The iPad is a first generation product. And you know what that means – we’re going to see some bugs and glitches hidden throughout the tablet’s hardware and software. The first of those not-fully-ironed-out bugs seems to be related to the way the device charges. According to reports, and confirmation on our own fleet of iPads, the Apple tablet has issues when trying to top off its integrated battery. Instead of charging the battery, certain charging scenarios will result in a “Not Charging” indicator being displayed in the top-right corner of the display.
It turns out that the new Apple gadget won’t charge through USB ports on non-Apple computers. Here’s what we know so far through reports and our own tests:
- iPad charges just fine through the wall charging brick and accompanying USB data cable
- It charges just fine when connected to USB ports on iMac, MacBook Pro
- It does not charge correctly when connected to a PC
- It does not charge correctly when connected to an older MacBook Pro (pre-Unibody)
- It does not charge through USB hubs, regardless of what the hub is connected to (PC or Mac)
What’s going on here? Well, Apple apparently designed the iPad to be charged through its own wall charger. It was designed to be charged only through high-power USB 2.0 ports, but Apple also mentions in their tech notes that some USB 2.0 ports do not provide the necessary power to charge the battery.
So, are you having iPad charging problems? Are you seeing the “Not Charging” indicator? Are you a Windows PC user that is frustrated with how your shiny new gadget isn’t getting its charge on through your computer’s USB port? Sound off in the comments below and make sure to vote in our poll!
[Via: ConsumerReports and Apple]