Whilst in Currys today, I came across this little gem:

A really neat looking USB charger that fits in the 12v cigarette lighter socket, and provides a 1A 5V output suitable for powering or charging any device with a USB connection. Could be just the job for Sat Navs, BT hands free kits, iPods, and also mobile phones are now standardising on USB connectors for charging so this might be just the job to do away with all those chunky in car chargers

See here for a short review:

http://gizmodo.com/5220668/i-would-not-be-ashamed-to-have-belkins-micro-auto-charger-in-my-car

Top idea, nice looking bit of kit too - looks well designed and the Belkin stuff is always good quality and well made IME.

How much?

Steve

Top idea, nice looking bit of kit too - looks well designed and the Belkin stuff is always good quality and well made IME.

How much?

Steve

Amazon has them for about £5 upwards and they also do a version bundled with Apple cables. Expect to pay £15 retail though.

One issue I see reading the reviews on Amazon is that apparently they don't fit all cars (Audi A4 owners were complaining). There are other brands too - Duracell and Kensington both do versions and I found a few unbranded ones too whilst searching.

I bottled it on the Belkin, not wanting to risk if it would fit the socket, so I ordered the Duracell version instead...

http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/10805897/Duracell-Car-USB-Charger/Product.html

Hopefully I'll take some photo's and report back when it arrives

That looks nice as well. Yep, post some fitted pics up when it arrives

Awe, my local Tesco had the Belkin ones on half price (£4.99) so I bought one of those too today.

Tested in a Fabia 07 Estate loan car - fits in the centre console just fine. It sits about half an inch proud at the top - just enough space to get your fingers under the top to pull it out. Certainly a lot nicer than having my huge SatNav charger sticking up right next to the hand brake

Only downside - the led is green, not blue as in the pic

I like 'em so much I think I'll get the wife one for a tree gift for Christmas

Nice price - good work Tesco

Will pop into my local one, see if they have them there too.

Cheers,

Steve

Nice price - good work Tesco

Will pop into my local one, see if they have them there too.

Cheers,

Steve

They have them listed online too:

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.207-8636.aspx

but currently out of stock :(

Here's a photo:

The green led actually matches the green in the Octavia really well

One issue I've found - when charging my Garmin SatNav, it thinks it's plugged into a PC when connected via the USB charger.

Silly Garmin!

Have a look on Ebay, several availble for £5 inc delivery.

Got one on the way from eBay, £4.99 posted.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390101993417&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

I got one from the pound shop, and no, do not ask how much I paid for it

How much?