Griffin PowerBlock AC Wall Charger for iPod, iPhone 1G, and Other USB Devices (White)

by Griffin Technology

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4 x 1.6 x 7.9 inches ; 4.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000WKY2ZC
• Item model number: 9772-PWRBLKW
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Power and charge almost any iPod from a wall outlet with the Griffin PowerBlock AC Wall Charger. You can plug the first-generation iPod shuffle directly, or use the included cable to connect supported iPod models. The Type-A, flat-blade plug is designed for international use and multi-outlet configurations, making it compact and ideal for business and other travel. The included USB-to-dock cable can be disconnected for use with a computer. Also, the PowerBlock is fully compatible with iPhone. The sync cable also can be used, and the iPhone will not show a "nag screen."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Comes with iPod DATA cable, cost effective, versatile - works as advertised!, August 17, 2008

By 

Charlie (MI, USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Griffin PowerBlock AC Wall Charger for iPod, iPhone 1G, and Other USB Devices (White) (Electronics)

Griffin Power Block review for Griffin P/N: 9772-PWRBLKW

The Griffin Power Block carries a retail price of approximately the same as Apple's AC (Alternating Current) to USB charging adapter, but if you look around you will find the Power Block available for much less than the retail price. I will have to admit that I considered buying Apple's charging adapter because of its extremely compact size (about the same dimensions as a child's wooden playing block), but I decided to buy the Griffin Power Block since it comes with an extra iPod data-sync cable. This cable is not just for charging the batteries of all iPods, but is a fully functional data cable that you can use to sync your iPods. Many modern portable devices are powered by the +5 VDC regulated through the USB bus, so the Griffin's AC adapter can also act as a fully functional charger for devices such as GPS units or competing media players.

I evaluated the Power Block using a 2nd generation iPod shuffle, iPod Touch (Firmware 1.1.5), and a Tom Tom One XL GPS unit. The Griffin Power Block is a rapid charger but I did not detect exorbitant amounts of heat generated from either the AC adapter or the device. I used another Griffin FM transmitter that doubles as a USB charging point for use in a car (+12 VDC) and that unit generated a ferocious amount of heat during charging. The Griffin Power Block stays relatively cool throughout the charging process. It charged up the shuffle, Touch, and Tom Tom without any drama or problems. In fact, the Griffin Power Block is even capable of fully charging up a 2nd generation iPod shuffle. The LEDs on the Shuffle and Power Block will turn GREEN once the Shuffle is fully charged, indicating the Griffin has some type of smart charging circuitry.

The Griffin AC adapter is compatible with 120 VAC and 240 VAC systems, so you can take it with you on your international travels without worrying about compatibility with foreign outlets. The two prongs fold away, giving the AC adapter a compact profile that is easy to store in your pocket or bag. The prongs are supposedly non-polarized, so you can plug it "upside down" in an outlet without having to mess around with finding the correct orientation.

Pros: For the same price of an official Apple adapter, you get an extra data cable. The adapter is light, sleek, and versatile.

Cons: It is slightly larger than the new pint-sized Apple charger, and doesn't carry the Apple branding or logo.

Overall: It works as advertised and was compatible with every USB device I tried. I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Computer-free charging, works as expected, July 7, 2008

By 

C. Tsiokos "Costa" (New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Griffin PowerBlock AC Wall Charger for iPod, iPhone 1G, and Other USB Devices (White) (Electronics)

I bought the Griffin PowerBlock AC Wall Charger for use with my iPod Touch. I resisted buying Apple's own wall charger because I felt it was a bit overpriced at $30. While the Griffin PowerBlock is the same price, at least you get a spare USB-to-dock cable as an extra bonus.

I've been using it for a couple of weeks now, and no problems. It's nice to be able to plug the iPod into a power outlet overnight and wake up the next morning to find a fully-charged unit. I have a notebook computer as my home computer, and I'd rather not keep it on 24/7 just to keep an iPod juiced up.

Also used it on my slightly-older iPod Video, works fine for charging that too. I'm guessing it'll work with just about any dock-input iPod/iPhone without any issues.

Only one minor shortcoming: The display light on the PowerBlock is supposed to stay red while charging, and turn green once charging is complete. In practice, when the iPod gets close (but not quite all the way) to full-charge, the light switches between red and green every couple of minutes, basically giving you a false-positive. Not the most reliable indicator, although it does turn a solid green once charging is fully done. (I suppose you could also check the iPod itself to confirm when it's done.)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Easy To Use, September 19, 2010

By 

Steven E. Aufrecht "Alaska Apple Users Group" (Anchorage, Alaska) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Griffin PowerBlock AC Wall Charger for iPod, iPhone 1G, and Other USB Devices (White) (Electronics)

Reviewer: Steve Aufrecht, Alaskan Apple Users Group Member
Product: Wall Charger for iPod, iPhone and iPad (on website called Power Block)
Company:Griffin
Contact: [...]
Price: $29.99 at Griffin ($18.65 and less at Amazon)
Pros: Charge iPod w/o compuer. Small, neat, so easy to use there are no instructions. Cons: None I've noticed
Moose: 5

Conflict of interest disclosure: Griffin provided a free copy of the Wall Charger to me through the Alaska Apple User Group for the purposes of the review. I had to review it within 3 weeks so I didn't have much time to try out the product.


This a neat little product that allows you to charge your iDevice without needing a computer. It is so simple that they don't even have any instructions. You just plug the USB connector into the dock, the other end into the device, and the plug into the wall. That's a big plus when you want to travel with it but not take your computer.

Also includes an extra cable.

When I got the charger out of the box it turned out to be smaller than I expected, which is good.

I tend to find things wrong with products, but I can't find any with this one.
I charged my iPod Touch when I got this at the beginning of September and it's still working three weeks later. I guess that could reflect how little I use it too. I lent it to a friend with an iPhone. The first time she used it she got a message saying the device couldn't be used with an iPhone. But then it worked. She's used it a couple of times and it's been fine.