USB power source for car

[gumper72]

Looking for some help...Bear with me 'cause this gets somewhat complicated.

I'm considering the purchase of SendStation PocketDock USB adaptor (http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipod/review/sendstation-pocketdock-line-out-usb) for use in my car. As you may or may not know, this adaptor plugs into the docking port of the iPod (I've got a 4G 20GB), giving you two lines - a 3.5mm audio-line out, and a D-shaped USB. I'll be using the 3.5mm audio line-out to connect to the aux-in of my car stereo. I would like to use the D-shaped USB port as a way to charge my iPod from the cigarette lighter. However, I doubt that this type of D-shaped USB can be used for charging, and I can't find information anywhere on this site or the product site that confirms one way or the other.

So, my questions are:

1. Can this type of D-shaped USB port on the SendStation PocketDock be used to charge my iPod?

2. If the answer to #1 is "yes", do you know of a charger (from the cigarette lighter) that uses a D-shaped USB to connect to the device?

3. If the answer to #1 is "no", do you know of an alternative to the SendStation PocketDock adaptor that would still allow me to convert the iPod's audio-out to a 3.5mm plug, but that uses a USB connection that WILL allow for charging?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[DC12112]

Belkin makes a USB charger, designed for use with iPods, Blackberrys and other USB charged electronics. A D shaped USB can be found for cheap at electronic stores, I think.

[mdfuller]

I have sort of the same question. Can I charge my iPod and listen with the line out on a USB PocketDock (with an Apple AC charger)?

[S2_Mac]

1) Yes, the PocketDock can charge through the USB-B port

2) Yes, there are cig-lighter chargers that terminate in a USB-B plug; don't have any links to offer, but they're out there somewhere

3) Skip the PocketDock for this usage; get a Belkin AutoKit (http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=149006)!!! The AutoKit connects to iPod dock, so you get the same, clean line-out sound. The dock-connecting cable brings sound signal up to the cig-lighter plug, where you can take it to the stereo via stereo mini-plug. This makes for a pretty neat install -- just one wire from dashboard/console to iPod, and just one wire from dash/console to stereo.

But the best part is that AutoKit has a wee amp inside it, with a volume control. This lets you match the level of the iPod to other modes on the car stereo, so that switching from, say, FM to iPod won't leave you DEAF from signal overload. In the Accessories section, you'll see lottsa support for the AutoKit; it's a great piece of gear.