Still disappointed in Phonak for mini USB

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Jane B.

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A posting about the updating of USB connectors for charging on a cell phone forum reminded me how disappointed I was when I got my ComPilot from Phonak and discovered that they had used a MINI connector for charging when everything else I have seen in the US for several years uses Micro! That forum had a link to an article on CNet at http://www.cnet.com/news/usb-type-c-one-cable-to-connect-them-all/

It includes what I have quoted here that reinforced my disappointment.

Mini-USB (or Mini-B USB): Significantly smaller, the Mini-USB Type-B ports are found in older portable devices, such as digital cameras, smartphones, and older portable drives. This design is becoming obsolete.
Micro-USB (or Micro-B USB): Slightly smaller than Mini-USB, the Micro-USB Type-B port is currently the most popular USB port design for latest smartphones and tablets.



I have developed a routine using separate cords that then take up two electric outlets to charge the ComPilot and my cell phone. When I had first discovered the Y connector that Phonak provides I had visions of being about to use one electric outlet to charge both. But that was before I realized that they used the two difference size connectors.

Thanks for reading my vent. I welcome comments.
 
Does it really matter? Is it seriously that big of a disappointment to you? I guess I don't really understand this.... different companies are going to use what they want to use for their devices; they are not all going to use the exact same styles (for whatever their reasons are for using a specific type of charging set up). Micro, mini, lightning, whatever.

I don't think I even have anything that uses a micro, so maybe that's why I don't understand your fuss. I'm in the states, and still use the standard mini for a lot of my stuff. .....?
 
cdmeggers said:
Does it really matter? Is it seriously that big of a disappointment to you? I guess I don't really understand this.... different companies are going to use what they want to use for their devices; they are not all going to use the exact same styles (for whatever their reasons are for using a specific type of charging set up). Micro, mini, lightning, whatever.

I don't think I even have anything that uses a micro, so maybe that's why I don't understand your fuss. I'm in the states, and still use the standard mini for a lot of my stuff. .....?
Click to expand...

Double check. Just looking at them it is hard to tell. The mini on the ComPilot is the ONLY thing that I use that has the mini.
 
Adapter. Easy to use and very cheap as well.

[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Cellet-charger-Micro-Charger-Adaptor/dp/B001W9WBPU[/ame]
 
Jane B. said:
I am not saying it cannot be solved — just that it is disappointing that Phonak is behind the times.

Incidently, the one you linked to has very poor reviews and I could not be sure if it is female mini to mail micro or not.
Click to expand...

:lol: Sorry. I was just trying to give you an example of how easily solved.

From your post, I thought you didn't understand about adapters.
 
Phonak is behind the times just because they still use a mini? Ever occur to you that perhaps because they have other devices that are still using the mini, they might be trying to make it easier on Phonak consumers? I can use the same mini to charge both my ComPilot and my SmartLink+. When they are ready to update to the micro (or whatever newer USB) then they will. But honestly, I don't think what kind of USB they offer for their devices is that big of a deal right now... as long as they continue to improve on their hearing aids and FMs and such.
 
For all that Phonak has done for people who need to hear, they're behind because of the size of USB you have to use for one of your devices? Seriously? You can get a USB cable that has a mini connector end on Amazon. It's not that difficult, and while the size isn't as commonly used anymore, it's not obsolete since it is still being sold.

I'm sure they have a host of things they are looking at in R & D right now to keep refining, and many of the things they have done are cutting edge and ahead of what other companies offer. I can see exactly why a newly sized USB connector would be at the bottom of their list.
 
I'm lost at why this is an issue? The other end of the cord still plugs into the same type of outlet.
 
HOH-ME said:
I'm lost at why this is an issue? The other end of the cord still plugs into the same type of outlet.
Click to expand...

Not a great big deal just disappointing.

I was glad to see the Y connector to charge two things using only one electric outlet. Then disappoint hit when I discovered that they were the wrong size for anything I have other than my Phonak ComPilot. Thus when wanting to charge both my ComPilot and my cell phone, for example, I have to use two electric outlets rather than one with the ComPilot on one end of the Y and the phone on the other. OR acquire yet another item = a converter to change the size of one end. They are not real expensive but it is the process of doing it just because of the size Phonak decided to use. Unless you also plug in a power strip, wall outlets here in the USA have two places to plug in electric cords.
 
Jane B. said:
Not a great big deal just disappointing.

I was glad to see the Y connector to charge two things using only one electric outlet. Then disappoint hit when I discovered that they were the wrong size for anything I have other than my Phonak ComPilot. Thus when wanting to charge both my ComPilot and my cell phone, for example, I have to use two electric outlets rather than one with the ComPilot on one end of the Y and the phone on the other. OR acquire yet another item = a converter to change the size of one end. They are not real expensive but it is the process of doing it just because of the size Phonak decided to use. Unless you also plug in a power strip, wall outlets here in the USA have two places to plug in electric cords.
Click to expand...

So....get a powerstrip or have an outlet with more than 2 sockets installed.
31ByH1QwsAL._SY300_.jpg


You can buy these just about anywhere and it takes about 2 minutes to unscrew the wall plate and put this on instead.

I pack a powerstrip every where I go between my cell phone, tablet, computer, CI stuff, it's just a necessary thing. Plus I have an Ipad with a lightning plug that doesn't fit anything else, my computer just has a regular plug and needs it's own outlet. Me cell phone has a special plug too, but can use a micro USB--just not as fast...it just is what it is...
 
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