Charging a DS using USB from a laptop

[DavidKaye]

Can this be done safely/effectively with a regular USB to MicroUSB cable?

[rei]

It's not that regular mini. Get a $5 cable from dealextreme.com

[EvilIdler]

As rei said, the DS cable isn't a standard cable. It's safe, though only half as effective as wall power.

I use a USB cable myself, and start charging when I come home. It's done by morning if my DS was out of power.

[Robert Sharp]

If you are at home (or anywhere), why wouldn't you just plug it into a wall? I don't understand the advantage of using USB to charge it.

[nixon66]

I got a USB charger for work, and then my normal AC adapter is at home. It's just convenience. I don't have to lug around another power adapter and the chance that I'll forget it somewhere.

[bigdruid]

Having just shelled out 25CHF for a European DS charger, I can appreciate the value of a USB charger (the US DS charger won't work on 220V power, even with my trusty travel adaptor).

[DavidKaye]

If you are at home (or anywhere), why wouldn't you just plug it into a wall? I don't understand the advantage of using USB to charge it.

I'm travelling to the UK where the voltages are different, not just looking for an exotic new way to charge my DS.

[Andrew Mayer]

I bought one a while back. Nice to have.

[DavidKaye]

Yeah. Shame I'm leaving in 3 hours!

[rei]

all in one charging/starter kits at electronic stores for the ds may include a usb charger cable.

[EvilIdler]

If you are at home (or anywhere), why wouldn't you just plug it into a wall? I don't understand the advantage of using USB to charge it.

If you have to know..I returned a product which had a charger that looked a lot like the DS charger.

I now have a useless charger and no DS charger.

[rei]

it's not useless, they're for digital cameras and media card readers. or psp.

$2.96 for next time:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4353