[biscuit]

I'd like to charge my iPhone on a timer so it only charges for a couple of hours before I get up. Better for the battery and the environment.

Is there any reason I shouldn't do this?

Ta

biscuit

[ghporter]

The phone won't charge more than it needs, and current models of Apple's chargers are exceptionally efficient. On the other hand, ALL timer/switch devices use extra electricity (almost certainly far more than the Apple charger does when idle) all the time just to run the timer.

Points for thinking about the issue, but I don't think it's either necessary or worthwhile.

[biscuit]

Good point: I hadn't considered the respective "vampire draws" of each device.

On the battery issue though; isn't it bad for a Li-ion battery to be held at 100% for long periods?

biscuit

[turtle777]

Yes and no, and all depends on the electronics at control the charge.

Apple's devices are very far developed, it will NOT hurt the battery when plugged in 24/7.

-t

[biscuit]

Thanks all. I don't think I'll bother with this little scheme.

biscuit

[The Godfather]

Those mechanic timers draw 5W by themselves. You need a photovoltaic vampire feeder, just make sure you have a lamp above them overnight.

But seriously, can you rig a 120VAC rated push button to depress on the weight of your docked iDevice?

[cgc]

I doubt that would be better for the environment...just let your iPhone charge until it figures it doesn't charging and you're good. Why complicate things?

[subego]

Originally Posted by turtle777 

Yes and no, and all depends on the electronics at control the charge.

Apple's devices are very far developed, it will NOT hurt the battery when plugged in 24/7.

-t

Full-on 24/7 is bad, but if it's plugged in 24/7 then you don't need a battery anyway.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by subego 

Full-on 24/7 is bad

24/7 is not a problem as long as you discharge it every now and then and have it run a discharge and full charge cycle.

There's no reason to believe that an iPhone would be different than, say, a MBP.
You don't need to discconect the MBP from charging on a daily basis.

Originally Posted by subego 

but if it's plugged in 24/7 then you don't need a battery anyway

Not an option with the iPhone

-t

[Andy8]

Slightly off topic - does the wall charger adapter that Apple packs with the iPhone 4/4S do 1000mAh?

[turtle777]

Or, you could always get THIS:

Bracketron GreenZero chargers keep vampires from sucking your power -- Engadget

-t

[subego]

Originally Posted by turtle777 

24/7 is not a problem as long as you discharge it every now and then and have it run a discharge and full charge cycle.

IOW, 24/7 is fine as long as it's not 24/7.

[turtle777]

I just don't recommend 24/365

-t