PalmOne Recharging USB Hotsync Cable

• Recharge your handheld and HotSync its data with your PC, both at the same time
• Connects to your computer's USB port
• Includes power adapter for your vehicle's cigarette lighter
• Charging times may vary according to the battery capacity of your handheld and available USB power
• Compatible with Zire 71, m500 Series, i705, m130, m125 (HotSync Only)

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.

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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!!!

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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.

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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.