There are really only two major differences between these retractable cables from USBfever.com: price and functionality. Both cables feature the same ratcheting retractable mechanism, both extend to about 30 inches (with three ), and both feature male USB 2.0 ports on one end. The difference in price is a measly $3.00. The iPhone cable costs […]
" />

Quick Look: USBfever retractable cables for iPhone and micro-USB

Feb 19th 2011 by

There are really only two major differences between these retractable cables from USBfever.com: price and functionality.

Both cables feature the same ratcheting retractable mechanism, both extend to about 30 inches (with three ), and both feature male USB 2.0 ports on one end.
The difference in price is a measly $3.00. The iPhone cable costs $7.99, while the micro-USB cable costs $4.99 (it’s on sale at the moment).

iPHONE

The retractable iPhone cable works exactly like the stock white iPhone cable does, so you can rely on it to sync and charge while plugged into your computer, and you can also use it to attach any external batteries you might have lying around. I absolutely love this cable for use at home and on-the-go. It’s a lot tinier and tidier than the default cable, and it folds up to approximately 1/4 the size without the need for rubber bands or pipe cleaners to tie it together.

MICRO-USB

The retractable micro-USB cable is a little more complicated. In terms of size and shape, it’s exactly the same as the iPhone cable I just discussed. However, I wanted to review it so that I could have a compact cable for syncing/charging while using cases like the Case-Mate Fuel Lite or the PowerMat for 3GS, but it hasn’t worked out quite like I had hoped. I’ve tried the cable out on my MacBook Pro’s and PC’s USB ports, but I can’t get it to sync or charge my iPhone — only the case that my iPhone is in. My own experience conflicts with test results from USBFever (using this case) which show that the cable works fine for charging and syncing, so it could well be that I found the two cases that simply don’t work with this cable.

CONCLUSION
I can attest to the iPhone cable working perfectly and just as I had expected, although you’ll probably be taking a bit of a chance if you’re looking to use the retractable micro-USB cable for use with a battery case like a Mophie Juice Pack Air. However, at just $5 for the micro-USB and $8 for the iPhone cable and a flat shipping rate of $3, these are pretty small prices for a cleaner desk or a tidier gear bag.
—
These USBfever cables were provided by USBfever for review on iSource. For further information regarding our site’s review policies, please see the “About” page.

Continue reading:

TAGS: