Reddit reviews AmazonBasics Wall Charger with USB Outlet (2.1 Amp Output)

I really like the Amazon Basics 2.1 A charger. It is 10USD and free shipping if you know someone with Amazon Prime. There are other options but this charger is the only one I can get to wake my Nexus 7 after it fully drains and doesn't have enough power to post into the charging mode.

Another alternative, for $3 more, is: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CG2ATQ
It works with my G3, and is 2.1A instead of the 1.8A for the one below. I don't know if the G3 pulls anything like that, and so maybe they charge at the same speed. Both have folding prongs. The Blackberry one has a built-in 6' cord,which is great unless it fails. The Amazon one requires you to plug in your own cord, but then you can replace the cord, or use a different size when that's convenient. Instead of an ugly RIM logo, the Amazon one has an ugly Amazon logo. Oh, yeah, it has a pilot light, too (!).

I don't see why it wouldn't work.

If you wanted cheaper, You could get an Amazon basic one.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005CG2ATQ/

If you buy something in the 2.1A range, it will charge really quick, definately under two hours. Something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Wall-Charger-Outlet-Output/dp/B005CG2ATQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376668469&sr=8-1&keywords=2.1+amp+usb+charger

I have a 2.1A charger in my car and I can watch the minutes tick by and I get about 1% battery per minute. It's awesome.

AmazonBasics Wall Charger with USB Outlet (2.1 Amp Output) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005CG2ATQ/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_CIH9tb0EBMWAV

The difference between the two wall adapters featured is, according to the OP, that the Apple one has a more reliable output and wastes less electricity.

That said, I do take issue with the title, which claims "MOST" when the (current) album only shows one comparison. It also risks confusion, as many readers may take it to mean that only Apple-branded chargers are reliable, when there are other third-party brands (e.g. Amazon Basics, Monoprice) that are well-made and more reasonably priced.

See, for example, the link that /u/saurik posted above:
[Ken Shirriff's blog] A dozen USB chargers in the lab: Apple is very good, but not quite the best
(which also mentions the potential hazards of some counterfeit chargers)

However, OP apparently plans to buy and test more chargers, so that's good.

http://smile.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Wall-Charger-Outlet-Output/dp/B005CG2ATQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1407210025&sr=1-3&keywords=2amp+charger

This or any well reviewed 2amp charger. Also make sure you have a decent cable, some will limit the charge speed.

I got this supply from Amazon, and it fixed the issue (along with the config suggested by /u/octobod).

I had one of these at first, and it did everything involving 2 USB ports with no issue.

I decided I wanted more USB ports, so I got one of these. I've been able to Power the Pi itself from one of the USB ports, plug in mouse, keyboard, USB game controller, thumb drive, and charge my phone with no slowdowns.

Edit: Reviews say that the USB hub cannot provide more than 500mA to each USB port, but my Pi seems to be working just fine (running SNES emulators at full speed) - and it has a suggested requirement of ~700mA

A few things:

• Any type of USB to micro-USB cable will work fine. For example: Amazon, Adafruit.
  
• The adapter (the part that plugs into the wall) does need to be 5V - however pretty much all USB adapters will output 5V because that is the standard for USB (other things that have a barrel plug on the end, like laptop chargers, might be 12V, but you shouldn't need to worry about that).
  
• USB chargers are rated at different currents. The original claim was that you could just use any old micro-USB cell phone charger, but some of those didn't supply enough current for additional USB devices plugged into the Pi (mouse, keyboard, wifi dongle etc). If you have a model B+ (which can handle more current than the Model B thanks to a redesigned power circuit) I'd recommend a supply rated for 2 amps, like this.
  
  
• This wifi dongle is very popular. I have it and it works fine.
  
  
• Adafruit has several cases. I have the black one which is currently out of stock there but also available at SparkFun. I think clear cases are cooler but this one works fine.

Yes this is very true. I stopped buying cheap chargers on eBay as they were clearly fibbing about their maximum current. If you read the XDA accessories forum you'll fine even many branded chargers don't tell the truth.

If you want to be sure you either need to buy the phone's official genuine charger, or I would recommend Amazon's basic 2.1A charger which will charge anything you can throw at it, including pads.

UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/electronics/dp/B008VQOOD4

US http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Wall-Charger-Outlet-Output/dp/B005CG2ATQ/

Wow. I thought your math didn't check out so I did the work... I was gonna call you out, but you're absolutely correct. I had no idea DC in those tiny cables was so lossy. And I should know better...

Here's the work:
USB 2.0 standard is 5V +/- .25V @ 500mA max. (Source: USB@Wikipedia)

The Chromecast power adapter outputs 5.1V @ 850mA. (Source: Image)

So lets assume that the Chromecast follows USB standard. At max draw it'd need to have 4.75V @ 500mA when starting with 5.1V @ 850mA.

Internet maths means that comes to a little under 13.5 ft of 24awg usb cable to stay within USB spec. Although if the Chromecast uses LESS than 500mA, then the cable could be longer (or larger wires in the USB, etc...) (Source: Voltage Drop Calculator)

edit: my electrical knowledge is dropping off here... what happens if you start with a higher amperage source? Like 5V @ 2.1A?

This wall charger and this longer usb cable is what I saw recommended as a replacement charger with a longer cord. (Cord is currently out of stock).

I have my Pi2 running off of this:
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Wall-Charger-Outlet-Output/dp/B005CG2ATQ/

I have a bunch of microUSB cables laying around. So it was a perfect fit.

a 2 amp charger would help. I think you should try that. I was told it can fix almost any situation where a device won't charge. I had that tablet sitting in a computer's USB port for 3 days, then 4 hours in the 2 amp charger and it's charged 3/4ths and turning on again. here's one by Amazon Basics that isn't terribly expensive. it should work. but even if this doesn't fix the problem, what's the harm in having a spare charger? 2 amp really makes a difference, as my example proved.

When you get the pogo cable, it's only the cable. Pogo at one end, standard usb on the other--it's designed to use the existing factory power adapter. According to them it apparently charges 25% faster, but I've never actually tested it. Mine is always charged up in the morning, or has significantly more juice after throwing it the charger for a bit. I like it mostly for the ease of use, just get the plug close and the magnets suck the cable on correctly--easy to do in the dark.

You'll need this:
http://www.amazon.com/MagNector-N10-Nexus-Pogo-Cable/dp/B00B2166BS/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1414099145&sr=8-5

and something like this to replace your broken power adapter:
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Wall-Charger-Outlet-Output/dp/B005CG2ATQ/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1414099410&sr=8-11 Doesn't work with pogo cable according to reviews. Cannot find the factory power adapter for some reason.

I bought this one for a two-week trip and it worked great.

No one end is the port that will fit into the gamepad and the other is just USB. So it will fit into any usb port

http://www.amazon.com/Tomee-Wii-U-Charge-GamePad-Nintendo/dp/B00ARMQ7VM

so if I use that I can plug it into this

http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Wall-Charger-Outlet-Output/dp/B005CG2ATQ/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1463168624&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=2+amp+cell+phone+charger+amazon

My thinking is that many cellphones use a 1500mh battery that's the same capacity as the gamepad and since cell phones can use a 2amp charge I though the game pad could also

Could you link the monoprice page for the cable you bought?

Edit: Like this one?

http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Wall-Charger-Outlet-Output/dp/B005CG2ATQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370308680&sr=8-1&keywords=2+amp+usb

This will work well for you needs..

The stock Kindle charger isn't much more expensive, and is built better than most aftermarket stuff.

A powered USB hub will not only power your PI, but you can multi-purpose it to power the PI, it's accessories, and connect them to the PI. This is how mine it set up.

Yep exactly, though you should get this http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Wall-Charger-Outlet-Output/dp/B005CG2ATQ/ref=pd_bxgy_e_img_y with it unless you already have something to plug it into. If you've been charging your mvp with a computer, you're in for a shock (ha ha) at how much faster it charges...