Judging from recurring complaints over the weekend, perhaps the least intuitive part of the iPad is the way it recharges its battery.
The iPad charges just fine with its included 10 watt power outlet and cable. But numerous iPad customers have complained that their computer’s USB port was failing to charge the iPad, as the battery status read “Not charging.” Apple’s support site states that only “high-power USB 2.0 ports,” such as those included with recent Macs, can charge the iPad.
It turns out that’s not completely true.
Apple’s support site creates a bit of confusion. It reads, “Some USB 2.0 ports and accessories do not provide enough power to charge iPad. When this occurs the message ‘Not Charging’ appears in the status bar next to the battery icon.” That leads you to believe older USB ports can’t charge the iPad at all.
However, farther down the support document, Apple says that lower-power USB ports can charge the iPad — but only when the device is asleep.
“When attached to a computer via a standard USB port (most PCs or older Mac computers) iPad will charge, but only when it’s in sleep mode,” Apple says in the iPad support document.
In other words, some USB ports on older machines can charge your iPad while it’s asleep, but the issue is your iPad can’t tell you, because it can’t charge when the screen is on.
Apple’s support bulletin also clarifies a few tidbits about charging behavior. If you use your iPhone adapter to charge the iPad, it will charge, but more slowly than it would with the iPad’s charger, a fact confirmed by Gadget Lab tests.
And of course, charging with any computer’s USB port (whether it’s high-power or low-power) will be slower than charging with the iPad’s own charger, according to Apple. Also, when charging through a computer USB port, the computer must be powered on — not asleep or shut down.
The USB Implementers Forum ran a full array of tests on the iPad to confirm the tablet’s USB-charging behavior. The organization said that despite some consumer confusion, the iPad behaves very well. The iPad conforms to newer USB charging specifications (Battery Charging v1.1) to ensure that it draws power intelligently based on the amount of power available from any source, the organization explained.
Older, USB 2.0 ports deliver 0.5 amp, which is only enough to charge the iPad when it’s off. Newer machines that feature USB ports conforming to Battery Charging v1.1 standards, and the iPad’s own power outlet, have enough power that the iPad can draw the full 1.5 amps it needs to recharge the battery while it’s running, according to the USB Implementers Forum.
“The good news for consumers is that because it’s conforming to these specifications you’re not going to be at Starbucks and have it suddenly draw a ton of power,” a USB Implementers Forum spokesman said. “It knows how much power is available to it, and based on the power that’s available to it it chooses to behave in a couple of different ways
May 20, 2010 at 7:42 PM
Don't you think this Ipad is too big to bring around ? I agree with the function and features but it's hard to bring while you are jogging
May 20, 2010 at 9:02 PM
its very simple than you bring a notebook
May 20, 2010 at 10:41 PM
good stuff but i preffer netbook . its too heavy handled with one hand
May 21, 2010 at 1:02 AM
hiee . i m very keen to buy it know after reading ur this blog article :_) .. thanks for the info ..
May 21, 2010 at 1:24 AM
I must admit I was skeptical about this product until I got my hands on it. I played with it for a good 20 minutes at the Apple Store yesterday and still won't buy it just yet (more on that in a moment), but this device is amazing. :)
May 21, 2010 at 1:52 AM
I must admit I was skeptical about this product until I got my hands on it. I played with it for a good 20 minutes at the Apple Store yesterday and still won't buy it just yet (more on that in a moment), but this device is amazing. :)
May 22, 2010 at 2:49 AM
I am always a fan of apple products. This iPad knows how much power is available to it. that's really enjoyable.
May 24, 2010 at 10:03 AM
I agree with Had The features are great,I am a fan of Apple but the size I think is too big for it.I hope that the next models will be a litle bit smaller.
May 25, 2010 at 9:50 PM
I want this one! But of course I need lots of money first! This gadget is very convenient especially for working people. Apple did a really good job!
May 27, 2010 at 1:53 AM
I am always a fan of apple products. I want this one! But of coures I need lots of money first! I hope that the next moels will be a litle bit smaller.
May 27, 2010 at 1:56 AM
Don't you think this Ipad is too big to bring around ? I agree with the function and features but it's hard to bring while you are jogging
May 27, 2010 at 1:57 AM
I agree with Had The features are great,I am a fan of Apple but the size I think is too big for it.I hope that the next models will be a litle bit smaller.
May 27, 2010 at 1:57 AM
I agree with Had The features are great,I am a fan of Apple but the size I think is too big for it.I hope that the next models will be a litle bit smaller.
May 27, 2010 at 7:27 AM
Althoug there r still glitch on the product and need to address but I am sure Apple’s iPad still be a phenomenal success
May 28, 2010 at 8:14 AM
Apple has always been creating great gadgets, however its mostly very costly and not User Friendly. The features are great, no questions, even with small glitches like this it still makes the Ipad more interesting for people to try it out and see if what everybody's saying is true.. :)
I guess when Apple was made it has all the luck at there side..
May 30, 2010 at 3:53 AM
New generation of Notebook. Apple always create best gadget for their customer. I think there's no problem with the battery.
May 31, 2010 at 10:00 AM
i want to buy!
May 31, 2010 at 11:04 PM
it is amazing
June 2, 2010 at 11:55 PM
i love what its look like. i want this!
June 3, 2010 at 12:34 PM
My lecture has explain about the function of i-Pad. It can be fun reading e-book using i-Pad
June 4, 2010 at 12:17 PM
Apple would not be what it is that this product is high quality and so attractive, just want to have ...
June 5, 2010 at 10:19 AM
I read that there are many complaints about how recharges.
For me ,size is a disadvantage.
June 6, 2010 at 10:03 AM
I agree with Had The features are great,I am a fan of Apple but the size I think is too big for it
June 6, 2010 at 10:10 AM
Yes, earlier USB ports can recharge the tablet exclusivelly in the "sleep" mode. Although this might prove frustrating, I still don't understand the big fuss and complaints on recharging. Great article!
June 6, 2010 at 7:17 PM
a device that is sophisticated but cumbersome than the electric charge of his resources, better notebook for reliably brought away from the office
June 7, 2010 at 2:39 AM
ever since i got my first powerbook, i've been hooked on all things apple. this being the latest of their amazing products, can't wait to get one. sure, there may be flaws and bugs but you can be sure apple support on their products are always working hard to provide the best support and service to their consumers. that's another reason why i'm hooked on all things apple..
June 7, 2010 at 3:02 AM
New model for Apple. Seems difficult to bring anywhere, cause it can't save to the poket, but I like it. With new design-technology, powerful feature
June 7, 2010 at 11:01 AM
the feature of ipad is quite great but the weakness of it is it big apple size...sometimes it give hard time for people that use it to bring anywhere
June 8, 2010 at 2:34 AM
i think this ipad is not handy and not useful when your jogging or shopping..
June 21, 2010 at 12:58 AM
the features of this product is marvelous. But it is too heavy to bring around as well as for handling with one hand.
June 25, 2010 at 12:53 PM
hi,i love the Ipad but the size in my opinion it's too big for it,the article it's very useful for as,thanks.
June 25, 2010 at 1:10 PM
Apple ipad is one thing that i aim for. I wish the size could be a bit smaller than this so that I can just put it easily in my small handbag.
June 25, 2010 at 1:21 PM
Nowadays, Apple iPad is really popular around the world and everyone wants to go for it. I too like it and I aim to purchase one, soon. The size is no problem for me.
June 25, 2010 at 1:29 PM
promising product , already sold 1 million products but i still prefer the laptops as flash videos on the sites does not work ,
June 25, 2010 at 4:25 PM
I like Apple products. iPad too. I hope I can buy it some day
June 25, 2010 at 10:04 PM
This article took my interest to iPad.
i'm thinking to buy a new one.
July 5, 2010 at 11:55 AM
cu numai trei baterii AAA acest gadget functioneaza ! Este o minune a tehnicii si a inventivitatii ! Felicitari constructorului !
July 9, 2010 at 1:09 PM
I like this Apple’s iPad. It can help me to make my portable library in my bag.
July 11, 2010 at 12:37 PM
good gadget but, this gadget too large so not comfort for bring anyway, but fitur in this phone very nice, i like it.
July 17, 2010 at 1:58 AM
i pod is my favourite.i works like laptop.as a general user i favour it.
July 22, 2010 at 7:29 AM
I heard a many complaints about this product. thay 2.0 ports and accessories do not provide enough power to charge iPad. When this occurs the message ‘Not Charging’ appears in the status bar next to the battery icon.” That leads you to believe older USB ports can’t charge the iPad at all.
July 29, 2010 at 8:01 AM
I am a newbie, and do not know much tentan technology, by finding the article, increasing my knowledge about technology. thanks. keep helping others for the sake of human intelligence.
July 29, 2010 at 12:11 PM
i love apple ipad
July 29, 2010 at 6:43 PM
The iPad charges just fine with its included 10 watt power outlet and cable. But numerous iPad customers have complained that their computer’s USB port was failing to charge the iPad, as the battery status read “Not charging.” Apple’s support site states that only “high-power USB 2.0 ports,” such as those included with recent Macs, can charge the iPad. So, you must see these disadvantages ,of I-pad .
July 29, 2010 at 7:21 PM
nice ipad .. but in some city this type of products are not avalible
July 29, 2010 at 8:32 PM
Although apple's ipod has some glitch but still apple has no competitors it is some thing very special.
July 30, 2010 at 12:16 AM
i like a apple ipod.it is my favourite.it's not avaliable in my city.
July 30, 2010 at 5:18 AM
apple disappointing once again
July 30, 2010 at 6:27 AM
spending dis much bucks n den getting a charging problem is disappointing.......
gotta a big problem, shuld be taken care.....
:( :( :(
July 30, 2010 at 7:32 AM
recently i am buy apple ipod its very usefull for allpurpose i am like very much and use very easy and light weight
August 2, 2010 at 11:11 AM
Yeah, I own an iPad too, I expected way more about this, it's just an iPod touch, nothing to see it's a pile of nothing.
August 4, 2010 at 3:02 AM
this iPad seems big to carry around but it was elegant and i like the design. the battery issue needs to just use the included charger for this and that was it.
August 4, 2010 at 10:22 PM
woooow i really want to get it. its look too awsome
August 10, 2010 at 11:20 PM
Its features really makes you go WoW !