How to choose a BlackBerry car charger

Know your USB type

As you well know, your BlackBerry uses a small USB port for data transfers and charging. Over the years this has changed from Mini USB to Micro USB. This has been a huge pain for those of us who had multiple BlackBerry chargers that were rendered useless when we upgraded devices.

If you have a BlackBerry from the 88xx, 83xx, Bold 9000, and younger series, you have a Mini USB port. If you have any of the newer models, including the Pearl flip, Tour, Bold 9700, Storm, or new Curve series (including 8900), you have a Micro USB port. Keep this in mind when choosing a charger.

If you find a charger you like and it’s Mini USB, you can get a Mini-USB to Micro-USB adapter. It also allows you to use your old charging apparatus.

Basic and cheap

This is the way I’ve gone on car chargers. You can walk into any electronic store and see a selection of car chargers that will work with your BlackBerry model. Just pick up the cheapest, easiest one, and you’re done.

Basic and a tick more expensive

Some people prefer name-brand devices. Not only does this offer some implied assurance of quality, but it also means you’re likely getting a more durable device. Take this Motorola charger for instance. It provides noadditional festures over the cheaper chargers. Part of what you’re paying for, of course, is the Motorola brand. 

Car mount

Perhaps you want to go all out with your BlackBerry car charger. You want not only the cigarette lighter adapter, but you also want a mount so you can use your GPS and not glance into your lap to check the directions. It also allows you to check your messages more easily — but only at stoplights, of course. We at BBGeeks do not encourage texting while driving. Nor do a number of states.

 The favorite is still the Carcomm Mobile PDA cradle. It’s straight forward, simple, and basically ready out of the box. You can even hook it straight up to your car’s power system, as to avoid the long USB cord. If you want something a bit fancier, Cooper likes the Mr. Handsfree Genius Bluetooth Carkit. You’ll spend a bit more time setting it up, but once you do it does a lot more than the Carcomm kit.

Choices abound

The search for the right car charger might seem a bit daunting, what with all the choices. Keep it simple, though. Know what you’re looking for and know your price range before you go shopping. Once you find one that fits your criteria, read the relevant reviews,google it, and go from there. You’re bound to find one that fits you perfectly.