Keeping Your Smartphone Connected on the Go
Relying on an iPhone for your mobile lifestyle means more than just carrying it with you wherever you go. It also means keeping it charged so that you have enough power to make use of it. That's the advantage of a car charger.
How Does a Car Charger Work?
All chargers provide direct current to charge your iPhone or other device. Car chargers work by plugging into the car's lighter socket and then stepping down the 12-Volt current to whatever voltage the phone takes, usually 5 Volts. Most phones actually charge by way of USB, which means 5 Volts and 500 milliamps, though some chargers produce more current, as they are not for data. There are a few features to look for in a car charger:
- Number of Outlets:Depending on the number of iPhones you have in the family, you may want multiple outlets. A dual-outlet charger lets you charge your iPhone 4 and your GPS at the same time, which can be very helpful on long trips.
- Output Power:Not all USB connections are created equal. Always check the output of your charger, both as a combined total and as a single output. The iPhone 4 needs 5 Watts, which means a 1 Amp charger, while an iPad with a Retina display uses a 12-Watt charger that produces 2.4 Amps.
How Should You Use a Car Charger?
Just because you can charge your iPhone in the car doesn't mean that you should always do so. While there are times that plugging your Lightning cable into a Belkin charger is absolutely the right thing to do for your phone, there are other times when it may not be the most appropriate thing to do. So, know what you're doing before you plug anything in, and always consider the following points before charging your iPhone in the car:
- Power Drain:Chargers draw power, and if you're running off accessories you may be drawing power the whole time that your iPhone is plugged in. It's a good idea to unplug the cable before turning off your car.
- Don't Overcharge:Once your battery is full, disconnect the iPhone from the charger. All you're doing is putting more strain on your battery. The iPhone can't take any more power, so the battery circuits just turn it all into heat which isn't good for anything.
- Turn it Off:If you want a quick charge from a standard charger, turn off your iPhone 4 before charging it. You'll get a faster charge because you're not using any power; and you're not supposed to be using the phone in the car anyway.
What You Need to Charge in the Car
Obviously, the first thing you need to charge your iPhone 4 in the car is a car charger. Try for at least a dual Belkin charger unless you always drive alone and use no other devices. While the iPhone uses a Lightning connector, other devices use micro-USB or USB-C, so be sure you have the right connectors on your cables. You also want to get a long cable if you're going to charge a device for someone in the back seat.
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