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Charges your any dockable iPod in the car using a DC / 12 volt outlet.

User Reviews about Belkin Car Charger for Original iPhone - iPhone 3G - 3G S

This Belkin model F8Z184 definitely charges my 3rd gen iPod Touch. I was concerned because the package said it only supported up to 2nd gen iPod Touch. Apple did something that defeats many earlier aftermarket chargers.

I had purchased a Belkin AC wall adapter and car adapter a couple years ago for a Samsung mp3 player. The car adapter plugs into the cigarette lighter and has a USB socket on it. But when I plug in my Apple-supplied USB/dock cable, the 3G iPod Touch doesn't see it. You'd think 5VDC is 5VDC, but it's not. For some reason, the USB outlet on my computer works fine, the USB on the car adapter, no.

My friend's experience with so-called compatible chargers is even weirder: his aftermarket chargers work in some outlets in his house, but not others.

Now to specific on this Belkin design:
- by having the cord come out the side of the lighter plug, the profile is greatly reduced. I can actually route the cable down and close my ashtray with the charger neatly inside. (I have a vehicle that's old enough to have a real ashtray with a lighter -- yes, an old fashioned lighter -- still rolling around in it.) This feature may not fit all outlets, but I'd think it would be especially good for center-console applications where you don't want the cable extending into the console.
- the cable is a bit stiff, but functional, and is 49" long.
- the cable is black, so it's not too noticeable
- the black docking plug is much larger than the stock white Apple plug and almost impinges on the audio mini-plug. But they work.
- it has a little Euro-fuse that plugs into the side instead of a tubular fuse that unscrews out the front
- it has an LED to indicate it's receiving power.
- if you buy one of those inexpensive AC-to-cigarette adapters, you can plug this into that and not need to buy a dedicated AC wall adapter.
- price is a bit steep considering these things ought to be supplied with the iPod as a standard accessory, but the 3rd Gen iPod with Bluetooth, WiFi, built-in speaker and the large bright screen can really suck the power and I needed this.

Well, "need" is too much. Let's call it a blessing that I live in a country where my biggest problem is finding an iPod car charger that works....

UPDATE: For this adapter to work when plugging into a wall, you need an adapter that supplies 1 amp (1000mw). Most adapters supply only 500mw, maybe 800mw. 500mw is insufficient to charge or operate. 800mw will charge but not allow you to operate the iPod Touch 3G. It needs more power.

Power Line 0900-56 12-Volt DC-AC/1000 mA Power Socket with Enhanced Digital Power works great, though it is physically larger than most wall adapters.

-- Works with 3rd Generation iPod Touch

Before my iphone would ie before the day ended, now i can get home without the phone dying. No complaints for the price. -- saves my day

Very useful and good product for iphone/ipod users. Now i can charge my device en-route to my office. Thanks -- Good product for iphone/ipod users

This charger is solid. It doesn't feel cheap like some of the other ones out there. Works great. -- Nice charger

The car adapter part that plugs into the car lighter was a nice snug fit. I've bought some other car adapters in the past for other devices that would be loose and not give a good connection. When it is in place a white LED lights up to let you know that all is well.

The product packaging does not explicitly list iPhone models (e.g. iPhone, iPhone 3G, etc.), which caused me a little concern at first that I'd received the wrong product, but it did work with my iPhone 3G.

Overall, I'm very happy.
-- Excellent product