simple question RE: iTrip

[jmmotto]

I just go an iPod classic for Christmas, which is an upgrade from my 4th generation iPod.

Of course, now I need to get a new iTrip because my old one is a top-attaching one. So my question is, if I get a bottom-attaching iTrip, is there a port on the side that allows for charging? If so, does anyone recommend a charging cord?

I wish I could just buy some sort of adapter so my top-attaching stuff would work with the iPod classic.

Anyway, any help here?

[jhollington]

Yes, the new iTrip provides a mini-USB port in the bottom to connect a standard USB charging accessory to. Unfortunately, this may not be compatible with standard Dock Connector based chargers, but fortunately USB chargers are fairly easy to fine.

There is also an adapter made by Targus that will allow you to connect the older 9-pin remote port accessories in to the newer iPods. See our review here (http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipod/review/targus-9-pin-to-30-pin-accessory-adapter-for-ipod-family-ipod/).

[hector48]

not to hijack the thread but any hope of a review of the new itrip?

[jmmotto]

Yes, the new iTrip provides a mini-USB port in the bottom to connect a standard USB charging accessory to. Unfortunately, this may not be compatible with standard Dock Connector based chargers, but fortunately USB chargers are fairly easy to fine.

There is also an adapter made by Targus that will allow you to connect the older 9-pin remote port accessories in to the newer iPods. See our review here (http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/ipod/review/targus-9-pin-to-30-pin-accessory-adapter-for-ipod-family-ipod/).

is the new iTrip's USB port compatible with a specific off-the-shelf USB charging accessory? It looks sort of like the USB port that works with my cell phone.

[jhollington]

Most standard USB charging accessories should work just fine. I've been able to successfully use both a Blackberry charger and a Motorola RAZR V3i charger with it, for example without any issues.

The iPod charges off standard USB voltage -- it just normally uses a specialized Dock Connector port. The iTrip converts this to a standard mini-USB port.

Note that there are other devices like the RAZR that won't use any charger but their own, but I'm convinced that's a deliberate design restriction on the phone itself requiring a "recognized" charger before it engages the charging circuit.