Cingular Go Phone: Blackberry Charging Pod (curve) Review

Based on the title for this item "Original OEM RIM BlackBerry Desktop Sync Charging Pod 8300, 8310, 8320, and 8330 Curve Devices Silver Part #: ASY-14396-002," I was led to believe that this pod could be used to both charge AND synch my BlackBerry 8330; however, I found that this pod can ONLY be used to charge a compatible BlackBerry.When the USB cable is connected from the PC to the Pod, the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software is started, and the device is placed in the pod, the PC does nothing.The BlackBerry shows that a charge is in progress, but the BlackBerry does not show that it is connected.If I connect the USB cable to the BlackBerry directly, then a synch is started; however, the whole point of purchasing this pod was to not have to connect the cable directly to the BlackBerry, but to use the pod itself.

The pod DOES do a nice job charging the device (you use either the BlackBerry's USB cable or travel charger as the power sources as this pod does not include cables), and for this, I give it 2 stars.It is also a very nice looking device.

Hopefully this review prevents others from buying this pod if they expect it to be usable as a synch cradle...

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Product Description:
The BlackBerry Charging Pod offers convenient way to charge your BlackBerry Curve--just place your smartphone in the Pod in a convenient location, and connect your BlackBerry smartphone charger to the USB port on the back. This Charging Pod is compatible with BlackBerry Curve 8300, 8310, 8320, and 8330 devices. Your phone will be operational even as it charges, and you'll have full access to the keyboard and speakerphone capability--you can make calls, read and send email, even use the multimedia player. Plug a USB cable into the port on your device, and you can sync up your data with your PC, even while the device charges. And the chrome design beautifully complements the sleek lines of your BlackBerry smartphone.