DR accessory list

[Grimulkan]

Here is a list of accessories that are known to work, or not work, on the DR. The item names link to manufacturer websites, and the user names link to threads where they were confirmed as working or otherwise. These are collected opinions of users, so neither myself nor anyone else who has contributed to this thread (or even iRex) is responsible for the veracity of what you read here. If you want to feel sure about a recommendation (or warning), follow the links by clicking on the user names to convince yourself. I've also included common web sites where they are sold. Just because a device is not in the "working" list does not mean it has issues, but make sure its not in the "not working" list.

Battery chargers:
The DR does not ship with a battery charger, but can be charged via USB connected to a PC. The following are lists of battery chargers that typically put out 5V and are rated at 500mA or better. They have either a USB mini-B male connector (which plugs into the DR), or a USB-A female connector (to which you can connect the USB cable that comes with the DR).
Battery chargers that work: These battery chargers have been reported to work without any known issues (especially the issues mentioned under chargers that don't work).
1.Tekkeon myCharger MP1650 (sometimes called Tekkeon myPower GO): Available at Amazon, Picture threads: here and here, Confirmed by allovertheglove, bbusybookwork, Grimulkan.
2. Motorola Razr USB Charger: Confirmed by bugg99, omro.
3. Jinke HanLin USB Wall Charger: Confirmed by cbell (AU and International version).
4. Expansys's charger: Confirmed by HarryT.
5. Garmin's GPS charger (Model PSC03R-050): Confirmed by allovertheglobe, myprecious.
6. Openmoko charger: Confirmed by kapoira.
7. Official Apple iPhone 2G/iPod Touch 1G charger: Confirmed by keng2000.
8. ATT Tilt Wall Charger: Confirmed by tjdean256.
9. Motorola Razr Car Charger (Walmart brand): Confirmed by tjdean256.
10. Apple USB Power Adapter: Confirmed by aegas.
11. König IPD-POWER30 (for European power outlets): Confirmed by Gwaihir.
Battery chargers that don't work: These battery chargers have known issues when used for charging with the DR. Issues include the touchscreen not working when plugged on, or the capacitive buttons doing strange things. The links below point to threads that describe these issues.
1. The eReader Outfitters USB charger: Reported by valkyriesound, amgoforth, PhishStyx, epiphany, tjdean256, timezone. Don't buy this one unless you are sure that the issue has been fixed.
2. This charger on ebay (sold as an Apple iPod charger): Reported by physics@war.

Right-angled USB adaptors:
These let you charge the DR battery while using the DR without that annoying cable getting in the way.
1. Motorola Razr right-angled adaptor: Search ebay for one, usually under $2.00 for the adaptor alone.
2. Many cables are here.

Mobile battery packs:
These gadgets either let you use standard (rechargeable) batteries with the DR or act as a backup battery themselves while on-the-go. Obviously, they add to the weight and bulk of the DR. Personally, I have attached one to my DR cover using velcro pads so I can slap it on on a need-to basis while on-the-move. Click on the user names below for descriptions of how well the battery packs work.
1. Tekkeon MP 1550: Accepts 4 rechargeable AA batteries, Available at Amazon, Newegg, Picture threads: here, Confirmed by allovertheglobe, Grimulkan.
2. APC Mobile Power Pack: Confirmed by alxwang.

SD Cards:
The DR "officially" supports only standard SD cards (not SDHC), and ships with a 1GB SD card. However, many users have reported that SDHC cards also work, providing up to 32GB of storage. The DR only recognizes FAT filesystems, and can format standard SD cards (less than 2GB) on the device itself. SDHC and standard SD cards with capacities higher than 2GB will need to be formatted on the computer to a FAT32 filesystem before use (sorry, *FS and EXT* are not supported). Most commercial SD/SDHC cards come preformatted to FAT32, so this should work.
Cards that work: All 2GB or smaller standard SD cards *should* work, and can be formatted on the DR.
1. Sandisk Extreme III 8GB SDHC: Confirmed by allovertheglobe.
2. Sandisk Ultra II 8GB SDHC: Confirmed by timezone, Gwaihir.
3. Sandisk Ultra II 16GB SDHC: Confirmed by hanche, Grimulkan, Groen.
4. PNY Optima Pro 16GB Class 6 SDHC: Confirmed by allovertheglobe, alxwang, cmhsieh54.
5. Transcend 4GB SD: Confirmed by PhishStyx.
6. Transcend 16GB SDHC: Confirmed by whopper.
7. Kingston 32GB Class 4 SDHC: Confirmed by Grimulkan, ghostwheel.
Cards that don't work: These cards have issues that include not properly being recognized, random deletions and errors while navigating, even when properly formatted on the computer. Some cards don't smoothly slide into the SD slot or are not recognized by the DR without a reboot, but it is unknown if this is a fatal issue.
1. A-data 16GB SDHC Class 6: Reported by Grimulkan.

DR covers:
The DR does not currently ship with a cover.
**under construction**
For detailed discussions, go here, here, here and here.

DR Styli:
The DR comes with a default stylus to be used with its active Wacom touchscreen (meaning, you cannot use your fingers etc.), but some people have recommended alternative styli for more comfortable writing. The Wacom sensor is "always on" unlike the iLiad, even when the default stylus is in its holster.
**under construction**
For detailed discussions and alternatives, go here, here and here.

Purchase links: Look at the usual sources, i.e., Amazon, ebay (or your local variants for non-US locations), Newegg etc. For US and Canadian users, eReader Outfitters sells DR-specific products. Australian, New Zealand and South East Asian users can buy from Da Direct (tip courtesy cbell), and users from the UK can buy from Libresco (tip courtesy HarryT, more discussion on this retailer here). Other users can check out the iRex shop (which I should warn, is notorious for its wait times).


Contributions: If you find other relevant threads, links for buying accessories in your country, wish to add to any of these lists, report dead links or suggest types of accessories that you think should be included, post below and I'll update this post.

Note: If you are confirming that an item works with the DR, do try and ensure that it does not suffer from any of the problems mentioned under the devices that don't work Some of these problems may not immediately appear to be related to your item. For example, with DR chargers, the capacitive buttons and touch screen may not respond properly when the DR is plugged in and charging with a defective charger, even though the DR charges fine. Thanks for your help

Mirrored at iRex Forums.

[cbell]

Thanks Grimulkan. What a lot of work you've done!

I note that the DR deluxe cover is no longer available via the iRex shop.

I have 2 versions of the Jinke HanLin USB wall charger (the AU only and the international version) and they both work fine with our DR.

For purchases, DA Direct sells the DR1000S, covers and all other accessories throughout Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia.

http://www.dadirect.com/readers

[PhishStyx]

Originally Posted by cbell

Thanks Grimulkan. What a lot of work you've done!

I agree! That's an incredible post that really should be stickied.

BTW, my Transcend 4Gb card works, but does not say that it's a SDHC card. However, it has a FAT32 file system anyway.

And that's really good to know about the Motorola Razr USB charger, I have about 4 of those things.

[Grimulkan]

Originally Posted by PhishStyx

[...] BTW, my Transcend 4Gb card works, but does not say that it's a SDHC card. However, it has a FAT32 file system anyway.

My bad, I forgot the standard SD specification goes up to 4GB. Basically, any 4GB or smaller standard SD card *should* work, because iRex says so. In case anyone learns otherwise, let me know.

[PhishStyx]

Originally Posted by Grimulkan

My bad, I forgot the standard SD specification goes up to 4GB. Basically, any 4GB or smaller standard SD card *should* work, because iRex says so. In case anyone learns otherwise, let me know.

Oh no, I was saying that my 4gb card has the same issue as a SDHC card because it has a FAT32 system. I initially formatted it on the DR and it immediately reduced to reading as 1 Gb size. Then I took it to my desktop and formatted it again, where it returned to a full size reading.

[Grimulkan]

Originally Posted by PhishStyx

Oh no, I was saying that my 4gb card has the same issue as a SDHC card because it has a FAT32 system. I initially formatted it on the DR and it immediately reduced to reading as 1 Gb size. Then I took it to my desktop and formatted it again, where it returned to a full size reading.

I see. Okay, will update the post.

[myprecious]

Great work Thanks Grimulkan!

[HarryT]

I've "stuck" this thread, because it'll be useful as a permanent reference.

[yingwu]

Thanks Grimulkan. I have to say your information is extremely useful.

[physics@war]

Thanks for your hardwork, hopr this will give many buddies an easier time.

[keng2000]

I confirm for IPOD/IPHONE Charger.

[Grimulkan]

Originally Posted by keng2000

I confirm for IPOD/IPHONE Charger.

Which one? The official one? Could you post a link to the one you use? I'm asking because there are third party iPod chargers on eBay that don't work.

[Shaggy]

Originally Posted by Grimulkan

Which one? The official one? Could you post a link to the one you use? I'm asking because there are third party iPod chargers on eBay that don't work.

Is it a third party charger? I thought the ebay auction looked like the official Apple one.

I think we need to be careful and clear that "the charger works" not only includes whether or not it charges the DR, but also whether or not the device has full functionality while plugged in. Many of the USB charger problems are not necessarily related to charging the battery, but to the sensor buttons or screen exhibiting odd behaviour if the device is used while charging.

I know you point that out in your post, but we need to make sure users who are confirming the behavior of a particular brand of charger also recognize that.

[Grimulkan]

Originally Posted by Shaggy

Is it a third party charger? I thought the ebay auction looked like the official Apple one.

I don't know. I see no such claims, and I don't see an Apple logo anywhere. It doesn't look like the iPod chargers I've seen in Apple stores either. Besides, its on ebay and ships from outside the US. I'm taking a guess that its a third party charger.

Originally Posted by Shaggy

I think we need to be careful and clear that "the charger works" not only includes whether or not it charges the DR, but also whether or not the device has full functionality while plugged in. Many of the USB charger problems are not necessarily related to charging the battery, but to the sensor buttons or screen exhibiting odd behaviour if the device is used while charging.

I know you point that out in your post, but we need to make sure users who are confirming the behavior of a particular brand of charger also recognize that.

True, I've added a more conspicuous notice.

[Shaggy]

Originally Posted by Grimulkan

I don't know. I see no such claims, and I don't see an Apple logo anywhere. It doesn't look like the iPod chargers I've seen in Apple stores either. Besides, its on ebay and ships from outside the US. I'm taking a guess that its a third party charger.

You're probably right.