iPod / iPhone USB Data Sync & Charger Retractable Cable

by iPhone

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4 x 1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B000EW2XQ8
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (194 customer reviews)

Product Description

This Retractable USB Cable offers high speed data transfer for quickly uploading music, pictures, or videos to your iPod or iPhone's library and also offers the convenience of charging. The innovative retractable design cuts down on travel bulk and ensures the portability of your MP3 iPod player without tangled cable mess.The cable can also be connected to the iPod USB car charger for charging on-the-go. Compatible with iPhone & iPod models with dock connector and supports either USB 1.1 or 2.0.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great item, awesome value., January 3, 2007

By 

jh (NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: iPod / iPhone USB Data Sync & Charger Retractable Cable (Electronics)

This cable works both for syncing (USB 1.1 and 2.0) and for charging your iPod. It can be used to connect the iPod directly to a computer or to any iPod peripherals (such as iPod power adapters/chargers) that use a USB connector. I have only used mine with a 5G (video) iPod, but I imagine it would work just as well with any iPod with a dock connector. Basically, this will work anywhere Apple's own $20.00 non-retractable dock connector cable would.

The cable extends to a full length of approx. 3 feet. It "locks" at its full extension to prevent the retraction mechanism from constantly tugging on your iPod, putting strain on the connectors, pulling it off the table, etc. It has 4 additional "lock" points at shorter lengths (genius idea!) so you can take advantage of that lock mechanism without having the full 3 feet of cord drooping from the iPod.

The build quality is pretty solid. The central housing and retraction mechanism are robust, the cords are flexible but hold their shape over time, and (importantly) the connectors are nicely built -- they fit well and connect smoothly, no forcing or wiggling required to insert them. I've had no problems with data integrity or transfer speeds using this cable, and I've had no trouble using it to charge the iPod either from a PC or from an iPod power adapter (I've read reviews of similar products where people have had trouble either syncing or charging -- not with this product).

I have used mine daily for the last 6 months (extending/retracting it several times a day) and it's seen a fair amount of travel -- and it's still like new. The housing is sound; the cords are completely intact (no cracking or twisting of the plastic covering, no weakness where they join the connectors); the spring hasn't lost any tension (the cords still retract fully); the connectors still connect smoothly.

This cable performs just as well as Apple's own dock connector cable (usually about $20.00) and just as well as any other retractable cables on the market (usually $25.00+ in stores). I'm not one to skimp on quality -- I wouldn't buy an ultra-cheap iPod charger for fear that cheap components might overload and fry the iPod. This is a solid, reliable product, just at an incredibly reasonable price! It's very convenient and cuts down the tangle for travel (or even at your desk). Even if you are worried about somehow breaking it from overuse, go ahead and buy a second -- after all, you can buy 12 or more of these for the price of any similar cable you would see in stores!

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Cable Not What Is Pictured, October 24, 2009

By 

Brett C. Harris "sucellus33" (PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: iPod / iPhone USB Data Sync & Charger Retractable Cable (Electronics)

The cable they sent me is not what is pictured. I was looking for an inexpensive cable that would fit into my IPhone 3Gs while the case was still on. The cable pictured has an iphone/ipod connector that is rounded like the Apple branded version. Unfortunately, the ones they sent me are completely rectangular, so now I'm forced to shave down the plastic and glue the housing back together. That is precisely what I was trying to avoid.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly Well Made, August 26, 2008

By 

T. Jones - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: iPod / iPhone USB Data Sync & Charger Retractable Cable (Electronics)

Being that this product was a mere $.33 when I bought it, I wasn't expecting much. The reviews said mostly positive things about it, but there are times when I speculate the validity of others ill advised opinions. That being said, this product broke my expectations.

The retract feature works much better than I ever thought it would. I have had retractable ethernet cables before that were very cheaply made, resulting in a broken cable and increased latency. This product, on the other hand, is very simply made but with quality components. The retract feature works seemingly flawless.

In addition, I had no problems charging or using data transfer. It connected and transferred flawlessly.

The only thing that bothered me was the high shipping cost. I purchased 3 to have on hand at work/home/laptop bag and paid ~$1 for the product, but a wopping $9 for shipping. Nearly 10x the cost of the product for shipping? That just seems unreasonable.