Add Sync ‘n charge via USB to your N95 8GB: Proporta USB Sync-Charge Cradle

It’s no secret that Nseries device have an obvious limitation: No re-charging via the now universal micro- and miniUSB connections. This problems also ties in with the need to include a desk holder in the Nseries packages that’s also able to charge the device and perform the usual data transfer and sync duties via PC Suite or your Media Player. Nokia does offer the universal Desk Stand DT-13, up till now only the N91 has been blessed with the included DT-10 desk stand and before we forget the Nokia Phone Holder NK007044. As for USB charging, Nokia does offer the Charger via USB port CA-100, but again this solution only offers charging via USB , but no data transfer and sync. Until Nokia offers such a solution and includes it in the package, Proporta comes to the rescue with their dynamic duo...

Proporta offers two solutions for Nseries users that need both USB charging and data-transfer in one: the Proporta USB Sync-Charge Cradle and the USB Sync and Charger Cable. These two solutions might look different, but in the end it’s basically the same thing where the USB Sync-Charge Cradle, adds, well the cradle. By now you might be asking: The Nseries doesn’t support charging via the USB cable, so how is it charging? Basically it isn’t, but rather splits the cable in two on one ends: a miniUSB cable and the standard 2mm charger plug. On the other side there’s of course the standard USB plug that connects to your PC. With the USB Sync-Charge Cradle they have neatly fitted the miniUSB and 2mm charger connector in a nice looking black cradle, that I must say perfectly matches the look of the N95 8GB. Proporta’s solution is so simple and works so well that you have to wonder why Nokia doesn’t offer such a product until they get transfer-and-charge via USB sorted out.

The cradle itself is very well built from this solid lightly textured plastic and has this clear see-through plastic support where your N95 8GB would sit on the stand. The matte black finish also helps to hide those nasty finger prints. Interestingly once you do place the phone into the charger there’s quite a lot of free space left behind the phone where you could place all sorts of stuff like memory cards, keys, coins etc. I’m not sure whether it was their intention to create this free space for you to place all sorts stuff or if this “free surface” is the results of creating the necessary space to house the internals. On the front there’s a nice looking and handy blue LED that lights up when the unit is properly connected to the USB port. On the back there’s the usual USB connector port where you would plug the USB cable. Taking a closer look on the back reveals that Proporta has included a place to plug-in your Nokia charger allowing the USB Sync-Charge Cradle to double as a fancy dekstop charger.

Same story with the USB Sync and Charger Cable, of course sans the cradle.

Conclusions

Both the Proporta USB Sync-Charge Cradle and the USB Sync and Charger Cable are exactly what I was looking for: data transfer and charging via a single cable, providing a seamless solution to a shortcoming on Nseries devices. Choosing one over the other is just a matter of needing the cradle or not. Choosing the cradle unit will cost more at $24.95 while the cable will set you back $15.95. The USB Sync-Charge Cradle might look like the obvious solution to go for and personally I think it is, but travelers or users that want a more portable and compact solution would be best suited with the USB Sync and Charger Cable.

Proporta should consider adding a slide-to-close door that conceals a compartment where stuff could be stored inside USB Sync-Charge Cradle. They should also consider (especially for N82, N78 and N96 owners) adding a microUSB version of the USB Sync-Charge Cradle. As for the cable adding a clasp similar to recent USB cable included with the N82. Both accessories get a glowing 10 out of 10.

Pros

USB Sync-Charge Cradle

Sync and charge in one solution

Good Build quality

Cradle can double as desktop charger (with phone charger connected)

Matches the looks of the N95 8GB

Handy Blue LED informing the unit is plugged in

Cons

None

Pros

USB Sync and Charger Cable

Sync and charge in one solution

Perfect mobile solution for road warriors on the go with their notebooks

Simple and perfect solution

 

Cons

None

 

Suggestions

USB Sync and Charger Cable

-adding a clasp to the cable

USB Sync-Charge Cradle

-adding a slide-to-close door that conceals a compartment

-microUSB version of the USB Sync-Charge Cradle

Comments

[appliaweb]

of the istic Honor club in the old periods he was a colleague of. |

[Golux]

Another improvement would be to include a battery charger.