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Dougmc · Feb 9, 2005, 09:38 PM

I'm guessing that when I close up my PowerBook with my iPod Shuffle plugged in and charging, that it will cease charging. At least the yellow light goes out when I close it.

I had hoped that it would continue charging despite the PowerBook being closed.

I have a cheap little USB light that I frequently use and it continues to work with the laptop closed. So I had hoped it would be the same for this.

So, my question: Can anyone think of any options I might have to be able to charge my Shuffle while having the PowerBook closed?

dreamBweaver · Feb 10, 2005, 02:06 PM

i believe this works. heard from my friend who has a PB too. $5 @ comp-usa or whatever.

or buy the $30 dock :-)

Disgruntled Head of C-3PO · Feb 10, 2005, 08:49 PM

Originally posted by dreamBweaver:
i believe this works. heard from my friend who has a PB too. $5 @ comp-usa or whatever.

or buy the $30 dock :-)

How would the dock help?

dreamBweaver · Feb 11, 2005, 02:25 AM

the dock may work.

it's a theory.

test it out.

Big Mac · Feb 11, 2005, 04:26 AM

According what I have just read on the subject, some Macs continue to power USB while asleep while others do not. Perhaps the OP's USB light is getting a tiny amount of power from the port, too little to charge the shuffle. It is a little inconvenient to have the iPod stop charging upon sleep, but when I charge it on my Mac I simply have it not sleep until the iPod is done.

Simon · Feb 11, 2005, 07:16 AM

Make sure you leave the PowerBook plugged into AC when you close the lid. If I sleep my PB and remove AC power, the USB and FW bus won't have power.

Severed Hand of Skywalker · Feb 11, 2005, 03:02 PM

Originally posted by dreamBweaver:
the dock may work.

it's a theory.

test it out.

If it plugs into the same USB port why would it matter?

teknopimp · Feb 11, 2005, 03:36 PM

my shuffle does not charge when the powerbook is asleep and it is attached to a dock and a powered usb2 hub.

Xeo · Feb 12, 2005, 12:09 AM

My shuffle's light turns out when I close my iBook. However, it also does not turn on while plugged in. It just remains inactive.

So I guess it's not charging but also knows it's still plugged in so won't function either.

dreamBweaver · Feb 13, 2005, 10:09 PM

i have a pb 12"

when my is shuffle is charging, the orange light is on. this is when it is plugged right in.

I tested w/ an usb extension cable i just got and didn't have any luck. it still doesn't charge with the lid closed. even with the AC adaptor plugged in.

am i missing something? i think it's because iPods on mac use firewire, and not USB 2.0 my mini seems to charge w/ the lid closed. but it's connected via * firewire*

wedgewood · Feb 15, 2005, 03:17 AM

That's why I purchased a USB adaptor for my iPod shuffle. Apple does something to fix it.

brettcamp · Feb 15, 2005, 04:58 AM

I don't have a shuffle, just a regular iPod, so this may not work with the shuffle, but with the iPod, you have to first eject the iPod (in iTunes or clicking on the eject icon in the finder), but leave it connected to the Powerbook via the firewire cable. Then, as long as the Powerbook is plugged into the AC power cord, when you sleep the Powerbook, it will continue charging the iPod.

Dougmc · 08:41 AM

That sounds like a logical solution to me. I'll try that in just a little bit. I can imagine how that would make a difference.

Thanks for the consideraton.

Well, I've tried both ejecting the Shuffle from iTunes before closing the lid; and quiting iTunes altogether and neither work.

I'll just have to know that I have to get this thing plugged in early in the day as to not run out of charging time later on.

Having the dock to pack around with my laptop just doesn't seem practical.

Randman · Feb 15, 2005, 07:53 AM

The shuffle plugs into the USB port not the Firewire. It's paying a little more but Apple offers the shuffle dock as well as a portable charger. Might be worth the hassle (I'm considering the dock as my g/f is wavering about wanting one after seeing me with my 1GB shuffle).

dreamBweaver · 02:04 PM

First of all, why buy your girlfriend a dock when your buddies on the message board need one

So we've ruled out using a hub to charge the Shuffle w/ your PowerBook off.

Now let's talk wall chargers w/ USB port(s).

Who can find something cheaper than Apple's---I challenge you to find one for $10.

Apple's is $30 ($26 w/ Edu discount)

"Use this convenient USB based adapter to charge your iPod at home, on the road, or whenever your iPod is not connected to a computer. Simply plug the adapter into a wall outlet and connect to your iPod for recharging.

The iPod shuffle can connect directly to the USB Power Adapter or the optional iPod shuffle Dock.

NOTE: Supports iPod shuffle, iPod mini, iPod photo and iPod with click wheel. iPod mini, iPod photo, and iPod with click wheel also require the iPod Connector to USB cable."

Severed Hand of Skywalker · Feb 15, 2005, 02:28 PM

Hey I save money by just pluging it into my Airport express.

CarbonG4 · Feb 15, 2005, 08:30 PM

Originally posted by dreamBweaver:
...

Who can find something cheaper than Apple's---I challenge you to find one for $10.

...

$5 + shipping (~$10 total)

//Carbon

Jason25 · Feb 16, 2005, 09:59 AM

Originally posted by brettcamp:
I don't have a shuffle, just a regular iPod, so this may not work with the shuffle, but with the iPod, you have to first eject the iPod (in iTunes or clicking on the eject icon in the finder), but leave it connected to the Powerbook via the firewire cable. Then, as long as the Powerbook is plugged into the AC power cord, when you sleep the Powerbook, it will continue charging the iPod.

Same here, though I didn't eject the iPod. I plugged it in after the pb was asleep and it charged it overnight.

dreamBweaver · Feb 17, 2005, 10:46 PM

i love the idea of plugging the Shuffle into AirPort Express. works for me too.

and the $5 USB wall charger rocks as well

cobra27 · Feb 21, 2005, 01:14 AM

Originally posted by dreamBweaver:
i love the idea of plugging the Shuffle into AirPort Express. works for me too.

and the $5 USB wall charger rocks as well

Do you get blinking yellow light when the Shuffle is plugged into the Airport Express? Mine was...and I have no idea whether it charges at that state.

Randman · Feb 21, 2005, 02:25 AM

The blinking yellow means its charging. When it goes green ago, it's full. Having it connected to a Mac but disconnected shows the same light.

cobra27 · Feb 21, 2005, 06:45 AM

Originally posted by Randman:
The blinking yellow means its charging. When it goes green ago, it's full. Having it connected to a Mac but disconnected shows the same light.

Oh, that great to know. Because I always thought that solid yellow means charging (stated in the manual)...and couldn't figure whether blinking yellow charges as well.

Thanks!

Randman · Feb 21, 2005, 07:18 AM

It does that everyone once in awhile when charging on my PB and it's disconnected. I'm kaypoh so I have to keep checking if it's charged.

chabig · Feb 21, 2005, 09:45 AM

Originally posted by Jason25:
Same here, though I didn't eject the iPod. I plugged it in after the pb was asleep and it charged it overnight.

Brettcamp was mistaken. You don't have to eject the iPod.

Chris