar panels for the house instead!

i think the purpose of a solar powered charger is for camping/hiking trips where electricity is not available and you can charge your ipod or phone

hollywoodo said:
i think the purpose of a solar powered charger is for camping/hiking trips where electricity is not available and you can charge your ipod or phone
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I'm sure it has many prudent real world applications, I was just a little bored and thought this would be something a little fun to keep the juices flowing.

hollywoodo said:
i think the purpose of a solar powered charger is for camping/hiking trips where electricity is not available and you can charge your ipod or phone
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This. Or econuts.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

i should mention that the concept is the same for hybrid cars. you pay a premium for them for gas savings that could take awhile to pay off (not including special maintainence, etc)
but maybe be part of something bigger... be green

You could use your car charger that uses your car battery/alternator to charge your phone if you are worried about using your home electricity! Just like one post said its more geared towards camping/hiking our any outdoor activity where electricity isn't present.

I gave a gift of a radio that takes alkaline batteries, but also has (replaceable) lithium batteries that can be charged via DC adaptor, built-in solar panel or hand crank. The solar panel allows for the radio to have battery power from the rechargeables without having to crank anything, especially if this radio is kept out during the day at a beach or campsite. It has a connector for charging devices such as mobile phones, which would essentially take much of the day for a low charge - but, that is most practical for when other sources of power are not going to be available for awhile.
While shopping for that radio, I came across solar chargers that are dedicated to supplying devices with power and are thin, flat products that often unfold and have greater surface area than a typical device with a (small) integrated solar panel. Some of these are expensive, but your ability to put a more substantial charge into a battery backup (for general use) or directly charging your phone without any sources of grid-based power is the primary purpose, I feel. A Brunton Explorer2 or similar is something I would go for in these cases and the issue is not comparing their economy to grid costs of the current day, but long-term ability to have off-grid or backup sources of charging power when you need it, I figure. Plus, incrementally going green isn't ever a bad idea: if I owned a solar charger, I'd keep my phone off the USB or wall charger most of the time.
- ooofest

hollywoodo said:
i should mention that the concept is the same for hybrid cars. you pay a premium for them for gas savings that could take awhile to pay off (not including special maintainence, etc)
but maybe be part of something bigger... be green
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I did some looking into this. It would take about 19 years for a Honda civic hybrid to pay for itself. Accounting for average miles driven across the US, maintenance of the car, and gas milage. I was bored
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

Haro912 said:
I did some looking into this. It would take about 19 years for a Honda civic hybrid to pay for itself. Accounting for average miles driven across the US, maintenance of the car, and gas milage.
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Don't think they're meant to pay for themselves, as they aren't alternative power sources - they are parallel hybrids meant to stretch the use of their gasoline engine.
Something like the Volt is a more serious version of that concept, being a serial hybrid whose wheels run almost exclusively off the electric motor.
Being "green" isn't always immediately the most economical choice in these relatively early days of people realizing it's beyond time to try and minimize the speed of global warming, etc. But, it's meant to be an incremental choice towards more responsible use of the dirty resources we know and love. IMHO.
- ooofest

ooofest said:
Don't think they're meant to pay for themselves, as they aren't alternative power sources - they are parallel hybrids meant to stretch the use of their gasoline engine.
Something like the Volt is a more serious version of that concept, being a serial hybrid whose wheels run almost exclusively off the electric motor.
Being "green" isn't always immediately the most economical choice in these relatively early days of people realizing it's beyond time to try and minimize the speed of global warming, etc. But, it's meant to be an incremental choice towards more responsible use of the dirty resources we know and love. IMHO.
- ooofest
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No no no no no! You're all wrong!. All of my home electronics run off of electricity and theres no smog or global warming in my house!

ooofest said:
Don't think they're meant to pay for themselves, as they aren't alternative power sources - they are parallel hybrids meant to stretch the use of their gasoline engine.
Something like the Volt is a more serious version of that concept, being a serial hybrid whose wheels run almost exclusively off the electric motor.
Being "green" isn't always immediately the most economical choice in these relatively early days of people realizing it's beyond time to try and minimize the speed of global warming, etc. But, it's meant to be an incremental choice towards more responsible use of the dirty resources we know and love. IMHO.
- ooofest
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You have to believe global warming exists in the first place. Just keep in mind there is as much evidence against it as there is for it.
I'm proud to keep my line up of V8 gas guzzlers and always will.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

nosympathy said:
You have to believe global warming exists in the first place. Just keep in mind there is as much evidence against it as there is for it.
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No.
There is no scientific balance of evidence on global warming for/against its reality, and peer-reviewed studies have overwhelmingly shown its existence in a rather cold and analytical manner since at least the 70s.
Sure, businesses that seek to run away from taking responsibilities of their own pollution creation - from manufacturing or as outputs of the products they offer - do fund a number of pseudo-scientific PR studies to attempt offering the appearance of a scientific debate to purposefully keep the public wondering and debating, but no counter-evidence exists on the existence of global warming as a general phenomena in the scientific community. None.
Science is all about testing and retesting, then testing assumptions again - global warming is an easy reality to measure. Causes are still being studies, but the big ones are generally well known, and ways to mitigate are still being researched and even tried.
The business PR effort to offer an appearance of global warming debate in the scientific community utilizes easily debunked, pseudo-science at every turn - usually from privately funded studies, but sometimes they gain like-minded adherents who simply run with the misleading interpretations of highly particular data sets as part of gaining a subculture of defiance against . . . something. The man, government, smart science, whatever your cultural bugaboo might be. This is trap that people such as Michael Crichton have fallen into.
The anti-climate science PR push is equivalent to those many years of tobacco product manufacturing and distribution companies funding misinformation about the effects of cigarette smoke on human health, influencing USA lawmakers and a portion of the public to take sides against rather simple scientific facts . . . until that dangerous farce finally ran its course.
There is no scientific "debate" against the reality of global warming, and your preference for V8s (which I grew out of decades ago) has no impact on climate science - only your perception of such, perhaps.
- ooofest

Spending that much time trying to prove a scientific point about global warming in a phone forum isn't gonna get ya very far surely won't repair the ozone layer.
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unique77 said:
Spending that much time trying to prove a scientific point about global warming in a phone forum isn't gonna get ya very far surely won't repair the ozone layer.
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I spent a couple minutes, because this is easy - mostly time looking up a bookmark.
Wasn't a specific point - it's the whole point about global warming. Which relates to one use of solar chargers that the OP offered, btw. That, and I have a tendency to not let nonsense get a free pass.
Your point?
- ooofest

I didn't mean to start any fighting...this was meant to be a lighthearted thread.
Just remember we're all here to support one another. All our rage should be directed at Verizon.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

ooofest said:
I spent a couple minutes, because this is easy - mostly time looking up a bookmark.
Wasn't a specific point - it's the whole point about global warming. Which relates to one use of solar chargers that the OP offered, btw. That, and I have a tendency to not let nonsense get a free pass.
Your point?
- ooofest
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I just want to let you know that someone I never met on a phone forum isn't going to make me suddenly decide I am wrong.
I just said not everyone agrees with you, and obviously you are insecure enough in your views to have to feel the need to even try and start a debate over it.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

nosympathy said:
I just want to let you know that someone I never met on a phone forum isn't going to make me suddenly decide I am wrong.
I just said not everyone agrees with you, and obviously you are insecure enough in your views to have to feel the need to even try and start a debate over it.
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Right, I'm calling out your anti-science view on a technology forum in a minor manner, which in a grass-is-blue and sky-is-green world makes me insecure, Mr. *hrr-hrr-hrr-I'm-hiding-behind-my-V8-vehicle-engine-purchases*. Lovely projection there, nosympathy - please try again, I'm all for private messages.
I'm not trying to convert you: you're simply wrong, dangerously so. I'd like others to see that your unsupported "opinion" (which is actually willful ignorance - for which you haven't offered a shred of evidence) - seems entirely counter to talking about actual science that can power or be otherwise useful in using our favorite pieces of techology . . . which were created, in essence, by people who studied one or more disciplines of science. Actual science, that is.
- ooofest

Interesting discussion. We can try to be civil to one another though...
That said, my 2 cents:
Recent data does support that global temperature is rising. The question that's hard to answer (and has been unproven to date) is whether this warming is man-made. Could man-made pollution be a factor? I think so. Is it THE factor? That's open for debate.
Hybrid cars: just food for thought - how are we getting rid of all those batteries?? I can't imagine those battery-acids are earth friendly.
....and no one is even discussing about the EMF generated by hybrid cars. EMF is ionizing radiation - ie. it has enough energy to break DNA (cancer risk, people!!). So if you driving a hydrid or a Volt/Leaf, you're sitting inside a pretty high EMF field. Personally, I can't take that chance with my little kids.
Solar panels. I think they're promising. Would love to get solar panels for my house. (1) too expensive. (2) efficiency sucks. Best panel is only about 20% efficient. Hopefully this will get better soon. Sunlight is free. Might as well figure out a way to use it!
Sent from a SYNERGIZED GalaxySIII

Self-developed Nexus 4 Dock

Update:
Crowd funding campaign is online:
www.startnext.de/en/andock
Hello everyone,
Today I would like to ask you about your opinion on my self-developed Nexus 4 Dock. First, I wanted to develop the station just for me, because I couldn’t find a Nexus 4 docking station that really fits my needs. Now I’m thinking about starting my own crowd funding campaign with this station. I already got some positive feedback on the German website android-hilfe.de.
The features of my docking station are:
- SlimPort included
- Active cooling by a fan to prevent the usual CPU throttling
- Display in widescreen format unlike the usual docking stations
- NFC-Tag
- cube shape design
- Docking Station is weighted to provide more stability
I also created a website for this project: andock.com
What do you think? Would you be interested in such a station? Thank you for your opinion.
So here are some pictures:

1) Frankly, the prototype looks terrible, especially when placed next to the Apple mouse and keyboard with their curves. Hopefully that's not what the final product will look like. Some round corners might help.
2) Take the LED away. It's not going to do jack if it's behind the phone. You won't be able to see it from the front.
3) Consider making the thickness of the "gap" around the micro usb adjustable so as to accomodate a larger range of phones. One way to do that is to make the gap wider, but provide plastic pieces that can be slipped into the gap to make it narrower. Think ipod dock adapters.
4) You need a better looking power button. It looks like something from the 70s, in which case you should make the dock out of wood. (In that case, disregard point 1 about rounded corners).
5) If possible, the dock should be powered by a micro usb.

snapper.fishes said:
1) Frankly, the prototype looks terrible, especially when placed next to the Apple mouse and keyboard with their curves. Hopefully that's not what the final product will look like. Some round corners might help.
2) Take the LED away. It's not going to do jack if it's behind the phone. You won't be able to see it from the front.
3) Consider making the thickness of the "gap" around the micro usb adjustable so as to accomodate a larger range of phones. One way to do that is to make the gap wider, but provide plastic pieces that can be slipped into the gap to make it narrower. Think ipod dock adapters.
4) You need a better looking power button. It looks like something from the 70s, in which case you should make the dock out of wood. (In that case, disregard point 1 about rounded corners).
5) If possible, the dock should be powered by a micro usb.
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Thank you for you quick and honest response.
1) Personally I am not a friend of the “apple curves “ and I especially don’t want to get sued. I wanted to create my own design. But everyone has a different opinion about design and that’s why I asked about your feedback.
2) You can also see the LEDs on the other side
3) SlimPort doesn’t work for other phones either, but depending on the feedback I will also make adjustments for different smartphones.
4) I will think about it. It’s still a prototype.
5) It’s powered by a USB cable.

Noc2 said:
Thank you for you quick and honest response.
1) Personally I am not a friend of the “apple curves “ and I especially don’t want to get sued. I wanted to create my own design. But everyone has a different opinion about design and that’s why I asked about your feedback.
2) You can also see the LEDs on the other side
3) SlimPort doesn’t work for other phones either, but depending on the feedback I will also make adjustments for different smartphones.
4) I will think about it. It’s still a prototype.
5) It’s powered by a USB cable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I like it!

Does it charge the phone fast enough to gain a charge when outputting it to a TV? How about with Bluetooth on also for controllers and the like?
I agree that it would be nice to have it adjustable to fit other phones (and cases/bumpers). This might be the only phone with a Slimport, but who's to say other phones won't have them soon?
I agree the whole thing does look a little old school, but as long as its functional.
I would also prefer no LED light, but I might in the minority. I hate how everything in my home has a glow to it LOL.
Ultimately the biggest determining factor for me in buying something like this would be price.

Noc2 said:
Hello everyone,
<snip>
- Active cooling by a fan to prevent the usual CPU throttling
<snip>
So here are some pictures:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As an N4 owner I'm excited to see any development of nice quality support h/w.
One doubt I have is for the fan cooling. I don't think the case of the N4 is really designed to dissipate much heat to the surrounding air (like most phones) with no fins and a pretty poor thermal conductivity (glass and plastic). I can't imagine that an external fan would help much, and just drive up cost and annoying noise of the dock.

mark398 said:
One doubt I have is for the fan cooling. I don't think the case of the N4 is really designed to dissipate much heat to the surrounding air (like most phones) with no fins and a pretty poor thermal conductivity (glass and plastic). I can't imagine that an external fan would help much, and just drive up cost and annoying noise of the dock.
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You can switch the fan on and off. Besides I got good results in tests with the fan on. If you run a lot of benchmarks in a row (especially while the Nexus 4 is charging and connected to a TV via bluetooth), you’ll experience a decrease of the benchmark score. The fan definitely reduces this issue. I will post some results in the next days.
I want to make the price as low as possible without any quality restrictions. It will be under 100 Euro.

Great to see people developing unique accessories for the Nexus 4, but for me this dock is just awkward.

The power switch should be replaced with something more modern, and the design should maybe better match the N4. Maybe a glossy black plastic and an led mounted under a more transparent plastic like the led on the N4 is mounted under the glass. Over all, I love the idea and would probably buy it even in its current state.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium HD app

I'd love it as a kit to put together myself and keep the cost down... already as an option.
100euros would be a bit steep imo. I can already get a dock for cheap.
Your slot should come with a way to accommodate cases too... atleast the bumper
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Your dock is interesting, but, unless you're a developer that needs a cable connection (in my opinion) it makes a lot more sense just to buy an Orb and be done with it. File transfers can be done with AirDroid (for example). Wireless charging on the Orb is just as fast as trough cable (I have one) and it doesn't have the hassle of connecting/disconnecting the cable itself.
For someone that really wants the cable connection, it's useful. The design, if you want to really produce it, I'd recommend you to make it in a way that you can plug-in most android phones with the usb dock on the bottom. Make it simpler, why leds, buttons and fan (sorry, but I really don't think you need a fan in it)? Otherwise, good work.

Hi, I don't own a nexus 4 but I'm intrigued with ur project. To me, the concept is nice: something minimalistic, able to cool down the phone and provide connectivity to another device (or computer). It'd be a good idea if u can make the cube have a glossy texture, like white or black because it will still look nice even if u don't want to smooth out the edges. Also, it would be nice if it can accommodate phones that have a screen size of 5" or more (perhaps a slightly bigger cube). Also, I think led is fine but the switch for the fan should be smaller, maybe something rounded like the buttons of the iPhone 5 or a power button of any android phone and can also disguise with the cube's color. I believe something like that would look really nice on any desk.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium

Thank you for your feedback. I take it seriously.
Here is the promised article about the fan of my docking station:
http://www.andock.com/2013/04/the-temperature-of-google-nexus-4-with.html

The article + picture explains the purpose behind a dock like this, you essentially want to be able to run your N4 as a console (hence the fan and necessity of slimport) seems like a niche product for a niche phone.
Seems cool but for the same price I could get an Ouya and keep my phone for phone stuff.

I'm intrigued. If this went to market I would be very tempted to buy. Could set it on my desk, hook up sixaxis controller and jam out a few games easily.
Sent from one device or another.

this is awesome man, i hope you can built more and can sell to us or me

Is that SLS? SLA? Rapid prototyping ftw.

irishrally said:
Is that SLS? SLA? Rapid prototyping ftw.
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It’s SLS.
I really liked it because of the structure of the material. It’s not like the usual plastic or FDM.

threeclaws said:
The article + picture explains the purpose behind a dock like this, you essentially want to be able to run your N4 as a console (hence the fan and necessity of slimport) seems like a niche product for a niche phone.
Seems cool but for the same price I could get an Ouya and keep my phone for phone stuff.
Click to expand...
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Judging by some of the Ouya reviews out there, it's probably advisable to stick with your phone for now.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

pnnorth said:
Judging by some of the Ouya reviews out there, it's probably advisable to stick with your phone for now.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
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It's beta/developer hardware right now, the retail stuff will have to be better (they are planning on selling at BB/Amazon.) The software on the other hand...I already went through that once with the boxee box (solid hardware + crap software.)

Synergy wireless charger

Hey everyone, I stumbled upon this Kickstarter project and thought I would share with everyone the link. I backed it up because it really looks like a solid wireless charger that could definitely make life easier, not to mention it looks pretty sweet. Anyone who is able to should go back this up as well so the creators can meet their goal. Well, here is the link: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cellinnovations/synergy-worlds-best-wireless-smartphone-charger

niccuany said:
Hey everyone, I stumbled upon this Kickstarter project and thought I would share with everyone the link. I backed it up because it really looks like a solid wireless charger that could definitely make life easier, not to mention it looks pretty sweet. Anyone who is able to should go back this up as well so the creators can meet their goal. Well, here is the link: ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This idea looks perfect !
I rly have trouble to buy car dock for my S4, before samsung, i was using htc sensation, with original car dock and its was pretty cool, just plug phone in dock and its going to automobile mode and charges? now i dont know what to do with S4 i havent seen any car dock like i have with HTC...
Synergy looks perfect solution of my problem, but price...

I like my toys, but $125 for a charging stand seems a bit high. In addition, the micro-suction technology probably wont work with many of the cases like Otterbox or UAG since a very smooth surface is needed to adhere to the back of the phone.
Based on the Kickstarter goal to raise $150K and they are only at $27K with 16 days to go, it looks like others may be doubting this idea too.

swieder711 said:
I like my toys, but $125 for a charging stand seems a bit high. In addition, the micro-suction technology probably wont work with many of the cases like Otterbox or UAG since a very smooth surface is needed to adhere to the back of the phone.
Based on the Kickstarter goal to raise $150K and they are only at $27K with 16 days to go, it looks like others may be doubting this idea too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you assume it use 'micro-suction'? it does not. it is magnetic.
And it is a High End device, so $95 for the stand + the base for the car including the wire tap to integrate directly in the car is not outrageously expensive.

eortizr said:
Why do you assume it use 'micro-suction'? it does not. it is magnetic.
And it is a High End device, so $95 for the stand + the base for the car including the wire tap to integrate directly in the car is not outrageously expensive.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think a magnet would be strong enough to hold the phone to the base. Someone said it was magnet + micro-suction. I thought $95 was only the kickstarter promotional price with full retail at $125.
At this point let's wait to hear first hand accounts from users. If it gets funded, has rave reviews and can hold the phone with an Otterbox or UAG case then I will get one.

9 days left with $120K still needed. That's over 1000 more backers needed!
I wonder if this project will get funded.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Elevate Sports Armsleeve

The one and only thing that frustrates me about the Galaxy line is the lack of sports cases/bands that fit well, protect the phone and are comfortable. I've gone through a half dozen since the SGSII and they all sucked. And some were outright highway robbery for what they offered.
This Elevate Sleeve on Kickstarter looks like it has good potential. I'd back it, but the creator will only support bigger devices if he gets more than 25 requests. If anyone also thinks this could be the right sports case, head over and make a request for the SGSIV. There are other "sleeve" type cases, even a couple from Kickstarter, but they are just like the armbands, not real high quality, look cheap and still have that raggedy plastic face.

I was going to buy something similar from nike yesterday, but the last time I checked it out I didn't notice, it was for iphones/ipods.....I was seriously bummed.
Big thanks for posting this and getting my hope up a little bit!!
If I understood correctly, then they consider requests, not how many will actually going to buy this?? Everyone who even likes the idea....start emailing
The price is actually quite good too.....~10€ more expensive than the nike's long sleeves that were 50% off, but the elevate definitely seems alot nicer!!!

Just_s said:
The one and only thing that frustrates me about the Galaxy line is the lack of sports cases/bands that fit well, protect the phone and are comfortable. I've gone through a half dozen since the SGSII and they all sucked. And some were outright highway robbery for what they offered.
This Elevate Sleeve on Kickstarter looks like it has good potential. I'd back it, but the creator will only support bigger devices if he gets more than 25 requests. If anyone also thinks this could be the right sports case, head over and make a request for the SGSIV. There are other "sleeve" type cases, even a couple from Kickstarter, but they are just like the armbands, not real high quality, look cheap and still have that raggedy plastic face.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hope he didn't do too much so searching for that idea
http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/forearm-sleeve-sleeve/pid-581614

warnette said:
Hope he didn't do too much so searching for that idea
http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/forearm-sleeve-sleeve/pid-581614
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Yeah, as I mentioned above, there are several other sleeve-style cases, but none that don't suck. I'm guessing you haven't used the NIKE version, which doesn't fit an SGSIV with or without a case on it, nor is it comfortable. Also the NIKE sleeve has the same cheap plastic face and the phone sits on the underside of your forearm rather than the top (very uncomfortable position when running IMO.) Sadly, it is still the best of the cases I've tried, too bad it doesn't work with anything but an old iPhone I use as an iPod.
I'd wager that this or even this were as much an inspiration as the NIKE+ sleeve for the Elevate.
If your criteria for buying something is that it be an original idea, your place must be empty. We don't come across may truly original ideas in the world we live in today. I'll happily take an innovation on an existing product in lieu of an original/bleeding edge product if it gets the job done. If we didn't buy better versions of existing products, we wouldn't have iOS nor Android devices, now would we?
That said, the Elevate is an unproven product, not unlike the betas we all like to run here at XDA, so I am not touting it as the end-all-be-all in fitness cases. From the specs and the prototype, it certainly looks like an innovation over the NIKE version. I'm also not asking anyone else to back the product. I'm just hoping that some folks will head over and chime in for the S4 so that if I decide to back it, I will have a case to receive.

warnette said:
Hope he didn't do too much so searching for that idea
http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/forearm-sleeve-sleeve/pid-581614
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That's exactly where there problem started, it's for the iphone...a tiny inferior phone.....a lot of useful stuff is produced for iphones/ipods only because they get to link their product with apple's name....but the rest of us have to suffer...
The approach on the materials is nice...shows that more consideration has gone into the product plus a possibility to get it for other phones as well....at least that seemed to be the idea behind this thread....

alliktaavo said:
That's exactly where there problem started, it's for the iphone...a tiny inferior phone.....a lot of useful stuff is produced for iphones/ipods only because they get to link their product with apple's name....but the rest of us have to suffer...
The approach on the materials is nice...shows that more consideration has gone into the product plus a possibility to get it for other phones as well....at least that seemed to be the idea behind this thread....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bingo!
And as of today, they only need 17 more requests to make this for the S4.
(Potential) Backers — Here's a quick update on the request count that we've gotten so far. Looks like S4 is our most popular so far. Not surprised. Just 17 more requests and we're adding it to the production list.

I put in my request yesterday! Hopefully we get enough for our S4's to be accommodated because this sleeve looks amazing! :good:

I've asked the maker to consider a semi universal sleeve for larger (not the largest, sorry Note folks) phones as this range is relatively similar in size.
Visual Comparison and SIze Specs

Found this kickstarter the other day and backed it. Seems to have a lot of potential if it'll fit the bigger phones (S3/S4)