Customer Reviews

PalmOne Recharging USB Hotsync Cable

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

This is one of those products that you really need if you bring your Palm on travel a lot but wish it was designed a heck of a lot better. I use it almost every day on my home computer and pack it with my laptop on travel. The lack of an AC adapter brick is a real advantage, as you can charge your Palm and hotsync through the single USB cable. (Why couldn't they do that with the regular cradle also?) And once connected, it works very nicely.

Notice that I wrote "once connected", as that is much easier said than done. The two very small clips barely hang on to the Palm when attached, so the slightest jostle can disrupt the connection. The other reviewers weren't kidding when they stated that you have to use this on a flat undisturbed surface so that the connection can be maintained. I always have to check that the green light on the Palm is actually on, even though it may look like the cable is seated properly. I also agree that the flismy design of the clips make it a real possibility that they can break off with regular use.

Palm really needs to do a better job of designing its accessories.

Well I was excited to get this item because my deskspace at work is limited and I just wanted to have a small cord for syncing and charging that I could easily put away when I didn't need it. First couple times I used it, it worked fine. Now after maybe a couple months (and maybe a dozen uses, if that) the connection has gotten loose and it won't sync at all. It will still charge the unit (somewhat), but I have to fiddle around with the cord on my desk and make sure the green light on my palm is on so I know it's actually connected properly.

Palm sould really be ashamed at themselves for some of the crappy accessory items they make. I mean, is it so hard to make a sync cord that works? Very dissapointing. I gave it two stars only because it will still charge the unit...and sometimes that alone is useful when I'm at work and don't have a cradle handy.

UPDATE: A couple days after I posted my original review, the cord stopped connecting well enough to even charge the unit. This sync cord is utter crap, don't buy it!!!

I've had this item for about six months and have experienced no problems with it. I use it for syncing at the office, and it charges too. I have a Zire 71 and have no trouble with it seating. It doesn't 'lock in' like a wall plug, but then, it is not a wall plug! Set your PDA and the sync end on a flat surface and plug 'em together ... voila! Push the button, and it syncs. Leave it attached, and it charges. The car outlet connector is an added bonus, as you can charge you PDA while you drive. It accepts any USB connector, so it works with those USB cell phone sync/charge cables too. No muss, no fuss.

I found this HotSync cable navigating inside Palm Tungsten E accessories in Amazon, then i supossed that it would work with Tungsten E. But No, Tungsten E uses a diferent connector.

I've had this for less than a month, and already one of the 2 metal contacts has broken off. I bought the cable after reading the reviews on the cradle, which said it was awkward to fit the Palm into the cradle and that the cable would work better. I find the cable fit is tenuous at best (even with both contacts), and the fact that I'm already going to have to get a new one (or a cradle instead) is not a good sign.

The high point: It works.

The low point: It isn't the most robust design with the clips and contacts exposed to the world. An extension on the underside would help protect the contacts.

In the end, it is inexpensive, and does just what it claims to. Just give it a safe home in your laptop bag so the clips or contacts don't snag on anything and don't try to use it while jogging.

This has worked great for me. I would not call the connection with my Palm 130 sturdy, but I'm using the computer, not moving the PDA around when using the cable. For use traveling, the recharging cable is a fantastic.

I bought this about four months ago. After reading the reviews I was a bit concerned that it would fall apart. After four months I can report that I have had no problems with it, but the design could be better.

I use it everyday at work. I lay my Palm Tungsten T flat on my desk and then plug it in by sliding the cable and the Tungssten T together. On a rare occasion it will look connected when it isn't, but I just disconnect it and slide it in again.

I have used it while traveling as well. I've connected it to my laptop and laid it flat on a bed to make the connection. So it doesn't have to be as flat as a desk or table, but it does have to be resting on something. The connection is not as solid if you are holding it in your hand.

A better design would be to have a tab under the plug so it makes a sturdier connection. There is another product on the market that does this, but I didn't see it until after I ordered this one.

One thing that is really nice is that it has a hotsync button on the cable. I had a hotsync cable for my Palm III that had no button on it. It was a pain to have to turn on the Palm III, find the hotsync feature and turn it on. This makes it a lot easier to hotsync, just push one button and you're done.

When I bought this cable I had hoped to use it in my car, plugged in and laying on the passenger seat. I haven't tried that but I don't think it would work because of the connection. But since I charge it at home and at work, I don't need it plugged in when I'm in my car as well.

The bottom line is the connection could be better.

On the plus side it recharges while connected and has a button on the cable for hotsyncing. If you are going to use it on a flat surface; a table, desk or even a bed, it should work fine.

If you need to have it connected when you have no flat surface; such as while holding it in your hands or on a car seat, I'd suggest you try a different product.

This has worked great for me. I pretty much use it at work only. As other people have said the tabs do seem a little flimsy, but I bought it anyway since I knew I wouldn't be using it on the road. I've always kept the charger and m130 on the same flat surface when connecting and disconnecting them. I've had the product for nearly a year and haven't had any problems.

It's a great, slick, little device. Just treat it well.

I gave it 4 not 5 stars because the design could be improved.

The connectors broke on first use, rendering this almost completely unusable. Now I have to wedge the connector in between two heavy objects just so the connection is made and can hold a charge. Stick with the crade if you can find one...