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bowlerman625

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Jun 17, 2009
2,135
11
Chicago, IL area
5. Can't charge iPad over a USB port
First I tried it on my USB hub, then on the powered USB port on my MacBook Pro, but nope...no juice—not even when the iPad's syncing with iTunes. Looks like the only way to charge the iPad, apparently, is using the included AC wall adapter. Good thing the iPad's battery is rated for 10-plus hours.


Is this true? I just read it over on Yahoo!
 

Ganesha

macrumors regular
Aug 4, 2009
111
1
Depends on your computer. My early 2009 iMac can charge it fine (in the sense there is no 'not charging' message and the charge meter increased)
 

Smackfu

macrumors newbie
Apr 3, 2010
23
0
Doesn't charge with a 2009 or so Mac mini. Disappointing, but I guess it just means I won't be syncing that often.
 

Stetrain

macrumors 68040
Feb 6, 2009
3,550
20
Try leaving it for a while with the screen off. I don't think a lot of USB ports can both charge the device and power the screen.
 

bbotte

macrumors 65816
Feb 11, 2008
1,203
27
USA
I think you just need a over voltage USB port. My iPad charges when connected to my MacBook Air because it has more voltage for the external SuperDrive. Also charges when plugged in to the back of the LED Cinema Display which also can power the external SuperDrive. However if I plug it into my Hub it will not charge.
 

Csmitte

macrumors 6502
Oct 11, 2007
306
0
Charging via power point is 2x faster, regardless if it works via USB. I'd stick to the power point.

Mine seems to work fine? although I just read something about ipads not charging on certain models, usb duplicators.

MTF

Cheers
 

Consultant

macrumors G5
Jun 27, 2007
13,314
34
DEPENDS ON COMPUTER

Reports are that it works only with recent Macs at this time.

If it doesn't work with your computer, use the included USB charger.
 

Stetrain

macrumors 68040
Feb 6, 2009
3,550
20
http://www.macworld.com/article/150356/2010/04/ipadcharging.html

When connected to lower-power USB ports—those on older Macs, most Windows PCs, and most USB hubs (powered or unpowered)—the iPad’s battery is not charged while the iPad is awake, but is charged (again, slowly) when the iPad is asleep. What’s confusing here is that the message Not charging appears in the menu bar when the iPad is awake, which might lead you to assume that the offending USB port can never charge your iPad. But rest assured, Apple says: once you put the iPad to sleep, the battery will indeed charge. (If you could see the screen while the iPad was asleep, it might even display the charging icon. It’s the modern-day “Does the refrigerator light stay on when I close the door?” mystery.)
 

InsightsIE

macrumors 6502a
Sep 29, 2008
665
40
I read a blog that it wouldn't charge on his 2006 Mac Pro but would charge on his 2009 MacBook Pro 13" Haha. I love that if someone pays 20k for a pimped out 06 Mac Pro back then and then recently i pay 1.5K on a 13" Pro computer mine is more capable than his lol:D
 

1rottenapple

macrumors 601
Apr 21, 2004
4,701
2,717
Mine charges but it's waaaaaay slow. Like 1hr and it goes up 2 percent using my MacBook pro 13 in.
 

lostfan916

macrumors 6502a
Dec 23, 2007
870
2
NorCal
Working on my 2007 white MacBook.

Not sure if it's going slower though, but it is working. Loving this thing!:cool:
 

Lamonster

macrumors regular
Dec 4, 2008
129
0
picture.php
 

marksman

macrumors 603
Jun 4, 2007
5,764
5
Apparently false.

Some hubs, computers won't charge the device while in use, but if you put it to sleep or let it go to sleep it will very slowly charge the device.

More powerful usb sources will be able to charge it while being used, and for best performance use the included adapter and wall outlet.
 
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