VERY cheap PlayBook Charging solution - TouchPad Frankencharger

I want to share some findings with you in case this helps someone else in future. I tried to charge my PlayBook with the HP TouchPad USB plug (barrel type) and it works perfectly fine (Green lightning bolt icon appears - no errors). So if you want a cheap way to charge your PlayBook, buy one of these.

Amazon.com: Power AC/DC Charger 10W Adapter adaptor North American+Micro USB to USB 2.0 data charger cable cord for HP TouchPad FB341AAABA: Computers & Accessories ($8.99 with cable)

http://www.amazon.com/Charger-Adapte...bUvbUpU7661082 ($4.99 without cable)

Here are the specs of both charger types:

BlackBerry Rapid Charger (the one with fold out prongs and ships with the device):
Input: 100-240V - 300mA 50-60Hz
Output: 5V - 1.8A

HP TouchPad Barrel Charger:
Input:100-240V - 0.4A 50-60Hz
Output: 5.3V - 2A

The benefit of using the TouchPad charger is that the cable comes off so you can use a normal charging micro USB cable bought from Monoprice.com for about $1.73 and you can get a lot longer cord (in this case 15 feet). For only $1.44 each when QTY 50+ purchased - 15ft USB 2.0 A Male to Micro 5pin Male 28/28AWG Cable | USB 2.0 Cables - Micro-B Type

Also, the TouchPad charger screws apart and you can get international plug heads screwed in so you can charge your PB overseas! It doesn't have the benefit of the magnetic charger obviously (saves wear on your USB port), but for prices ranging from $44.95-79.99 in Canada for the magnetic type - you can have 12 of these Frankenchargers for the price of one full-price magnetic...

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/3...enrational.png

I have that charger and it works well with the PlayBook.

I bought it about a year ago on clearance at Staples. Mine only came with the US plug, not the whole set of plugs.

dammit, I want a UK version of this! Not found on the .co.uk site either :(

Originally Posted by bay1902

dammit, I want a UK version of this! Not found on the .co.uk site either :(

Maybe you folks should have thrown the tea in the harbor, oh, harbour! :D

Originally Posted by bay1902

dammit, I want a UK version of this! Not found on the .co.uk site either :(

Try eBay. There are oodles of them on there. I've seen international versions too. The prices are cheap too.

Been using this HP Touchpad plug for my PlayBook for a year now as a spare in my office. It also charges a BB9800 that I use as a remote control for presentations. I got mine at NCIX.

BTW it works well on my PlayBook, but my PlayBook's charger doesnt work well on my Touchpad.

I guess this would work OK?

USB Wall Charger + USB Car Charger + 20cm Data/Charging Cable for HP Touchpad | eBay

5V 2100mA

AC and DC charger

I have been wanting a DC charger.

Originally Posted by lotuslanderz

Been using this HP Touchpad plug for my PlayBook for a year now as a spare in my office. It also charges a BB9800 that I use as a remote control for presentations. I got mine at NCIX.

BTW it works well on my PlayBook, but my PlayBook's charger doesnt work well on my Touchpad.

If it does a 9800 then it should do a 9810 too...hmmmm, have to research that one! Thanks!