What do I need to buy to hotsync w/o cradle?

[davy19]

I am confused...

Do I need both the hotsync cable and ac adapter?

Does the hotsync cable come with that little extension?


It does not look like it does?

[Rosenkrantz]

Hop on ebay and search for hotsync usb charger clie (or soem combo of those) and you should find plenty of people selling new cables. Its just ONE (1) single USB cable that plugs into your computer and the other end to the clie. The 615, 665, nz70 and now the nz90 use the same type of adapter (i think.)

[davy19]

Do you mean

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=NgBoYwQqHi5oYjp5oEJiaEs7KHaaLrewrWQ=?CatalogCategoryID=Pf4KC0%2eNvOoAAADzIjP9zFwA&ProductID=zCwKC0%2eNvA0AAADzDAX9zFwE&Dept=hp


or this one?

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=NgBoYwQqHi5oYjp5oEJiaEs7KHaaLrewrWQ=?CatalogCategoryID=Pf4KC0%2eNvOoAAADzIjP9zFwA&ProductID=Io8KC0%2eNaZoAAADzQJT9zFwD&Dept=hp


does either one of these two come with the piece that connects the cable to the little piece that goes into the port of the NZ90?


Not sure if I am explaining it right.

[kkerruish]

I've use the Belkin USB Mobile kit (comes with a tip for a Palm Universal Connector, Sony T series (fits the T, NR, NX and my new NZ), and a Visor Prism (rather handy - and charges from a cigarette lighter adapter as well as straight from USB)). It's a little tight, but works well...

I tested everything last night...my 'T' series USB charge/sync cable I got from the hong kong vendor (advertised here a lot) works well.

The portable AC adapter for the 'T' series works well too (better than the cradle, if you want my honest opinion, because you can see what you're plugging in)

So far, the only things that haven't worked are the cradles (obviously) and the KB-11 keyboard (obviously again).

Hope this helps...

Ken

[davy19]

I tried this one and wont fit:

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=NgBoYwQqHi5oYjp5oEJiaEs7KHaaLrewrWQ=?CatalogCategoryID=Pf4KC0%2eNvOoAAADzIjP9zFwA&ProductID=Io8KC0%2eNaZoAAADzQJT9zFwD&Dept=hp

Has anyone gotten it to work?

The interface even loks different then the one from the cradle?

[rlc7254]

Originally posted by davy19
I tried this one and wont fit:

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=NgBoYwQqHi5oYjp5oEJiaEs7KHaaLrewrWQ=?CatalogCategoryID=Pf4KC0%2eNvOoAAADzIjP9zFwA&ProductID=Io8KC0%2eNaZoAAADzQJT9zFwD&Dept=hp

Has anyone gotten it to work?

The interface even loks different then the one from the cradle?

 

I have this one, and it works just fine. I have a combination one that is USB that both charges and syncs from iConcepts, and it won't fit into the housing, and I don't want to force it. If you go to the Sony website and look for NZ accessories, you will see that they warn you that you will need the NZ USB cradle to use them. But it isn't so.

 

 

[davy19]

Originally posted by rlc7254


 

I have this one, and it works just fine. I have a combination one that is USB that both charges and syncs from iConcepts, and it won't fit into the housing, and I don't want to force it. If you go to the Sony website and look for NZ accessories, you will see that they warn you that you will need the NZ USB cradle to use them. But it isn't so.

 

 


Really where on Sony website does it say that?



How did you get it to click? Does the side with clie face in or face out? Maybe I am doing something wrong? I never used a cable before because I always liked the cradle until now..

[rlc7254]

Originally posted by davy19



Really where on Sony website does it say that?



How did you get it to click? Does the side with clie face in or face out? Maybe I am doing something wrong? I never used a cable before because I always liked the cradle until now..

 

Go to this address:

 

http://sonyelectronics.sonystyle.com/micros/clie/accessories/accessory-NZ.html

 

If you look at the car battery adapter, the a/c adapter, and the USB hotsync cable, each of them has asteriks that refer you to notes at the bottom of each item. The notes say:

"to be connected to PEG-NZ90 with the USB Cradle only"

I have both the a/c and hotsync cables, and they fit just fine under the little door.

My guess is Sony is trying to sell all of those UGLY USB cradles for the NZ!!!

 

 :rolleyes:

[davy19]

interesting on sonystyle it does not have those asterisks...no biggie


but my question still remains how did you get the connector to fit in the housing of the NZ90?


I guess I am afraid to force it for fear of breaking something?


Which way should it face? Should the words Clie on the little adapter face towards the unit or away?

Thanks

[davy19]

ok i just called sony and they told me the connector from the USB Hotsync cable will not fit the NZ90, and you can potentially damage the unit if you force it...


oh well guess I will have to stick with the cradle no biggie.


they said you are suppose to use the cradle with all new units from now on...sounds like another way of them making money

[theatredude69]

I must say that I am happy with the Belkin 3-in-1 Car Charger. It is a little tight, but I just lay the Clie (Closed) on the front seat with the Clie logo down, and it works just well for me. Plus it saves me from having to spring for a Sony Brand one (a little more than the $30 I paid for the Belkin). Plus, the kid at Circuit City told me to just "take a Dremmel to it, maybe thin it down a bit." !!! Damn kids! Crazy, every single one of 'em!

[kkerruish]

Actually - spend the money to get the ac travel charger...and a Belkin USB Bluetooth dongle (about 50$)

You can use the adapter anywhere you like...and sync from anywhere within 100ft.

If you *have* to do a cable sync, any standard USB to mini-USB cable will work (comes with most digital cameras, you can buy them at Frys too)

Ken

[JohnJ80]

I bought the ac travel adaptor. Its the same one that comes with the NZ90 except there is this little dongle that attaches to the end. In that dongle is the connection to the usb mini and the power connector.

I have successfully gotten it to both charge and hot sync the NZ90.

I think what Sony is worried about is that the connector goes in there at an angle. If you were to set the NZ90 on its back (so that the door is down) and press on the NZ90, I think you would break the connector in the pda.

However, I travel internationally quite often. I place a premium on what I have to carry. The cradle is a small thing, but its one thing I can leave home. All the little things add up.

I don't think there is anything to worry about provided you are careful and mindful of the not leveraging the inserted dongle.

j

[rlc7254]

Originally posted by davy19
interesting on sonystyle it does not have those asterisks...no biggie


but my question still remains how did you get the connector to fit in the housing of the NZ90?


I guess I am afraid to force it for fear of breaking something?


Which way should it face? Should the words Clie on the little adapter face towards the unit or away?

Thanks

 

If you look at it from the bottom, you would place it in the same direction as you would on the NX, with the CLIE name facing up to the body. It worked for me.

 

 

[dimensiondvdrob]

I dont understand why Sony would list the AC adapter in the NZ compatible accessories, but when you click on 'View This Model', you get a list of compatible devices and the NZ90 is NOT one of them. I really dont think taking the cradle and the wall cable is that big of a deal when you're faced with having to be so careful about not 'leveraging' the inserted dongle and could end up breaking the connector inside the clie. personally i'm with all of you not liking the cradle too much, but i think it's more difficult to use the ac adapter than the cradle.
I think if sony took the top part of the cradle and attached it directly to a wire, then we'd have a good charging adapter.

[rlc7254]

Originally posted by dimensiondvdrob
I I really dont think taking the cradle and the wall cable is that big of a deal when you're faced with having to be so careful about not 'leveraging' the inserted dongle and could end up breaking the connector inside the clie.

 

I didn't see a problem with inserting the dongle into the connector. The biggest problem was the door cover kept getting in the way. The connection was just as solid as with an NX70 or T665 that I have used it with.

 

 

[JohnJ80]

Its not all that fragile. What you shouldn't do is put in the dongle and then press down on the pda. Let it sit, dongle up, while it recharges or hot syncs.

The problem is that the cradle is not all that great. You have to be careful about getting the NZ90 properly seated on the connector. IMHO, If you don't get it seated properly and on the little pegs at the bottom, you are just as much in danger of damaging the connector as if you use the dongle.

So, using the cradle is probably a bit of false security. You need to make sure that you seat it properly or you could damage the connector again.

[dimensiondvdrob]

i see your point. so basically, i can buy the AC adapter and connect that little plastic dongle-creation device and plug directly into the back of the NZ?

[JohnJ80]

That's what I did. I was able to get it to both hot sync and charge.

As with all fine pitch connectors, you need to carefully align the parts and connect them gently - its obvious. Nothing more than finger tip pressure is required.

j

[lisabeth]

While I was at the Boxwave website, I saw a minisync charger/sync cable. Anyone try it? It looks to be a little more user friendly than the nz cradle. I'm more than tempted, but interested in anyone who might have tried it or heard of it.

[JohnJ80]

I haven't tried it, but I have the extra sony adaptor that comes with the little dongle. that works fine to charge and sync so i suspect this will be equally good - but better since it is less to carry and does the charging too.

I'm really tempted to pick one up. I just wind up carrying way to much stuff around and this could be just the ticket to reduce that.

The Sony adaptor is a 2 amp adaptor. Anyone have any idea of how much power you can get from a USB port and how long therefore it would take to charge the NZ90?

[lisabeth]

I don't understand. If the original cradle connects to the usb port, and the boxwave minisync thingy connects to the usb port, wouldn't the charging time be the same?

[BoxWave]

:),

Hey all,

Yup, I would have to say that we are the way to go on cradle-less charging/syncing.

We've been reviewed extensively with extremely high praise (Gadgeteer, PPCW.net, PDAGreen, here!...I think :p).

Charging time is just about the same though, it will charge as fast as any "full size" USB cable, just 10x smaller.

Best all!

Wing Lum
BoxWave

[rxmedicine]

i actually recently purchased one...and will provide a review for you guys when i get it....

[lisabeth]

I'm very pleased. I think that short of a revised cradle, this cable may be the way to go. It's not like my nz has any special abilities while in the cradle, anyway, except that it's angled toward me. Anyway, looking forward to a review. :)

[n2ifp]

Originally posted by lisabeth
I don't understand. If the original cradle connects to the usb port, and the boxwave minisync thingy connects to the usb port, wouldn't the charging time be the same?

That's because a powered USB port can only 500ma(milliamps) (1/2 amp). When using in the cradle with the supplied AC power unit, which can supply about 2.0 amps. So there is 4 times the current(power) available in the cradle.

[mace2k]

Thanks all for the input on this. I just purchased the "miniSync" from Boxwave and can't wait to get it! Anything that allows me to save space when traveling is appreciate by me and my back...

Hope it works as well as stated!

[Bryan Smith]

Thnaks guys; I just brought the cable as well for my NZ. Great product.

[JohnJ80]

last nite I wrote to Boxwave to ask them about the charging time with the cable vs the sony power supply.

Their response was that while they had not done any analysis like measuring charging currents, that in their experience it takes about 30% longer. This would imply that while the power adaptor is 2000mA that the charging circuitry does not use that level for the entire charging period. I do know that Li-Ion requires a very precise and smart charging profile.

That would explain why that because the USB port can supply 1/4 the power of the wall adaptor, it still only takes 30% more time.

Be interesting to see if that is true. I don't really care about the charging time since I would just plug it into my laptop while I charge it at nite and then disconnect in the morning.

What's also cool about this is you could put it in your briefcase to charge from your laptop battery if you had to and carry it around while its charging.

j

[rodger_copp]

Check out what I'm doing. It's almost free. :)

http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5982

http://www.aero.und.edu/~copp/clie/

[JohnJ80]

What do you mean its free? I didn't get one of those dongles with my NZ90. I did get one when I purchased a second power adaptor for $30.

However, I don't have any problem at all inserting my connector. Its a snug good fit. However, you are right that rubber feet in that space between the connector body and the nz90 are a good idea.

i have been doing this now for a while - syncing and powering the device this way. Recently, I started syncing with BT and no longer care about syncing this way, but i am looking for a smaller solution to carry with me for charging the device. the adaptor is pretty large and heavy for international travel.

j

[rodger_copp]

I'm sorry, I take back the fact that it's free. Those dongles come with the AC and DC adapters as well as the Hot Sync cable accessory. Since I needed those anyway, I considered the new sync/charging option as free.

The snug fit indicates that stress is being placed on something and stress on an electrical connector is not ususally a good thing. I remove just enough the plastic to relieve this stress. The rubber feet between the connector and the body of the z prevent stress in one of the three possible directions.

[JohnJ80]

Hey Rodger,

Nice work on the photos etc... My last post sounded a little harsh (didn' t mean too) - i just found myself kicking myself if i missed the dongle in the box!

I will probably buy the Boxwave cable anyhow just so that I wont have to carry the adaptor when I travel.

I didn't think it was all that snug, sort of about as snug as the fit with the Cradle. Maybe there is variation in connector bodies.

j

[rodger_copp]

No offense taken, but thanks for being sensitive about that. I'll have to take a look at the other options that would be smaller. I tour on my motorcycle and smaller is better, except that I now have a Bushtec trailer and can carry a whole bunch more stuff.

Thanks for the compliments on the pics.

later

.doc

[lisabeth]

Well, I'm convinced enough to buy the cable. Thanks, guys! Also, I just wanted to say that I already purchased a screen protector from Boxwave, and I am impressed with their professionalism and rapid response time. That says alot to me about a company and their products.

[eric2002]

I found this cable ...i am considering buying this.. it Hotsyncs and charges in one retractable cable... and only$17. They have a non-retractable one for $15..
http://shop.brando.com.hk/bwretractablesynccharger.php

curious if anyone has used this???

[lisabeth]

It looks like the same one that Boxwave sells. Don't know for sure, though.

[n2ifp]

Originally posted by JohnJ80
last nite I wrote to Boxwave to ask them about the charging time with the cable vs the sony power supply.

Their response was that while they had not done any analysis like measuring charging currents, that in their experience it takes about 30% longer. This would imply that while the power adaptor is 2000mA that the charging circuitry does not use that level for the entire charging period. I do know that Li-Ion requires a very precise and smart charging profile.

That would explain why that because the USB port can supply 1/4 the power of the wall adaptor, it still only takes 30% more time.

Be interesting to see if that is true. I don't really care about the charging time since I would just plug it into my laptop while I charge it at nite and then disconnect in the morning.

j

One consideration, is whether the NZ90 is on or off while being charged. Obviously, when the Clie is on, it will consume more power and the charge rate will slow down, hence the reason for the 2.0 amp power supply. Max current for a powered USB port is 1/2 amp.

[JohnJ80]

Well, I bought the boxware cable and just got it tonite. Seems to work very well.

I was able to hotsync no problem (expected). But more importantly I was able to charge the battery with it no problem as well.

When I first connected it, the charging light kept rapidly flashing from green to orange. I think that the USB port cannot supply enough current to really run the NZ90 AND charge the battery. When I left the NZ90 off and let it run, the charge came up nicely. I think Boxwave's estimate of 30% more is probably pretty accurate.

Construction is nice. Looks pretty rugged. It fit well with the NZ90 and was easy to connect. The size when it is retracted is pretty small - less than 4" or so.

When the battery hit about 75% then I could have the charger running plus run the NZ90 no problem and keep the orange light on.

I think this is just the ticket for us road warriors! I think I can recommend this product. I will post more if I find anything else about it.

j.

[JohnJ80]

Yep, that is what I am doing too. The problem is that when I travel - especially internationally, that whole power supply is a little bulky and heavy. This little cable makes all that go away for travel.

Otherwise, I use the dongle thingie at home to charge faster. However, I can take the power supply out of my briefcase now.

j

[lisabeth]

I'm really glad the boxwave cable is working out. The cradle on its own offers nothing, so if the boxwave cable, with its protability, works, then I'm jumping on that bandwagon! Thanks to all the guinea pigs out there!!!

[JohnJ80]

I did notice that with the boxwave cable, it won't charge quit as high - the orange lite goes out with less charge in the battery (by time). The gauge says 100% but when i plug in the sony adaptor the orange lite goes on again (never said less than 100%) and it charges a bit longer.

I don't think its significant though.
j

[mace2k]

I travel quite a bit as well, and purchased the Boxwave cable to keep in my laptop case. It's small and charges quite nicely.

I also carry a "regular" Sony AC Adapter for the NZ in my suitecase. That way I can charge overnight while at a hotel without having my laptop on all night.

Thanks for the info on the Boxwave...works great!

[JohnJ80]

Some further information on charging.

I don't think you need to leave the laptop on, you just need to leave it plugged in. My Apple Powerbook G3 (older one) charges it just fine in sleep mode.

I also noticed that when the orange lite went out the charge meter said 5 hr 12 min - same as for the sony adaptor. i left the boxwave plugged in all nite and in the morning the charge meter said 6 hr 38 minutes even though there was no orange lite on - must be the trickle charge.

i think this is road warrior capable and means i will be leaving my adaptor at home.

j

[rxmedicine]

i notice you said something about a charge meter and and 5 or 6 hours....is that some kind of meter that measures how much time you have left with your battery...if not...is there any kind of software that will tell you how much time you have left of operation with your battery...thanks

[JohnJ80]

on your nz90, in the bottom line under the grafitti area there is a little vertical battery. touch that and a box apprears that has all sort of info on the battery. That is where you get all that info.

j

[rxmedicine]

i don't have an NZ...but i have an nx70...and i know you can get voltage...percent...and graph...but what about the amount of time left?....

[JohnJ80]

that maybe a feature of the NX90 with its 'smart' li-ion battery. this is my first clie' so maybe someone iwth an nx70 could offer some help?

[lisabeth]

Only the nz has the smart battery that tells you that information, but there are apps that you can download for your nx. I had one, but I can't find it. :eek:
However, palmgear does have a large selection if you're patient with your search. One I found, but did not download, is PDA Check 1.4. Good luck!!

[rxmedicine]

hey lisabeth,

off topic...but noticed you're from louisiana....where at?...i'm from baton rouge...but go to school in monroe

[lisabeth]

nawlins, dawlin

[rxmedicine]

cool....i think the solution to the power crunch problem...with using the MiniSync...would be to get the USB to AC adapter...that Cliesource sells on the homepage...then you could use the MiniSync when you travel for normal charging and synchronizations and then if you need a "higher" charge rate and still maintain the portability..then you can connect the usb portion to the USB to AC adaptor.....situation solve...the adapter really isn't that big...and you would have to carry the big cradle with the long cord.....

here is the link

http://www.glblsrc.com/shop/customer/product.php?productid=55

[Bryan Smith]

Got the cable today and it is great-just fits right in and away you go!! Thanks Box-this is what I have been looking for as I am on the road so often and am happy with this

[Schwab]

I have a new PEG-NZ90

My office computer has a USB port but it is disabled because we run WINDOWS NT 4.0

Is there a SERIAL CRADLE solution for the NZ-90?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3012445854&category=27968

If not, what is the best SERIAL HOTSYNC CABLE solution?

USB+Serial Cable(charges and Hotsync) or Serial alone(Hotsync only)?

Thanks.

[rxmedicine]

what you can do is get a USB to Serial adapter...you can find it an most big electronic stores or radio shack...it is a small little adapter you plug in your serial port which has a USB receiver on the other end...check it out...and let us know...

[nznznz]

http://www.onlinestore.com.hk/shop/category.php?c=8+9+13+

[nznznz]

http://www.onlinestore.com.hk/shop/category.php?c=8+9+13+