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Dec
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The first thing to say is that the Sony Reader range of eBook Readers don’t need to have external power supplies, as they will charge up via the USB cable when connected to your computer, but they are useful accessories for a number of reasons.
The main thing is convenience, as the big difference is that when using an external power supply, the Reader is still able to be used as a Reader – it’s not going to just display the “USB connected” screen that you get when it’s plugged into your computer!
Another advantage is that the Readers charge significantly faster via the external supplies than they do via USB, so you’re less likely to have to choose between missing the bus or having nothing to read! This is particularly applicable if you’ve let your Reader’s battery drain completely, as from flat, a USB-connected reader can take a very long time to even get enough power to switch on the LED to show that it is charging!
Finally, the external power supplies are much more convenient, being able to be plugged in anywhere you have a mains power supply, while the USB cable needs to be plugged into your computer.
Actually, that bears emphasising…
Wall chargers using USB connectors don’t work with Sony Readers
The type of charger you need is one with a round connector that will plug into the round (yellow) socket on the bottom of your reader. Note: While the official Sony item is quite pricey, a ‘generic’ Sony PSP charger will do fine (as long as it’s the type with a round barrel) and be much more affordable!
September 25th, 2010 at 5:53 pm
some wee handy facts there,currently have my sony reader charging via usb and wondered why it was taking so long compared to proper charger
put my mind at ease
many thanks!
October 17th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
My Sony e-reader model PRS-650 does not have a round charging socket the only way to charge is via the usb port using a pc or a sony supplied ac charger which uses a usb plug.
October 18th, 2010 at 6:16 pm
Yes – the advice does need updating for the latest generation of Sony Readers, i.e. the 650 & the 350. As I understand it, they’ve dropped the separate socket but they’ve changed the circuitry such that you can now charge via the USB without needing an actual PC on the other end of it!
December 17th, 2010 at 6:01 pm
I have seen your note about 650 and hurried to try – my AC\usb charger from Iphone do not charge my Sony 650.
So what is the solution?
December 17th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
It’s a bit complex and here’s probably the best place to read more, but in general, micro-USB chargers work, except if they’re made by Apple. The technical details seem to be that they should have pins 2 and 3 of the USB socket shorted, which most chargers will, but Apple ones often don’t.
December 22nd, 2010 at 3:35 am
I tried a Panasonic micro-USB charger – $10 model. It works for my IPod but won’t charge my Sony 650.
January 5th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
Thanks for that. Had real problems last year on holiday and wondered why it wouldn’t charge from USB without PC. Ended up having to sit in reception of hotel to charge it.
March 9th, 2011 at 10:12 am
My Sony 655 can also charge from USB only and is also *very* picky about external chargers. I have more than three laying around the house. Only the charger that came with my son’s Samung Star CellPhone works fine and he won’t let me take that on my travels ;-(
March 25th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
My sony PRS 650 will only charge of a PC USB socket, I have a mains charger for my sony walkman. It ha a USB connection, so I thought great, just connect my reader PC usb cable in and it will work, no such luck. Bought on line from Amazon a mains charger advertised for the 650, still will not charge.
April 18th, 2011 at 7:36 am
Was told by the local Sony centre that the “magic word” is “3.7V”. Many USB adapters are 5V and will thus not work. 3.5 – 3.9V should be safe but 3.7V fits the battery in PRS 650 – I just haven’t found one yet.
April 26th, 2011 at 12:36 am
Thanks but not sure if info is useful for my situation. Sony 650 USB is connected but charging stopped due to no power supply. Have checked connections. What did I do wrong?
June 11th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
I have had problems with DC charging of my PRS 350 using both Apple mains and a ‘Free Loader’ but iGO (battery unit model 6630046-0200) with A97 tip works for me.
June 26th, 2011 at 11:21 pm
sony ereader PRS350
So angry with this product. Got it from duty free and now Sony NZ is playing “not my Problem” with me. They say as its not bought in NZ, its not their problem. Nice. Nevermind that $300 was spent on it then and its only 34 days old. Battery not charging. Used USB to PC cable and red light goes on for 15 seconds then off. Bought a $50 AC wall charger – same thing. My screen is frozen and the AC adapter was used to charge overnight but the red light goes off – so the battery is still dead flat. I am almost ready now to start a facebook – don’t by ereader page
June 27th, 2011 at 12:25 am
does anyone have an email address for Sony USA or Japan. Their website does not allow contact without zip codes etc. I just want to email some-one who can actually help because I think my powersource is actually broken
July 4th, 2011 at 6:30 am
My view sonic ebook is always charging via the usb cable but it is never acting as a usb device for me to transfer books or music onto it. How can i make it charge whenever i want and make it act as a usb later?
August 2nd, 2011 at 3:23 pm
Sony PRS650 My Toshiba Computer Satellite L775-119 has charging mode when comp. in sleep or hibernation but nothing seems to make it work other than when comp.is working any ideas??
August 2nd, 2011 at 6:51 pm
Nothing specific, but here might be worth a read in case there’s anything there that might help.
August 23rd, 2011 at 2:28 pm
It’s a bit complex and here’s probably the best place to read more, but in general, micro-USB chargers work, except if they’re made by Apple. The technical details seem to be that they should have pins 2 and 3 of the USB socket shorted, which most chargers will, but Apple ones often don’t.
September 21st, 2011 at 9:05 am
My Sony 650 will happily charge using the wall charger from my HTC Desire phone.