SGS Acessories: Genuine or Generic?

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fatboy

62 posts

Master Geek

#75369 17-Jan-2011 15:32

Hi all,

I'm looking at getting some accessories for my Galaxy S:

- car charger, couple of USB cables, car mount, possibly a spare battery/charger/stand

Question is: do I go for Genuine or Generic?
Obviously I want to save some money, but don't want to damage my shiny new phone.

I'm particularly worried about chargers shorting/frying my phone, generic batteries exploding/leaking (is it even possible with Li-ion?) or USB cables failing at the most inappropriate time.

Any advice appreciated? As well as suggestions on where to buy either.

Cheers

richms

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#428074 17-Jan-2011 15:42

I have never bought a genuine accessory ever that I can recall, other than when I have picked up used batteries.

Never a problem other than when I have abused the batteries, and they have just puffed up since I wasnt stupid enough to keep using them once they had started to puff up. And it could have been a couple of the genuine ones I washed - not sure since the fakes look so damn good these days.

Richard rich.ms

Kiwi1971

696 posts

Ultimate Geek

#428076 17-Jan-2011 15:47

I recently bought a couple of USB cables through Ebay which were supposed to be compatible with my HTC Desire amongst about 20 other devices for about $2 each but found that they were unreliable in that I was not able to use it to access my SD card through my work PC whereas the HTC cable was fine on it. I would get the error saying that it would be faster if I connected through a USB 2.0 connection [Even though it was connected to one] The generic cable was however, fine on my home PC's for accessing my SD card but I did find that it took much longer to charge my battery than the genuine cable. For that reason i have stopped using them.
I would recommend sticking to cables designed specifically for the make of phone you have or at least a reputable 3rd party brand.

I also bought a $2 mini USB adapter for the car so I could run sat nav on road trips without using the battery. There was concern on another thread that maybe it wouldn't provide enough voltage but it was perfectly fine and charged the Desire while driving even when the screen remained on GPS was constantly running for navigation.

So it is a bit hit and miss is what I am saying.

DLS

sittingduckz

680 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#428077 17-Jan-2011 15:52

The Galaxy s uses a standard USB to MicroUSB cable, I got mine from Dick Smith... no issues at all.

Chargers I would get a known generic brand, JB hifi or DS again they have the MicroUSB connection

The Battery I would probably try and stick with genuine if poss

I'm not a complete idiot, I still have some parts missing.

fatboy

62 posts

Master Geek

#428108 17-Jan-2011 17:15

Ok, thanks for your replies!

Seems I'd be going for genuine batteries and USB cables from a reputable vendor. Now I still haven't decided on a car charger...

I guess my question is - have you ever had problems in your phone caused by a charger? (I don't really care if the charger itself packs up)

richms

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#428126 17-Jan-2011 18:24

I killed an old nokia by using the wrong charger on it, had a 12v adapter with a 3.5mm plug on it which made the phone say not charging and then never charge again. Other than that, no, have had problems with another nokia on a cheap car charger never actually charging despite animating, but all the ones that have a USB charger have been fine off a ciggy lighter to USB adapter and a normal USB cable.

Richard rich.ms

markdr

26 posts

Geek

#428136 17-Jan-2011 18:38

fatboy: Ok, thanks for your replies!

Seems I'd be going for genuine batteries and USB cables from a reputable vendor. Now I still haven't decided on a car charger...

I guess my question is - have you ever had problems in your phone caused by a charger? (I don't really care if the charger itself packs up)

As suggested by someone on an other GZ post, I got this car mount for my wife's SGS and it works/fits well and includes car charger.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.48431

Main problem (which is not unique to this mount) is the fact that the phone gets really hot sitting in the window, to the point where the battery was too hot to charge (according to the phone). This was on a recent trip to Hastings from Wellington.

fatboy

62 posts

Master Geek

#428546 18-Jan-2011 18:48

Ok, to bring this to a close. I ended up buying:

USB cables (supposedly OEM). I bought 3 just in case.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Mobile-phones/Accessories/Data-cables/Samsung/auction-347486074.htm

Car charger - Belkin. Compact.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=347363165

TV-out cables, some generic stuff hopefully they work.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=347735332

OEM battery from gadgetsonline

Still undecided on the car mount. I really like the the Apple offering, just need to find something similar. Though that Apple holder is $129!!!

http://store.apple.com/nz/product/TY168ZM/A?fnode=MTY1NDA2MQ&mco=MTU5MDA5ODI

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Johnk

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#428575 18-Jan-2011 20:04

I quite like the look of this car kit/mount: http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/car-pack-for-the-samsung-galaxy-s-p26710.htm

be keen to hear back how good the video out works.